Gallbladder Removal: What to Expect

When Do Gallstones Need Surgery?

Many gallstones are silent and need no treatment. Surgery is recommended when they cause symptoms — repeated pain after meals, inflammation of the gallbladder, or complications like blockage of the bile duct or pancreatitis. Once gallstones cause trouble, they tend to keep doing so, which is why removal is the standard solution.

The Keyhole Procedure

Most gallbladder removals are laparoscopic: a few small incisions, a camera, and removal of the whole gallbladder along with the stones. It is one of the most common minimal-access operations, usually with a short hospital stay and quick recovery.

Life Without a Gallbladder

The gallbladder stores bile, but you do not need it — the liver still makes bile, which flows directly into the intestine. Most people eat normally afterwards; some notice temporary changes with very fatty meals that settle with time.

Common Questions