Gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy

A gallbladder removal procedure is the most common type of gallbladder surgery. When your diagnosis requires gallbladder surgery, your surgeon may explain to you that your gallbladder will need to be removed entirely.

One of the frequently asked questions here at the Hernia & Gallbladder Centre is: 'Don't I need my gallbladder?' The good news is that normal digestion is still possible even after your gallbladder has been removed during surgery. The bile still reaches your small intestine, and the difference is that it will no longer be stored 'along the way' in the gallbladder.

To perform a gallbladder removal surgery, a keyhole surgery technique or laparoscopic surgery is one of the options. The procedure is very safe and it means that as a patient you can go home after one overnight stay or - in some cases - on the same day. The exact time spent at the hospital will depend on what your specialist surgeon recommends. 

Alternatively - and depending on the assessment by your surgeon - a gallbladder removal procedure can be  an open surgery. This would be the case if you have had multiple abdominal procedures before.  In most cases though, gallbladder surgery is done as a keyhole surgery.

Many patients ask us about the consequences of a gallbladder removal procedure. It's important to remember that the human gallbladder only works as an additional storage container for bile.  Having your gallbladder removed will not affect your body's capability to digest fats, and our dietitians will be there to help you implement a suitable diet after your procedure.

The consequences of not treating a gallbladder condition may affect your overall health.  If you suffer from symptomatic gallstones you will be at risk of complications. The most common ones are cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis,  cholangitis (serious bacterial infection caused by stones obstructing the common bile ducts), gallbladder polyps or gallbladder cancer.