Gallbladder Removal Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After

What Is Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder – a small pear-shaped organ situated just beneath the liver – which stores and releases bile into the intestinal tract, aiding digestion. 

Gallbladder removal is recommended when you suffer from gallbladder-related issues that are mostly very severe and persistent, very likely caused by gallstones, infections, or inflammation.

Types of Gallbladder Removal Surgery

There are two types of surgeries to remove the gallbladder:

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: 

Also known as “keyhole surgery”, laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder has been the ‘gold-standard’ approach for this operation. Here, the surgeon makes two or more small incisions in the abdomen through which the instruments are inserted, and the gallbladder is removed. Since the incisions are small, the time of recovery is also less.

2. Open Cholecystectomy: 

Here, a single large incision is made on the abdomen to assess the gallbladder. Open cholecystectomy is a major surgery and is done in complicated cases like unexpected bleeding during laparoscopic surgery, the presence of excessive scar tissue from previous surgeries, or in case of gallbladder cancer. The recovery time for this type of gallbladder removal is longer.

Why Is Gallbladder Removal Surgery Needed?

Gallbladder removal surgery is recommended in the following conditions:

• Gallstones that are symptomatic and cause biliary colic or pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. 
• Cholecystitis is the inflammation or infection of the gallbladder due to gallstones obstructing the bile ducts.
• Large gallbladder polyps. 
• Poorly functioning or non-functioning gallbladder (biliary dyskinesia), causing pain and digestive issues. 
• Gallbladder cancer. 

Most patients with asymptomatic gallstones are not candidates for cholecystectomy. However, removal of the gallbladder is indicated for these patients if the other symptoms bring severe discomfort and interfere with daily activities.

Preparing for Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Surgery is not the enemy; it’s the path to healing. Surgery can be scary, but knowing what to expect can help ease the fear and prepare you for a smoother recovery. Here’s what you can expect before surgery:

Pre-Surgery Steps

• The first step is a consultation with the surgeon. Your doctor may order some pre-op tests such as blood work, ultrasound, and so on.
• Before the procedure, the patient should not take food or drink for about 6 to 8 hours to decrease the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration during the procedure.
• If medications are being taken for underlying health concerns, the doctor may tell you to stop taking these before surgery.
• Arrange for a close friend, relative, or caregiver to help with your daily tasks when you return home after the surgery. This can give you the rest you require and make recovery easier.

Common Concerns

Concerned about the surgery? Let’s answer some of the common questions you may have in mind.

1. How long will the gallbladder removal surgery take?

The length of the entire procedure depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s methods. Usually, a laparoscopic procedure takes just 60 to 90 minutes, whereas an open cholecystectomy may take a bit longer – up to 2 hours.

2. Is it painful?

Don’t worry. The entire procedure is done under general anaesthesia, and you will not feel anything during the procedure.

What Happens During Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

What exactly happens during the surgery? 

If you’re undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

• Two or more small incisions are made in your abdomen.
• The abdomen is inflated by pumping carbon dioxide to improve visibility.
• Through these incisions, the laparoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted, and the gallbladder is removed.
• The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with dressings.

If you have been advised for an open gallbladder removal surgery:  

• A single, large incision is made in the abdomen below the ribs.
• The muscles and tissues are pulled back to visualise the gallbladder.
• The surgeon removes the gallbladder.
• The incision is closed layer by layer and covered with dressings.

What to Expect Right After Surgery

Navigating the first few hours after surgery is probably the most challenging experience.

• As the anaesthesia wears off, you wake up in a recovery room with monitoring. Continuous monitoring is necessary till you regain full consciousness and your vitals are stable.
• Patients who have undergone laparoscopic procedures are usually discharged on the same day or within 24 hours. Open surgery patients need a 1 to 2-day hospital stay.

Recovery After Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Healing Timeline

The duration of total recovery and subsequent return to normal life and activities varies from individual to individual. However, general stages within a common time frame can be expected with regard to gallbladder removal surgery.

Time Frame Recovery Stage

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of cholecystectomy include:

• Pain in the abdomen or shoulders is caused by trapped gas from the carbon dioxide used to inflate the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery.
• Mild abdominal gas, bloating, and flatulence.
• Temporary diarrhoea due to continuous bile flow into the intestines as there is no gallbladder to store it.
• Nausea due to anaesthetics or other medications you’re on post-surgery.
• Fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Attention

The above side effects are not severe and resolve a few days after the surgery. However, if you notice more serious symptoms like those mentioned below, you should visit a doctor:

• Severe and persistent abdominal pain.
• High fever or chills.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision site.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Dark urine, and pale stools.

What to Eat After Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

Once your gallbladder has been removed, the bile from your liver flows straight into your intestines instead of being stored, which has an impact on your general digestion. Make sure you eat the right foods and avoid those that can lead to digestive issues.

Recommended Foods

• Lean proteins like fat-free chicken and fish.
• Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat.
• Eat high-fibre fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, beans, lentils, and spinach.
• Low-fat dairy like non-fat milk.
• Nuts and seeds like almonds and flax seeds.

Foods to Avoid

• High-fat foods like oily and fried items.
• Full-fat dairy products.
• Spicy foods (may cause irritation to the gut lining).
• Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea.
• Sugary foods and beverages.

More Dietary Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Eat small meals many times a day to support digestion and relieve your gut from a lot of work. 
• Avoid overeating. 
• Drink lots of water throughout the day. 
• Sips of herbal teas made from herbs and spices may also be taken.
• Start introducing new foods slowly so you can see how your body is handling them.

Benefits of Gallbladder Removal Surgery

What improvements can you expect after removing a diseased or non-functioning gallbladder? Here are the benefits of getting this surgery done:

• No more pain from gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
• You can completely prevent the recurrence of gallbladder attacks.
• Improved gut health once you make the right dietary adjustments.
• There are no strict lifestyle adjustments. You only need minimal changes in your lifestyle after complete recovery from the surgery.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Though you are removing the gallbladder to treat a condition, it initially disrupts your body’s natural balance until it adapts without the organ. After the surgery, you may encounter several challenges, such as:

• Digestive issues can occur due to the bile flowing directly into your intestines. It may lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and indigestion.
• Difficulty in digesting fats may occur, causing nutritional deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and greasy stools.
• Some people experience ongoing symptoms like nausea, gas, or abdominal pain even after surgery. This condition is called postcholecystectomy syndrome.
• The sudden shift in bile flow can disrupt the gut microbiome balance.

How can you manage these issues? 

Maintaining a balanced diet recommended post-cholecystectomy, leading a physically active lifestyle once you recover completely, and following the post-surgery guidelines your doctor has advised can help manage these effects.

Wrapping Up

Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a very common surgical procedure worldwide, with a success rate of 96 to 97%. Most people experience complete relief from symptoms after this surgery with the right dietary and lifestyle adjustments. 

If you have been suffering from severe or persistent gallbladder-related issues, consult a doctor to get it diagnosed and plan the necessary treatments.

Trust your surgeon. The hands that heal have been trained for years to do just that. Boost your confidence and get rid of the fear of the procedure by understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

This surgery is the start of a healthier you – your body adapts, you recover, and life moves forward much better than before!