Overview

A cholecystectomy (koh-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-me) is a surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder collects and stores a digestive fluid made in the liver called bile.

A cholecystectomy is a common surgery. It is a safe operation and usually carries only a small risk of complications. In most people this surgery is done using small incisions, and you can go home the same day of your cholecystectomy.

A cholecystectomy is usually done by inserting a tiny video camera and special tools through several small incisions to see inside your abdomen and remove the gallbladder. This is called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

In some cases, one large incision may be used to remove the gallbladder. This is called an open cholecystectomy and requires a longer hospital stay and recovery.

Why it’s done

GallstonesEnlarge image

A cholecystectomy is most often used to treat gallstones and the complications they cause.

Your health care team may recommend a cholecystectomy if you have:

• Gallstones in the gallbladder that are causing symptoms, called cholelithiasis.
• Gallstones in the bile duct, called choledocholithiasis.
• Gallbladder inflammation, called cholecystitis.
• Large gallbladder polyps, which can turn cancerous.
• Pancreas inflammation, called pancreatitis, from gallstones.
• Concern for cancer of the gallbladder.

Risks

A cholecystectomy carries a small risk of complications including:

• Bile leak.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Injury to nearby structures, such as the bile duct, liver and small intestine.
• Risks of general anesthesia, such as blood clots and pneumonia.

Your risk of complications depends on your overall health and the reason for your cholecystectomy.

How you prepare

Food and medicines

To prepare for a cholecystectomy, your surgeon may ask you to:

• Eat nothing the night before your surgery. You may drink a sip of water with your medicines, but avoid eating and drinking at least four hours before your surgery.
• Stop taking certain medicines and supplements. Tell your health care team about all the medicines and supplements you take. Continue taking most medicines as prescribed. Your team may ask you to stop taking certain medicines and supplements because they may increase your risk of bleeding.

Clothing and personal items

Most people go home the same day of their cholecystectomy. However, complications can occur that require one or more nights in the hospital. Plan ahead in case you need to stay in the hospital by bringing personal items. These may include your toothbrush, comfortable clothing, and books or magazines to pass the time.

Other precautions

Ask a friend or family member to drive you home and stay close the first night after surgery.