Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

What is a Cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver in the upper abdomen. The gallbladder's function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver which is released in response to fatty meals.

Why might I need a Cholecystectomy?

The most common reason for gallbladder removal is the presence of gallstones, which can cause symptoms ranging from intermittent pain to more severe episodes of inflammation and infection that require hospital treatment.

What does the surgery Involve?

Cholecystectomy is performed under general anesthesia and requires patients to fast before the procedure. It is typically carried out laparoscopically through four small incisions (about 1 cm each), although occasionally a larger incision is needed.

After the operation most patients will stay overnight. Post operative pain is well controlled by the use of local anaesthetic and analgesic medications. Absorbable sutures are often used to minimize the need for suture removal.

Dr Scott will discuss the details of the procedure as part of the consent process.

What are the risks of Cholecystectomy?

Complications may include infection, bleeding and those related to general anaesthesia. While rare, more serious complications include injury to nearby structures such as the bile ducts (which connect the gallbladder to the digestive tract) or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In such instances, further surgical treatment may be required.

Dr Scott will provide a comprehensive discussion of potential risks during the consent process.