Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery: Preparation and Recovery

Conditions treated by gallbladder surgery

• Symptomatic gallstones causing recurrent biliary colic.
• Acute cholecystitis: continuous pain, tenderness and fever from an inflamed gallbladder.
• Chronic cholecystitis with a thickened, poorly functioning gallbladder.
• Gallbladder sludge causing repeated typical attacks.
• Gallbladder polyps that are large or growing on follow-up scans.
• Common bile duct (CBD) stones, usually cleared endoscopically before or during surgery.
• Obstructive jaundice caused by stones blocking the bile duct.

When surgery is not required

Silent gallstones discovered incidentally on a scan usually need no operation, only awareness of the symptoms to watch for. Mild indigestion or bloating without a typical biliary pain pattern is often caused by something else, and removing the gallbladder in that situation may not relieve the symptoms.

Emergency versus planned surgery

Acute cholecystitis is often best treated with surgery during the same admission, typically within the first few days of symptoms. Otherwise the operation is planned electively once the attack has settled, which allows unhurried preparation and a scheduled date.

Gallstones during pregnancy

Gallstones are more common in pregnancy. Mild symptoms are usually managed conservatively, and surgery, when unavoidable, is generally safest in the second trimester. Decisions are made jointly with the obstetric team.

Preparation and the operation

• Pre-operative blood tests and anaesthetic review.
• Adjustment of blood thinners and certain diabetes medications as advised.
• Fasting before surgery as instructed.
• The operation usually takes about an hour under general anaesthesia.
• An operative cholangiogram may be performed if a bile duct stone is suspected.
• Occasionally the operation is converted to an open approach for safety.

Recovery, activity and diet

• Walking the same day; shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas is common and short-lived.
• Desk work usually resumes within one to two weeks; heavy lifting after two to four weeks.
• Eat normally but keep meals smaller and lighter for the first week or two.
• Some people notice looser stools initially, which usually settles over weeks.
• Keep wounds clean and dry, and follow the dressing advice you are given.

Red flags after surgery

• Fever with worsening abdominal pain.
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.
• Increasing redness, swelling or discharge from a wound.