Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Procedure, Recovery, and Diet Tips

The gallbladder is a small pouch near the liver that holds bile, a thick liquid that’s necessary for digestion. But sometimes it can harden into gallstones and cause a blockage. If the bile cannot drain because of the blockage, it may cause the gallbladder to overfill. And that can be painful. 

The operation to remove an unhealthy gallbladder is a cholecystectomy. It’s one of the most common surgeries in the U.S. In fact, there are over 1 million gallbladder removals each year.

When and why might you need gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)?

One of the main reasons for gallbladder surgery is gallstones. Gallstones don’t always cause symptoms, so healthcare providers sometimes find them by accident during tests for something else. If you have gallstones but no symptoms, many times you won't need to have your gallbladder removed. But if you’re having symptoms, you’ll likely need surgery to remove it.

There are several reasons your provider may suggest gallbladder surgery. These include:

• Painful gallstones that block the bile duct and keep bile from draining

• Cholecystitis (infection in the gallbladder)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas)

• Choledocholithiasis (gallstones that are blocking tubes leading to the intestines)

• Certain medical conditions (like sickle cell disease or an upcoming organ transplant) 

Sometimes your provider might suggest a nonsurgical option. This can include an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove the gallstones. An ERCP uses X-ray and a camera that goes down your mouth into your digestive tract. The provider can take out any small gallstones without surgery.

In some cases, medications can also treat gallstones. These medications, like ursodiol, are in a class of drugs called “bile acid salts.” They may dissolve stones that you already have or prevent new stones from forming. 

Your healthcare provider will help you figure out which treatment option is best for you.

Types of cholecystectomy procedures

There are two different types of operations to remove a gallbladder:

1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This surgery uses four tiny incisions in the belly. Special instruments and a camera go through the holes to help remove the gallbladder.

2. Open cholecystectomy: Your surgeon makes one incision in the belly. It must be large enough for them to easily remove the gallbladder by hand.

Most gallbladder surgeries are laparoscopic. The advantages of using a laparoscope rather than the open operation include:

• Less time in the recovery room of the hospital

• Quicker healing time

• Fewer complications

An open surgery is common if laparoscopic surgery wasn't successful. This is more likely if you:

• Are male

• Are 60 years old and up

• Had surgeries in the abdomen before

• Have a thick gallbladder wall

• Have an infection in the gallbladder

Regardless of the type of surgery you get, your healthcare team will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. You’ll most likely have to be “NPO” (nothing by mouth). This means you’ll have to avoid eating anything the night before the procedure and stop taking medications. 

Surgery can be stressful. But getting answers to your questions and concerns ahead of time can help you prepare and stay calm.

How long does gallbladder surgery take?

The operation to remove a gallbladder can take from as little as 1 hour to several hours. Factors that can lead to longer surgeries are: 

•  Bleeding that’s difficult to stop

•  Scarring in the abdomen from past operations or infections

•  Injury to the bile ducts

•  Spilling out of the gallstones into gallbladder

What are the signs of complications after gallbladder surgery?

Your provider will want you to call right away if you have signs that you’re not healing well or have an infection. This may include:

• Pain that does not go away with your pain medications

• Redness, oozing, or swelling around the incisions

• Fever higher than 101°F

• Continuous vomiting 

• No bowel movement or gray-colored stool

• Jaundice (yellow color to your skin or eyes)

• Cough or trouble breathing

Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery?

Some swelling after gallbladder surgery can be normal. To give the surgeon room to operate during laparoscopic surgery, they have to put a lot of air in the belly. Mild swelling is likely due to gas, and it usually goes away in a few days with normal activity. 

But, in rare cases, swelling can be a sign of complications of surgery. These can include:

• Bile leakage

• Bleeding

• Injury to the bile duct

• Infection

• Hernia

Let your provider know if the swelling doesn’t go away, or you have fever, vomiting, or pain.

What can you eat after gallbladder surgery?

Your recovery team will offer you something to drink or ice chips after your surgery. When you get home, you may begin eating different foods. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you:

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. This helps you stay hydrated and allows you to have easier bowel movements.

• Eat a high-fiber diet. This helps improve your bowel movements. Slowly increase your daily fiber intake based on your healthcare provider’s advice.

• Avoid greasy and spicy foods. Bile, which is normally stored in the gallbladder, helps to digest greasy or fatty foods. You may need to slowly add these back to your diet to see how you tolerate them.

What is the best way to sleep after gallbladder surgery?

Many people have trouble sleeping after surgery. Here’s what sleep experts recommend to get the best sleep:

• Make your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark.

• Go to bed at the same time every night.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals right before bed.

• Get some exercise and sunshine during the daytime.

It might also help to sleep on your left side or back. This will help you avoid sleeping on your right side or stomach, since you may have pain in those positions.

How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?

Most people recover from gallbladder surgery within about 1 week. This is especially true if you have laparoscopic surgery. You can improve your chances of a speedy recovery by following a few tips:

• Keep your incision sites clean and dry. This helps reduce the risk of infection and speeds up healing.

• Get moving early. Start walking and increase your activity back to normal as you tolerate it.

• Follow a proper diet. Your surgeon will give you instructions on what to eat and drink. Be sure to stick to the plan.

• Rest well. Make sure you get plenty of rest, and don’t over do it. This helps with healing.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Frank Schwalbe, MD

Frank Schwalbe, MD, is an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He has practiced anesthesiology for 30 years.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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