Gallbladder Surgery

Specialist assessment and laparoscopic treatment of symptomatic gallstones and gallbladder disease.

GS
Gallstones

Stones within the gallbladder are common and may cause no symptoms at all.

BC
Biliary colic

Episodic upper abdominal pain, often after eating, caused by gallstone obstruction.

Ch
Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by persistent gallstone obstruction.

P
Gallstone pancreatitis

Gallstones can pass into the bile duct and trigger inflammation of the pancreas.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile.

Bile helps digest dietary fat. When we eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine.

Gallstones form when components of bile crystallise within the gallbladder. Many people with gallstones never develop symptoms.

Typical gallstone symptoms

  • Upper abdominal or right-sided pain
  • Pain after meals, particularly fatty meals
  • Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Recurrent episodes lasting minutes to several hours
Treatment

Do all gallstones need surgery?

No. Gallstones discovered incidentally in someone who has never had symptoms will often not require treatment.

Surgery is generally considered when gallstones are causing recurrent symptoms or have already produced a complication.

Surgery may be considered for

  • Recurrent biliary colic
  • Acute or recurrent cholecystitis
  • Gallstone pancreatitis
  • Gallstones associated with bile duct obstruction
  • Other gallbladder complications
Assessment

How is gallbladder disease assessed?

Ultrasound Abdominal ultrasound is usually the first imaging test and can identify gallstones, gallbladder inflammation and bile duct dilatation.
Blood tests Liver function tests, inflammatory markers and pancreatic enzymes may help identify complications.
Further imaging MRCP or other imaging may be useful when there is concern about stones within the common bile duct.
The Operation

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard operation for most patients requiring gallbladder removal.

Keyhole surgery

The gallbladder is removed through several small abdominal incisions. The stones remain inside the gallbladder and are removed with it.

  • Usually 3–4 small incisions
  • General anaesthetic
  • Often day surgery or an overnight stay
  • Early mobilisation and eating after surgery

Safety and biliary anatomy

Careful identification of the cystic duct, cystic artery and surrounding biliary anatomy is an important part of safe gallbladder surgery.

Intraoperative cholangiography may be used where indicated to further assess the bile ducts or investigate possible bile duct stones.

Occasionally an operation needs to be converted to an open procedure when this is the safer approach.

The aim is not simply to remove the gallbladder, but to do so safely while protecting the bile ducts and surrounding structures.
After Surgery

Recovery

Hospital stay Many patients go home the same day or the following morning.
Walking Gentle walking and normal daily movement are encouraged from the beginning.
Work & activity Return depends on comfort and the physical demands of your occupation.
Digestion Most people eat normally without a gallbladder. Temporary bloating or looser bowel motions can occur in some patients.

Discuss your gallbladder symptoms

Assessment can determine whether your symptoms are likely to be caused by gallstones and whether surgery or observation is the most appropriate approach.

Book a consultation