Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) General Surgery

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) procedure illustration

Overview

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder. The surgeon makes several small cuts in the abdomen, inserts a camera and thin instruments, and removes the gallbladder through one of the small openings. This procedure is most often done to treat gallstones that cause pain, infection, or other problems. Many people go home the same day and return to light activities within several days.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Lap chole, Laparoscopic gallbladder removal, Cholecystectomy, Gallbladder surgery

Recovery
7–14 days
Return to Work
3–14 days

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Complete any pre-op tests or imaging requested, such as blood work or ultrasound
  • Review your medicine list with the surgical team and ask about blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and supplements
  • Follow any fasting instructions from the facility about when to stop eating and drinking
  • Arrange an adult to drive you home and stay nearby the first day
  • Tell the team about allergies, prior reactions to anesthesia, and sleep apnea if known
  • Shower the night before or morning of surgery as instructed and avoid lotions or oils on the abdomen
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home
  • Do not smoke or vape before surgery; follow instructions if you need help reducing nicotine
  • Bring a photo ID, insurance card, and a list of your current medicines and doses

After Care

  • Keep incision sites clean and dry; follow instructions on when you can shower and how to change dressings
  • Take pain medicine only as directed on the label or by your care team; avoid alcohol while on sedating medicines
  • Walk short distances several times a day to support circulation and reduce stiffness
  • Start with small, light meals and sip fluids; many people find limiting very fatty foods helps early on
  • Avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or pools until incisions are healed
  • Limit heavy lifting per your care team’s instructions; ease back into normal activities
  • Use a stool softener or fiber if you develop constipation after surgery medicines
  • Schedule and attend follow-up appointments to review healing and any pathology results
  • Contact a clinician for fever, worsening belly pain, redness or drainage at incisions, yellowing of skin or eyes, chest pain, trouble breathing, or ongoing vomiting

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Painful gallstones (symptomatic cholelithiasis)
  • Inflamed gallbladder (acute or chronic cholecystitis)
  • Gallstone pancreatitis after stabilization
  • Biliary colic with recurrent episodes
  • Gallbladder polyps with concerning features
  • Poor gallbladder function on testing (biliary dyskinesia), when consistent with symptoms

Alternatives

  • Watchful waiting for symptom-free gallstones
  • Diet changes to reduce fatty foods
  • Bile acid medicine (ursodiol) for certain cholesterol stones, limited use
  • Antibiotics and supportive care during acute infection
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove stones from the common bile duct
  • Percutaneous gallbladder drain (cholecystostomy) for high-risk patients
  • Open cholecystectomy when laparoscopy is not safe or feasible

Risks

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Bile duct injury or bile leak
  • Injury to nearby organs or blood vessels
  • Blood clots or anesthesia-related problems
  • Need to convert to open surgery
  • Retained stones in the bile duct
  • Hernia at incision sites
  • Digestive changes such as loose stools

Contraindications

  • Inability to tolerate general anesthesia
  • Uncontrolled bleeding disorders
  • Severe heart or lung instability
  • Widespread abdominal infection
  • Suspected gallbladder cancer where open surgery may be preferred
  • Extensive prior upper abdominal surgery or late pregnancy may make laparoscopy difficult

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

Most people go home the same day and resume light activity in a few days. A return to routine work often happens within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the job and individual recovery.

Typical Range

7–14 days

Return to Work

3–14 days

Recovery Milestones

Day 0–1

Walk indoors with assistance as needed and use deep breathing exercises

Day 1–3

Shower if allowed and increase short walks around the home

Day 3–7

Return to light daily activities and desk work as tolerated

Day 7–14

Drive when you can move comfortably and are not taking sedating pain medicines

Day 14–28

Gradually add heavier activities and lifting as cleared by your care team

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

How is laparoscopic gallbladder removal done?

The surgeon makes several small cuts, fills the abdomen with gas for space, uses a camera to see, clips and removes the gallbladder, and closes the small incisions.

How long does the surgery take?

Many procedures take about 1 to 2 hours, but the time can vary with anatomy, inflammation, and scar tissue.

Will I go home the same day?

Many people go home a few hours after recovery. An overnight stay may be needed if the surgery was difficult or you have other medical needs.

Will I have scars?

You will have several small scars on the abdomen. They usually fade over time but do not disappear completely.

Can digestion change without a gallbladder?

Most people digest food normally. Some notice temporary bloating or loose stools, especially with very fatty meals, which often improves over weeks.

Why might the surgeon switch to open surgery?

Severe inflammation, bleeding, unclear anatomy, or scar tissue can make laparoscopy unsafe. Switching helps protect nearby structures like the bile duct.

Will I need stitches removed?

Many surgeons use dissolvable stitches or skin glue. If external stitches or staples are used, removal is usually done at a follow-up visit.

How much will it cost?

Costs vary by facility, anesthesia, pathology, and any added treatments. Insurance coverage and deductibles also affect out-of-pocket costs.