REMOVAL OF THE GALLBLADDER
Gallbladder Removal: Modern Treatment Methods for Gallstone Disease
What is a Cholecystectomy
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, most commonly performed for gallstone disease, chronic cholecystitis, or other conditions that disrupt bile flow. Since the gallbladder is not a vital organ, its removal does not impair the digestive system but rather relieves the patient from pain, colic attacks, and dangerous complications.
In modern surgery, there are two main methods for removing the gallbladder:
1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (minimally invasive method);
2. Open (traditional) cholecystectomy (conventional surgery).
1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy — The Standard of Modern Surgery
What it is
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where the gallbladder is removed through small incisions in the abdominal wall using a laparoscope — a thin endoscopic instrument with a camera.
This method is considered the "gold standard" of treatment as it combines effectiveness, safety, and quick recovery.
How the surgery is performed
Under general anesthesia, 3–4 incisions of 0.5–1 cm are made on the skin.
A laparoscope and micro-instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity.
The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and bile ducts.
The organ is extracted through one of the incisions, after which cosmetic stitches are applied.
⏱ The surgery takes 40–60 minutes. The patient can stand up within 4–6 hours, and discharge from the hospital is possible in 1–2 days.
Advantages of the laparoscopic method
✅ Minimal trauma and quick recovery
✅ Almost invisible scars
✅ Reduced risk of postoperative complications
✅ Quick return to normal life (within 7–10 days)
2. Open (Traditional) Cholecystectomy — For Complicated Cases
What it is
Open cholecystectomy is performed through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and is used when laparoscopic surgery is impossible or contraindicated, such as in:
extensive inflammatory processes;
complicated cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation;
adhesions from previous surgeries;
suspected tumors or anatomical anomalies.
How the surgery is performed
Under general anesthesia, an 8–12 cm incision is made in the right upper quadrant.
The surgeon manually isolates and removes the gallbladder.
A thorough examination of the abdominal cavity is performed, drainage is installed, and the wound is sutured.
⏱ The surgery takes 60–90 minutes. Hospitalization usually lasts 4–7 days, and full recovery takes up to 3–4 weeks.
Advantages and features of open surgery
✅ Ability to perform in severe and complicated cases
✅ Full visual control of the intervention area
⚠️ Longer recovery period
⚠️ More noticeable postoperative scar
Recovery Period After Cholecystectomy
After gallbladder removal, patients are advised to:
follow a gentle diet (table No. 5) for 1–3 months;
avoid intense physical activity for the first 4–6 weeks;
have regular check-ups with a surgeon and gastroenterologist;
follow recommendations for taking choleretic medications (as prescribed by a doctor).
Most patients return to their usual life within 1–2 weeks after laparoscopy and 3–4 weeks after open surgery.
💡 Gallbladder removal is an effective way to permanently eliminate pain attacks, colic, and complications of gallstone disease. Modern methods make the surgery as safe as possible, and recovery is quick and comfortable.
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, most commonly performed for gallstone disease, chronic cholecystitis, or other conditions that disrupt bile flow. Since the gallbladder is not a vital organ, its removal does not impair the digestive system but rather relieves the patient from pain, colic attacks, and dangerous complications.
In modern surgery, there are two main methods for removing the gallbladder:
1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (minimally invasive method);
2. Open (traditional) cholecystectomy (conventional surgery).
1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy — The Standard of Modern Surgery
What it is
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where the gallbladder is removed through small incisions in the abdominal wall using a laparoscope — a thin endoscopic instrument with a camera.
This method is considered the "gold standard" of treatment as it combines effectiveness, safety, and quick recovery.
How the surgery is performed
Under general anesthesia, 3–4 incisions of 0.5–1 cm are made on the skin.
A laparoscope and micro-instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity.
The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and bile ducts.
The organ is extracted through one of the incisions, after which cosmetic stitches are applied.
⏱ The surgery takes 40–60 minutes. The patient can stand up within 4–6 hours, and discharge from the hospital is possible in 1–2 days.
Advantages of the laparoscopic method
✅ Minimal trauma and quick recovery
✅ Almost invisible scars
✅ Reduced risk of postoperative complications
✅ Quick return to normal life (within 7–10 days)
2. Open (Traditional) Cholecystectomy — For Complicated Cases
What it is
Open cholecystectomy is performed through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and is used when laparoscopic surgery is impossible or contraindicated, such as in:
extensive inflammatory processes;
complicated cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation;
adhesions from previous surgeries;
suspected tumors or anatomical anomalies.
How the surgery is performed
Under general anesthesia, an 8–12 cm incision is made in the right upper quadrant.
The surgeon manually isolates and removes the gallbladder.
A thorough examination of the abdominal cavity is performed, drainage is installed, and the wound is sutured.
⏱ The surgery takes 60–90 minutes. Hospitalization usually lasts 4–7 days, and full recovery takes up to 3–4 weeks.
Advantages and features of open surgery
✅ Ability to perform in severe and complicated cases
✅ Full visual control of the intervention area
⚠️ Longer recovery period
⚠️ More noticeable postoperative scar
Recovery Period After Cholecystectomy
After gallbladder removal, patients are advised to:
follow a gentle diet (table No. 5) for 1–3 months;
avoid intense physical activity for the first 4–6 weeks;
have regular check-ups with a surgeon and gastroenterologist;
follow recommendations for taking choleretic medications (as prescribed by a doctor).
Most patients return to their usual life within 1–2 weeks after laparoscopy and 3–4 weeks after open surgery.
💡 Gallbladder removal is an effective way to permanently eliminate pain attacks, colic, and complications of gallstone disease. Modern methods make the surgery as safe as possible, and recovery is quick and comfortable.
