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Private Gallbladder Removal
A cholecystectomy is an operation to remove your gallbladder to treat gallstones. This procedure can by done using laparoscopic techniques (keyhole) to minimise scarring any aid faster recovery.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are small stones that form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder stores bile to help you digest fats in food.
To treat gallstones, your gallbladder can be removed using keyhole surgery. You can live without a gallbladder and your liver will still make bile.
Need to know
Gallbladder removal is usually done as keyhole surgery but sometimes open surgery is needed. You'll be given a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make three or four small cuts in your abdomen. They'll insert a long thin telescope with a light and video camera at the end (laparoscope).
Your consultant will then insert special instruments through the other cuts and remove your gallbladder. To finish, your consultant will then close your cuts with dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Alternatively, the operation can also be done through a single cut (single incision laparoscopic surgery).
Your consultant will then insert special instruments through the other cuts and remove your gallbladder. To finish, your consultant will then close your cuts with dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Alternatively, the operation can also be done through a single cut (single incision laparoscopic surgery).
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. Your surgeon will explain how to prepare and what will happen when you have surgery. They'll ask you not to eat or drink anything for a set time before your procedure. Make sure you let them know about any medicines you're currently taking. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.
Most people are able to leave hospital within two hours of a gallbladder removal operation. You shouldn't need to stay overnight. You might have some swelling and bruising in the area for a couple of weeks but this will improve.
Our gallbladder locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.