Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal): Surgery, Recovery and Risks
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, most often because of painful gallstones. It is usually done laparoscopically through a few small cuts, takes about 60 to 90 minutes and often lets you go home the same day. Recovery takes about two weeks, and most people digest food normally without a gallbladder. [1]
What the research says
Keyhole surgery speeds recovery without adding risk. A review of 38 randomized trials with 2,338 patients found laparoscopic removal shortened the hospital stay by about 3 days and recovery by about 22 days compared with open surgery, with no difference in deaths and, in high-quality trials, no difference in complications. (Keus et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006) [2]
Early surgery for an inflamed gallbladder is safe. In 15 randomized trials with 1,625 patients, surgery within 7 days of symptoms shortened the hospital stay by about 3.4 days, cut about 11 lost work days and lowered wound infection risk (RR 0.65), with no rise in bile duct injury or conversion to open surgery. (Wu et al., British Journal of Surgery, 2015) [3]
Key takeaways
Gallstones that cause symptoms are the most common reason for gallbladder removal, and surgery is the only treatment that reliably stops them coming back. [1]
Laparoscopic surgery is the standard; open surgery is used when needed. [1]
Recovery takes about 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery and 6 to 8 weeks after open surgery. [1]
Bile still reaches the gut without a gallbladder, though fatty meals may be harder to digest at first. [1]
It is one of the most common operations performed worldwide. [1]
Why is a cholecystectomy done?
A cholecystectomy is done when gallbladder disease affects your quality of life, poses a serious health risk or is likely to keep coming back or get worse. Gallstones are the most common reason. Some people with gallstones never have symptoms, but those who do often have repeated attacks. [1]
Other reasons include: [1]
Chronic cholecystitis (long-term inflammation of the gallbladder)
Gallbladder cancer
Complications of gallstones, such as stones in the bile ducts or gallstone pancreatitis
If you are too unwell for surgery, your team may first drain the gallbladder with a tube, a procedure called cholecystostomy. [1]
What happens to bile without a gallbladder?
Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine instead of being stored between meals. The liver keeps making bile, so digestion continues, but the body needs time to adjust. [1]
After gallbladder removal, bile drips steadily from the liver into the small intestine.
Learn how the organ works in our guide to the gallbladder and digestion.
What are the types of cholecystectomy?
There are two main types of cholecystectomy: laparoscopic and open. Most surgeons in the United States use the laparoscopic approach as standard, and the plan can change to open surgery during the operation if needed. [1] [2]
Laparoscopic surgery usually means a shorter stay and faster recovery.
Feature | Laparoscopic | Open |
Incisions | Small cuts near the belly button and 2–3 in the upper right abdomen | One 10–15 cm (4–6 in) cut under the right ribs |
How it is done | Belly inflated with gas; camera and thin tools | Standard surgical tools; a drain may be placed |
Operating time | About 60–90 minutes | About 1–2 hours |
Hospital stay | Often home the same day | Usually a few days |
Recovery | About 2 weeks | About 6–8 weeks |
Sources: [1]
How do you prepare for a cholecystectomy?
Preparing for a cholecystectomy starts with blood tests to confirm you are healthy enough for surgery. Your team explains the procedure, asks for your consent and tells you that the approach may change during surgery. [1]
Stop eating for the time your team tells you before surgery.
Avoid smoking before surgery.
Ask which medicines to pause, such as some blood thinners.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Sources: [1]
What happens during a cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy is done under general anesthesia, so you are asleep. You receive fluids through an IV, and a breathing tube protects your airway. [1]
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy steps
The surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button and two or three more in the upper right abdomen.
The abdomen is gently filled with gas to create working space.
A camera and thin tools are passed through the cuts.
The cystic duct and artery are sealed, and the gallbladder is removed.
The gas is released and the cuts are closed with stitches.
Open cholecystectomy steps
The surgeon makes a 10–15 cm (4–6 in) cut under the right ribs.
The gallbladder is removed with standard surgical tools.
A drain may be placed to clear fluid.
The incision is closed with stitches.
Sources: [1]
Surgery takes longer if the surgeon also checks or clears the bile ducts, often with an X-ray dye test called an intraoperative cholangiogram. [1]
How long does recovery from gallbladder removal take?
Recovery from gallbladder removal takes about two weeks after laparoscopic surgery and six to eight weeks after open surgery. You spend a few hours in the recovery room first, and many laparoscopic patients go home the same day. [1]
Most people return to work within one to two weeks.
Milestone | Laparoscopic | Open |
Hospital stay | Often same day | A few days |
Back to work | 1–2 weeks | Longer; ask your surgeon |
Full recovery | About 2 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
Drain | Rarely needed | May stay a few days; removed at follow-up |
Sources: [1]
Common short-term side effects
Diarrhea while the gut adapts to the steady flow of bile
Constipation or nausea, often from pain medicine
Gas pain, sometimes felt in the shoulder, from the gas used in laparoscopic surgery
Sources: [1]
What to eat after gallbladder surgery
Start with simple, bland foods in the first days. High-fat and high-fiber foods can be harder to digest at first, so add them back slowly. Most people return to a normal, healthy diet within about a month. [1]
What are the risks of a cholecystectomy?
Every surgery carries some risk, but serious problems after a cholecystectomy are uncommon. Possible complications include: [1]
Risk | What it means |
Bile duct injury | Damage to a bile duct that can let bile leak into the abdomen |
Bleeding | From injury to nearby blood vessels |
Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas |
Bile reflux | Bile backing up into the stomach |
Anesthesia reactions | As with any operation under general anesthesia |
Sources: [1]
What is post-cholecystectomy syndrome?
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome is a broad, usually temporary label for digestive symptoms that continue after gallbladder removal, such as nausea, indigestion, reflux, bloating, diarrhea, belly pain or jaundice. A small percentage of people have it. Causes can include a stone left in or newly formed in the bile duct, a bile flow disorder, an undiagnosed gut condition or a surgical complication. [1]
Stones in the bile duct are explained in our guide to choledocholithiasis.
When should you call a doctor after gallbladder removal?
A follow-up visit is usually booked a few weeks after surgery, but contact your provider sooner if you have: [1]
A fever above 38.3°C (101°F)
Severe or worsening pain
Swelling, color change or discharge at an incision
Nausea or vomiting that does not stop
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine or pale, light-colored stools
Conclusion
A cholecystectomy is a common, effective operation that ends repeated gallstone problems for most people. Laparoscopic surgery usually means a same-day discharge and about two weeks of recovery. Expect your digestion to need a few weeks to adjust, and watch for warning signs such as fever, jaundice or worsening pain.
If you are living with gallbladder attacks, ask your doctor whether surgery is the right next step for you.
Keep learning: Read our full guide to gallbladder disease to understand gallstones and inflammation, or our guide to gallstone pancreatitis. For more background, see this gallstones overview from the NIDDK.
FAQ
What is a cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, the small organ under the liver that stores bile. You can live a healthy life without it.
Why would I need my gallbladder removed?
Gallstones that cause symptoms are the most common reason. Other reasons include chronic cholecystitis and gallbladder cancer.
How long does gallbladder removal surgery take?
Laparoscopic surgery takes about 60 to 90 minutes and open surgery about 1 to 2 hours. Checking the bile ducts can add time.
Is a cholecystectomy done laparoscopically?
Yes. Laparoscopic surgery through small cuts is the standard approach. Open surgery is used when the laparoscopic method is not safe or possible.
Will I go home the same day?
Many people go home the same day after laparoscopic surgery. After open surgery, a hospital stay of a few days is typical.
How long is recovery after gallbladder removal?
Recovery takes about two weeks after laparoscopic surgery and six to eight weeks after open surgery. Most people return to work within one to two weeks.
What are the risks of a cholecystectomy?
Risks include bleeding, bile leakage from a bile duct injury, pancreatitis and bile reflux. Serious complications are uncommon.
Can I digest food without a gallbladder?
Yes. Bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. Fatty meals may be harder to digest for the first month or so.
What is post-cholecystectomy syndrome?
It is a label for digestive symptoms that persist after gallbladder removal, such as pain, bloating, diarrhea or reflux. It is usually temporary.
How do I prepare for a cholecystectomy?
Blood tests confirm that you are healthy enough for surgery, and your team explains the procedure and asks for your consent. [1] Before surgery, avoid eating, smoking and certain medicines as your team instructs. [1]
Does a cholecystectomy hurt, and what anesthesia is used?
A cholecystectomy is done under general anesthesia with a breathing tube, so you are asleep during surgery. [1] Afterward you receive pain medicine as needed; it can cause constipation and nausea, and your provider can advise you on managing these. [1]
When should I call a doctor after gallbladder surgery?
Call for a fever above 38.3°C (101°F), worsening pain, incision redness or discharge, ongoing vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools.
Related Reading
Gallbladder Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outlook — What You Need to Know covers gallstones, inflammation and the other conditions that most often lead to gallbladder removal.
Gallstone Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment explains how a gallstone can inflame the pancreas and why gallbladder removal is often advised afterward.
Choledocholithiasis: What a Bile Duct Gallstone Is, How It's Found, and How It's Removed describes gallstones that move into the bile duct and how they are cleared before or during surgery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal): Surgery & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated July 24, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/21614-gallbladder-removal
Keus F, de Jong JAF, Gooszen HG, et al. Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(4):CD006231. PMID 17054285. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006231
Wu XD, Tian X, Liu MM, et al. Meta-analysis comparing early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Br J Surg. 2015;102(11):1302-1313. PMID 26265548. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.9886
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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