Gallbladder Removal

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You experience moderate pain or discomfort at the incision site that worsens or doesn't improve with medication.
You notice redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site. This could indicate an infection.
You have a fever or chills. These can be signs of infection.
You experience nausea or vomiting that persists after you resume a regular diet.
You have difficulty tolerating fatty foods after surgery. While some initial adjustment is normal, persistent intolerance may require evaluation.
You notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). This could indicate bile duct problems.
Your stools are pale or clay-coloured, or your urine is dark. These can be signs of complications.
You experience severe pain in your abdomen, especially sudden and intense pain.
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
You experience intense nausea and vomiting that you cannot keep down fluids.
You have a distended abdomen.
You experience heavy bleeding or bleeding from the incision site.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You experience moderate pain or discomfort at the incision site that worsens or doesn't improve with medication.
You notice redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site. This could indicate an infection.
You have a fever or chills. These can be signs of infection.
You experience nausea or vomiting that persists after you resume a regular diet.
You have difficulty tolerating fatty foods after surgery. While some initial adjustment is normal, persistent intolerance may require evaluation.
You notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). This could indicate bile duct problems.
Your stools are pale or clay-coloured, or your urine is dark. These can be signs of complications.
You experience severe pain in your abdomen, especially sudden and intense pain.
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
You experience intense nausea and vomiting that you cannot keep down fluids.
You have a distended abdomen.
You experience heavy bleeding or bleeding from the incision site.

Before Surgery Do:

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully: This includes restrictions on food and drink before surgery, as well as any medications you should take or avoid.
Get informed about the surgery: Learn about the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and recovery expectations.
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may have about the surgery or recovery process.
Arrange for help at home: Recovery typically involves some limitations on activity, so having someone to help with errands or household chores can be beneficial.
Quit smoking (if applicable): Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.

Before Surgery Don't:

Eat or drink anything past the instructed time: An empty stomach is crucial for a safe surgery.
Take medications unless specifically cleared by your doctor: Certain medications can interfere with anaesthesia or increase bleeding risk.
Hide any medical conditions or allergies: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing health issues or allergies to medications.
Wear tight clothing or jewellery to surgery: Loose-fitting clothing is recommended for comfort after surgery.
Lift heavy objects: Avoid strenuous activity in the weeks leading up to surgery to minimise strain.

After Surgery Do:

Rest adequately: Your body needs time to heal. Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity as instructed by your doctor.
Gradually resume activity: Slowly increase your activity level as tolerated. Walking is encouraged to promote healing.
Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on easily digestible foods low in fat and high in fibre as you return to your regular diet.
Take medications as prescribed: This may include pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Keep the incision clean and dry: Follow your doctor's instructions on wound care.
Report any concerning symptoms: Be mindful of signs of infection like fever, redness, or increased pain at the incision site.

After Surgery Don't:

Rest adequately: Your body needs time to heal. Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity as instructed by your doctor.
Gradually resume activity: Slowly increase your activity level as tolerated. Walking is encouraged to promote healing.
Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on easily digestible foods low in fat and high in fibre as you return to your regular diet.
Take medications as prescribed: This may include pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Keep the incision clean and dry: Follow your doctor's instructions on wound care.
Report any concerning symptoms: Be mindful of signs of infection like fever, redness, or increased pain at the incision site.

Possible Questions:

Before the surgery:

Can you describe your symptoms, including frequency, location, and severity of pain? (This helps assess if symptoms point to gallstones).
Do you experience any nausea, vomiting, or indigestion after eating fatty foods? (These can be signs of gallbladder issues).
Do you have any allergies to medications or anaesthesia?
Are you taking any medications currently? (Certain medications may need to be adjusted before surgery).
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? (Helps assess surgical risk).
Have you had any previous abdominal surgeries? (May influence surgical approach).
Do you smoke or use any tobacco products? (Smoking can impact healing).
Do you have any questions or concerns about the surgery or recovery process?

After the surgery:

Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort at the incision site?
Have you noticed any redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site?
Are you able to tolerate a regular diet without nausea or vomiting?
Have you been able to resume your usual activities as tolerated?
Are you taking your medications as prescribed?
Have you experienced any fever, chills, or other concerning symptoms?
Do you have any questions about your recovery or any limitations you may have?

1.Symptoms

Do I need gallbladder removal?

Not everyone with gallstones needs surgery. If you are experiencing no symptoms, you may not require removal. However, if you have frequent pain attacks, inflammation, or other complications, gallbladder removal may be the best course of action.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

The most common symptom of gallstones is pain in the upper right abdomen, often coming on suddenly and intensifying after eating a fatty meal. The pain may radiate to your back or right shoulder blade. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and bloating.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

I have pain in my upper right abdomen. Could it be my gallbladder?

Pain in the upper right abdomen can be caused by several conditions, not just gallstones. It's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may perform a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the cause.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is a gallbladder condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of gallbladder disease typically involves a combination of:

Medical history: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and any risk factors for gallstones.
Physical exam: They will feel your abdomen for tenderness or pain.
Imaging tests:Ultrasound is the most common imaging test used to diagnose gallstones. Other tests like CT scan or HIDA scan may be used in certain cases.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What tests are performed to diagnose gallbladder problems?

Ultrasound is the most common and effective test for diagnosing gallstones. It uses sound waves to create an image of your gallbladder and surrounding organs. In some cases, a CT scan or HIDA scan may be used. A CT scan provides a detailed picture of your abdomen, while a HIDA scan checks how well your gallbladder is functioning.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What imaging tests are used to diagnose gallbladder disease?

As mentioned previously, ultrasound is the primary imaging test. CT scans can provide more detailed views if needed, and HIDA scans assess gallbladder function.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What is laparoscopic gallbladder removal?

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions in your abdomen. A surgeon inserts a laparoscope, a thin instrument with a camera, to view your gallbladder and uses specialised tools to remove it.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic gallbladder removal?

Laparoscopic surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including:

Smaller incisions
Less pain
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery time
Reduced risk of complications

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

What can I expect during recovery from gallbladder removal?

Most patients go home the same day or the day after surgery. Recovery from laparoscopic gallbladder removal is typically faster than traditional surgery. You can expect some pain and soreness at the incision sites, which can be managed with medication. You will need to follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and activity restrictions.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.