Open Cholecystectomy
This webpage will give you information about an open
cholecystectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in the gallbladder (see figure
1).
Figure 1 - The gallbladder and surrounding structures.
They are quite common but increase with age and in people who
eat a diet rich in fat. In some people, gallstones can cause severe
symptoms with repeated attacks of abdominal pain being the most
common.
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.
Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that
gallstones can cause.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
It is possible to dissolve the stones or even shatter them into
small pieces but these techniques involve unpleasant drugs and side
effects, have a high failure rate and the gallstones usually come
back. Antibiotics can be used to treat any infections of the
gallbladder. A low-fat diet may help to prevent attacks of pain.
However, these alternatives will not cure the condition.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. Your
surgeon will make a cut in the upper part of your abdomen and free
up the gallbladder duct (cystic duct) and artery. They will then
separate the gallbladder from the liver, and remove it.
What Complications can happen?
1. General Complications of any operation:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Developing a hernia in the scar
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Leaking of bile or stones
- Retained stones
- Persistent pain
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammation in the abdomen
- Bile duct injury
- Bowel injury
- Serious damage to the liver
How soon will I recover?
In hospital You should be able to go home after three to five
days. You should be able to return to work after about six weeks
but this may vary depending on the extent of surgery and your type
of work. You should make a full recovery and be able to eat a
normal diet.
Summary
Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your
gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat
a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious
complications that gallstones can cause.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.