Cholecystectomy (Gallstones) Surgery in Chelmsford

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, most often due to symptoms or complications caused by gallstones, such as gallbladder pain, inflammation, or infection. 

The operation is usually performed as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery), which offers faster recovery times and a lower risk of postoperative complications.

Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within one to two weeks. If open surgery is required, recovery typically takes four to six weeks.

Here, we explain more about what a cholecystectomy involves, why it may be needed, and what you can expect from having your gallbladder removal surgery with Ramsay Health Care.

What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder when it becomes diseased or damaged, usually due to gallstones.  

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause gallbladder pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages in the bile ducts.

The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and can be done either as:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery) – the most common method

• Open cholecystectomy – used when keyhole surgery isn’t possible

At Ramsay Health Care, the majority of gallbladder removal procedures are performed laparoscopically. This involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) to guide the operation.

In rare cases where the gallbladder is too inflamed or enlarged to be removed laparoscopically, an open cholecystectomy is performed through a single larger incision.

What is the gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ that sits under your liver. Its role is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid that helps your body break down fats.

Why is gallbladder removal needed?

A cholecystectomy is most commonly recommended when gallstones cause symptoms or complications, or when the gallbladder becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged. Gallstones are the leading reason for gallbladder removal, as they can block bile ducts and trigger pain or more serious issues. 

You may be advised to have a cholecystectomy if you have:

• Gallstones causing gallbladder pain or biliary colic

• Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)

• Pancreatitis caused by gallstones

• Large gallbladder polyps, which can become cancerous

• Gallbladder cancer

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder, usually when the chemical balance of bile is disrupted. They develop from substances such as cholesterol or bilirubin that build up and solidify over time.

There are two main types of gallstones:

1. Cholesterol gallstones (the most common): Form when bile contains too much cholesterol

2. Pigment gallstones: Form when bile contains excess bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

Gallstones are common and often cause no symptoms at all. They can range from tiny grains to stones as large as a golf ball.

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones form when the bile stored in your gallbladder becomes unbalanced, causing it to thicken, clump together, and harden.

This can happen when:

• The gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, causing bile to concentrate

• There’s too much cholesterol in the bile

• You’re overweight or obese, which increases cholesterol levels

• You lose weight very quickly, prompting the liver to release extra cholesterol

• There is too much bilirubin in your bile, which can occur with conditions such as liver cirrhosis, sickle cell anaemia, or certain infections

Certain health conditions can also increase the risk of developing gallstones, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and Crohn's disease.  

Gallstone symptoms

Many people have gallstones without any symptoms. However, when a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can trigger noticeable and sometimes severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of gallstones include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bloating

• Gas

• Indigestion or discomfort after eating

• Biliary colic – sudden, intense gallbladder pain in the centre or upper right abdomen, often lasting 30 minutes to several hours. The pain may spread to the right shoulder or back, and is commonly triggered by fatty meals.

How are gallstones diagnosed?

If you have no symptoms, gallstones may be discovered by chance during a scan or X-ray performed for another health reason.

When symptoms are present, gallstones are diagnosed using:

• Ultrasound scan: Usually the first choice for detecting gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or bile duct dilation.

• Blood tests: These can’t detect gallstones directly but can show complications, such as changes in liver function.

• Other imaging tests: These may include a CT scan, a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

What happens during a cholecystectomy?

When you’re taken into the operating theatre for your cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), you’ll be given a general anaesthetic so you’re asleep throughout the operation. You’ll likely have an IV line placed, and your abdomen will be cleaned and prepared.

The steps of the procedure depend on whether you’re having a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery) or an open cholecystectomy (open surgery).

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery)

This is the most common type of gallbladder removal procedure. Your surgeon will typically:

• Make three or four small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen.

• Gently inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create space to operate.

• Insert a laparoscope – a thin tube with a camera and light – to view the gallbladder on a theatre screen.

• Insert fine surgical instruments through the other incisions.

• Seal and divide the cystic duct and cystic artery.

• Carefully separate the gallbladder from the liver and remove it through one of the incisions.

• Remove the instruments, release the gas, and close and dress the incisions.

• Transfer you to a recovery area as you wake from anaesthesia.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically takes 30–90 minutes.

Open cholecystectomy (open surgery)

An open cholecystectomy may be required if your gallbladder is severely inflamed, scarred, or if keyhole surgery isn’t suitable.

A single incision, usually 4–6 inches long, is made under the ribcage to access and remove the gallbladder.

Recovery is longer than with laparoscopic surgery, but open surgery is still a safe and effective treatment for complications caused by gallstones and gallbladder disease.

How to prepare for a cholecystectomy?

We’ll give you personalised instructions to help you prepare for gallbladder surgery. These may involve:

• Avoiding certain medications (such as blood-thinning medicines) as advised by your clinical team.

• Wearing comfortable, loose clothing on the day of your procedure.

• Staying hydrated and following any eating or fasting instructions.

• Arranging transport home, as you won’t be able to drive after anaesthesia.

• Having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Cholecystectomy recovery

Your recovery time will largely depend on whether you have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy or an open cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

• Most people go home the same day. 

• You’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you overnight. 

• Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within around two weeks.

Open cholecystectomy

• You will usually stay in the hospital for 3–5 days. 

• Full recovery takes 6–8 weeks, depending on your general health and the reason for surgery.

Your consultant will give you advice on wound care, pain relief, diet, and when to resume work, exercise, and driving.

Potential risks and complications of a cholecystectomy

A cholecystectomy is a common and generally very safe procedure, especially when performed laparoscopically. However, like any surgery, it carries some potential risks.

Common side effects

These are usually mild and temporary:

• Pain or bruising around the incision sites

• Shoulder or chest pain from the carbon dioxide gas 

• Nausea after anaesthesia

• Temporary digestive changes, such as bloating or loose stools

Less common complications:

• Infection at the incision sites 

• Bleeding during or after the procedure

• Bile leakage that may require drainage

• Retained gallstones in the bile duct

• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

Rare but more serious complications:

• Injury to the bile duct, which may require further surgery 

• Injury to nearby organs, such as the liver or intestines

• Peritonitis caused by bile or bacteria leaking into the abdomen

• Severe anaesthetic reactions

Cholecystectomy surgery cost

The cost of cholecystectomy surgery at Ramsay Health Care depends on whether you need a laparoscopic cholecystectomy or an open cholecystectomy, as well as which Ramsay hospital you choose for your procedure.

You’ll receive a personalised, fixed-price quote after your consultation with one of our specialist surgeons. 

We offer several flexible payment options, including:

• 0% Payment Plans – Spread the cost of your gallbladder surgery with fixed, monthly payments over a time period that suits you.

• Self-fund treatment (All-inclusive Total Care) – A single, pre-agreed price that covers aspects of your care.

• Private medical insurance – Many insurers cover gallbladder removal surgery. You should obtain written confirmation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment with us.

Why choose a private cholecystectomy?

Choosing to go private for your cholecystectomy procedure can offer a range of benefits, such as:

• Faster access to treatment: Private healthcare avoids long waiting lists, helping prevent repeat gallbladder pain or gallstone flare-ups.

• More flexibility: Appointments, scans, and surgery can be arranged at times that suit you.

• Greater choice: You may be able to select your hospital, consultant, and the timing of your procedure.

• Comfortable environment: Private hospitals often offer quieter wards, shorter stays, and more personalised support.

Cholecystectomy at Ramsay Health Care

When you choose Ramsay Health Care for your cholecystectomy, you’ll receive fast access to expert gallbladder treatment delivered by experienced consultant surgeons across our nationwide network of modern private hospitals. 

What you can expect from a cholecystectomy at Ramsay:

• Rapid access to leading specialists in gallbladder and upper gastrointestinal surgery

• Modern, well-equipped hospitals — many with on-site parking

• A personalised treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, diagnostic results, and health needs

• Dedicated aftercare and recovery support, including access to physiotherapists.

• Friendly, patient-focused care from your first consultation through to full recovery

Contact us today to speak to one of our advisors, learn more about gallbladder removal at Ramsay Health Care, and book an appointment with us. You can also research consultant availability and book an appointment online at a time convenient to you.

Cholecystectomy FAQs