Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) means taking out the gallbladder through small openings in the abdomen using a camera and fine instruments. It is often considered when gallstones cause repeated attacks of pain or inflammation. In Amman, assessment starts with an examination and a scan to decide whether surgery suits your case.
Note: If you have severe, constant pain in the upper abdomen with fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, go to the emergency department straight away. Do not wait for an appointment.
When is gallbladder removal considered?
Your surgeon may suggest removing the gallbladder in situations such as:
- Repeated attacks of pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen, often after fatty meals
- Inflammation of the gallbladder causing constant pain and fever
- Stones that have blocked the bile duct or caused yellowing of the skin
- Inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones
- Some types of polyps or changes in the gallbladder wall, depending on your doctor's advice
What does the operation treat?
The gallbladder is a small pouch under the liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat.
- Stones can form inside the gallbladder when the parts of bile are out of balance
- When a stone blocks the gallbladder's outlet it causes pain, which may lead to inflammation
- Things linked with gallstones include being overweight, losing weight quickly, pregnancy and family history
- Most people digest food normally after the gallbladder is removed
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with questions about your symptoms and an examination of your abdomen. Your doctor may then request tests to confirm the cause and check for complications.
- Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
- Blood tests for liver function and signs of inflammation
- In some cases, further imaging such as an MRI scan of the bile ducts
Treatment options
Options are listed from the simplest to the most invasive:
The right choice depends on your symptoms, test results and general health. Your surgeon will explain what suits you.
- Watchful waiting: gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need surgery; you just watch for new symptoms.
- Diet changes: eating fewer heavy, fatty meals may ease attacks for a while, but it does not remove the stones.
- Treating acute inflammation: an inflamed gallbladder may first need treatment in hospital, then the timing of surgery is decided.
- Laparoscopic gallbladder removal: the gallbladder is removed through small openings under general anaesthetic.
- Open surgery: needed in a small number of cases, or the surgeon may switch to it during the operation if that is safer.
What to expect on the day and after
The operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will usually be asked not to eat beforehand, and the team will give you clear instructions. Many patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital, depending on their case.
- You may feel mild pain around the small cuts, some bloating, and sometimes shoulder pain that fades gradually
- Gentle walking early on is encouraged
- You return to eating gradually, following your doctor's advice
- Avoid heavy lifting for a period your surgeon will advise
- Recovery time varies, and your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case
- Contact your doctor if you get a fever, worsening pain, yellowing, or redness and discharge from a wound
When to book an appointment
Book an assessment if you have:
- Repeated attacks of upper abdominal pain after eating
- Gallstones seen on an earlier scan, with troublesome symptoms
- Repeated indigestion or bloating with pain in the upper right abdomen
- A wish for a surgical opinion on whether your case needs an operation