What to Expect Before, During, and After Gallbladder Surgery

Your gallbladder is a small, nonessential organ that stores bile in your abdomen. Bile is an important digestive fluid that helps break down dietary fats, but sometimes, it can form into hard deposits called gallstones. Gallstones can trigger gallbladder inflammation, bile duct blockage (choledocholithiasis), and a range of other painful problems.

Gallstones are a relatively common problem, and around 80% of people who develop them need gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) to feel better. If you’re scheduled for gallbladder surgery, now’s the time to learn what’s next.

Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our team at North Tarrant Health Providers in Fort Worth, Texas, specialize in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to stop your gallbladder pain and protect your health.

Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after this common procedure.

Preparing for gallbladder surgery

To determine if gallbladder surgery is right for you, Dr. Sambandam and our team perform a comprehensive evaluation. We review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and conduct a thorough physical exam.

If we identify gallstones, gallbladder cancer, or other concerning gallbladder problems, we may recommend gallbladder removal to treat your symptoms. Before we schedule your procedure, we perform a series of tests and review your current prescription medications to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery.

Next, our team gives you specific instructions to prepare you for surgery. You may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications in the days leading up to surgery; you may also be asked to shower with antibiotic soap and avoid all food and beverages within a few hours of surgery.

On the day of your surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home. Remember to bring someone with you to the appointment, because you will need them to drive you home.

During gallbladder surgery

Dr. Sambandam performs minimally invasive laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in nearly 99% of cases. Laparoscopic surgery involves making a few very small incisions and using highly specialized tools to remove your gallbladder, instead of a large incision and traditional surgical instruments.

When you arrive for your scheduled procedure, our team prepares you for surgery. We administer general anesthesia, so you remain asleep during the entire operation. Most gallbladder removal surgeries take about an hour to complete.

Dr. Sambandam makes a few small incisions in your abdomen. Through one of the incisions, he inserts a tiny camera that transmits a clear, live view of your gallbladder to a high-definition monitor. Working through the other small openings, he uses specialized tools to excise and remove your gallbladder. Once it’s out, he closes your incisions.

After the surgery is complete, we transfer you to a recovery room where you wake up as the anesthesia wears off. We monitor you for a period of time, and you can expect to go home the same day.

Recovering from gallbladder surgery

Since cholecystectomies are typically an outpatient procedure, your recovery largely takes place at home. While you can plan to start walking shortly after your operation, be sure to follow our specific instructions and healing guidelines for a safe and efficient recovery.

You can expect to experience mild to moderate abdominal discomfort in the first few days following gallbladder surgery. Depending on your situation, Dr. Sambandam may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or give you a prescription. 

You may be able to shower within a day of your surgery. In general, you can return to your normal daily routine in about one week. The surgical glue or tape used to close your incisions should dissolve or fall off as your skin heals.

Be sure to come to any follow-up appointments that we schedule during your recovery, and don’t hesitate to call our office whenever you have questions or concerns. 

If you’re living with gallbladder pain, surgery could be an effective solution. Learn more about your options with a consultation at North Tarrant Health Providers. Call our friendly office staff at 817-904-4165 today, or request an appointment online any time.