Gallbladder removal surgery

Cost £1550
Procedure time: 1 – 2 hours
Hospital stay: 0 – 2 days
Waiting time: 4 – 6 weeks
Anaesthetic type: general anaesthetic
Payment options: self-pay, insurance.

What is gallbladder removal surgery?

Gallbladder removal (sometimes known as cholecystectomy) is a medical procedure in which the gallbladder is surgically removed. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, and its primary function is to store bile produced by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of fats in the small intestine.

Who is it for?

The most common reason for gallbladder removal is to remove gallstones. These are hardened deposits of cholesterol that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause pain, inflammation, and other complications. In some cases, gallbladder removal may also be recommended for conditions such as gallbladder inflammation (also called cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, or (rarely) gallbladder cancer..

Symptoms of gallstones can include:

intense abdominal pain in the upper right of your abdomen
pain after eating (particularly foods containing fats)
heartburn
indigestion
excess wind
nausea and vomiting
high temperature
jaundice.

The decision to undergo gallbladder removal is usually

What is gallbladder removal surgery?

Who is it for?

Symptoms of gallstones can include:

intense abdominal pain in the upper right of your abdomen
pain after eating (particularly foods containing fats)
heartburn
indigestion
excess wind
nausea and vomiting
high temperature
jaundice.

The decision to undergo gallbladder removal is usually based on the severity and recurrence of symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history and may perform blood tests, urine tests, or scans.

Types of gallbladder operations

This procedure is usually performed in one of two ways:

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: (laparoscopic keyhole surgery) is the most common method of removing gallstones. It is a minimally invasive approach. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a thin tube with a camera called a laparoscope is then used to help the surgeon remove the gallbladder. Recovery time is generally faster compared to open surgery and most patients can return home the same day.
Open surgery: In some cases, open surgery may be necessary, especially if laparoscopic surgery is not feasible or if there are complications during surgery. This involves the surgeon making a larger incision in the abdomen and then removing the gallbladder through this opening and dealing with any other issues that may arise. This type of surgery may involve a longer stay in hospital.

Private gallbladder surgery success rates and benefits

Gallbladder removal is a common and generally safe procedure. Most people can live a normal, healthy life without a gallbladder.

Benefits include:

pain relief
prevention of complications associated with gallstones such as inflammation, blockage, or pancreatitis
improved digestive system and less discomfort after eating
prevention of new gallstones.

Risks and complications

The procedure, especially when performed using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, is associated with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.

However, as with all surgical procedures, gallbladder removal surgery does come with certain risks:

excess bleeding
infections
blood clots
damage to bile duct causing leakage
damage to nearby organs
digestive changes such as increased bowel movements or occasional diarrhoea
adverse reaction to anaesthetic.

As you recover, it is normal to experience some side effects such as bloating, wind, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, and discomfort.

Private gallbladder surgery costs in the UK

You can expect to pay anything between £4,500-£7,000 for private gallbladder removal surgery in the UK.

At Practice Plus Group, we’re committed to honest, transparent pricing and pride ourselves on offering treatments at a lower price than our competitors. Gallbladder removal surgery at Practice Plus Group costs £5,749, plus £95 for the initial consultation and tests.

Gallbladder removal options – what to expect

Gallbladder removal surgery might seem like a daunting prospect, so we’ve broken it down into three sections. Each one details what happens before, during, and after the operation, so you know exactly what to expect.

Preparing for surgery

Before surgery, you will be booked in for a pre-assessment appointment. You’ll meet your dedicated surgeon and anaesthetist who will carry out any necessary tests. These may include scans and blood tests. This is your opportunity to talk about your general health and medical history, ask questions, and prepare yourself for the procedure. Once the clinician has assessed you, our team will arrange a date for surgery that works for you.

In the days and weeks before surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare your home. You’ll need to make sure it’s a suitable space for your recovery. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

You will usually be instructed to fast for a specific period before the surgery. This is done to ensure your stomach is empty which will reduce the risk of complications during anaesthesia. You should avoid wearing jewellery, makeup, or nail polish.

The procedure

For the surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the surgical technique used.

The operation is usually performed as keyhole surgery (where the surgeon makes several smaller incisions through which to pass through a small camera and surgical instruments).

Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen to create a space for the surgeon to work and to improve visibility.

The surgeon then carefully detaches the gallbladder from the liver and other surrounding structures. Once detached, the gallbladder is removed through one of the small incisions.

The incisions are then closed, usually with absorbable sutures and skin glue as a waterproof covering. Sometimes surgical stitches or staples may be required with dressings then applied to cover the wound until they are removed.

During an open cholecystectomy, a single, larger incision (often several inches long) is made in the upper-right side of the abdomen.

Gallbladder surgery recovery

For ‘keyhole’ laparoscopic surgery, you will usually go home the same day. For open surgery, you will likely need to stay in hospital for a few nights.

After surgery, you will be monitored until the effects of anaesthesia wear off. You will be advised on pain management and will be encouraged to move around as soon as possible to prevent complications.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the body to heal.

Most people can return to their normal routine within a week or two after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recovery from open cholecystectomy may take longer, with a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.