Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal
Pain under the right ribs after fatty meals, from gallstones. Removed through keyhole surgery.
What is happening inside your body
The gallbladder sits under the liver and stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fatty food. Stones can form inside it, and when a stone blocks its outlet, the gallbladder squeezes against the blockage, causing sharp pain, usually after a fatty meal. Repeated attacks, or a stone that causes infection or jaundice, are treated by removing the gallbladder itself, since you can digest food well without it.
Gallstone pain after fatty meals is common and treatable. Keyhole removal of the gallbladder is a well established operation with a quick recovery.
Signs to look out for
- Pain under the right ribs or upper abdomen, often after a fatty meal
- Pain that comes in attacks, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting with the pain
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine, which needs urgent attention
- Fever with the pain, which can mean the gallbladder is infected
How it is treated
The standard treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, keyhole removal of the gallbladder through a few small cuts using a camera and fine instruments. Dr. Sajjad confirms the gallstones on an ultrasound scan first. The operation is done under general anaesthesia, and most patients go home the same day or after one night. Open surgery through a larger cut is used only when keyhole surgery is not safe in your particular case, and this is explained beforehand.
What recovery looks like
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Day of surgery: walking is encouraged the same day, with mild shoulder tip discomfort from the gas used being normal.
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First week: light activity at home, with simple pain medicine as needed.
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One to two weeks: most people return to office work.
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Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for about four weeks.
Common questions
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. The liver still makes bile and most people digest food normally afterwards. Some people notice they need to eat smaller, less fatty meals for a short while as the body adjusts.
Is keyhole gallbladder surgery painful?
It is far less painful than open surgery because the cuts are small. Most discomfort settles within a few days and is managed with simple pain medicine.
What if my gallstones are not causing symptoms?
Gallstones found without any symptoms are often simply monitored rather than operated on. Surgery is recommended once they start causing pain, infection or jaundice. Dr. Sajjad will advise what fits your situation.
This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical examination.