Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy — Gallbladder Removal

Procedure length: 30–90 minutes • Hospital stay: same day or 1 night • Recovery: 1–2 weeks for most daily activities

What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold-standard minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder for symptomatic gallstones, recurrent biliary colic, or acute cholecystitis. The operation uses small incisions and a camera (laparoscope) for faster recovery and less pain than open surgery.

Who needs it / patient criteria

• Patients with symptomatic gallstones causing recurrent pain (biliary colic), acute cholecystitis, or complications such as gallstone pancreatitis or cholangitis (often in combination with ERCP).
• Asymptomatic gallstones are usually observed unless risk factors or complications are present.

When to choose surgery

Choose laparoscopic cholecystectomy for recurrent biliary pain, signs of gallbladder inflammation, or complications. It is the definitive treatment to prevent recurrence and complications.

How it compares to alternatives

• Vs conservative management: Pain control and watchful waiting may be appropriate for asymptomatic stones but do not prevent future attacks.
• Vs ERCP: ERCP removes common bile duct stones but does not remove gallbladder stones — cholecystectomy is usually recommended after ERCP to prevent recurrence.

Pre-surgery preparation & required tests

• Blood tests including LFTs, CBC and coagulation profile.
• Abdominal ultrasound (first line) or CT/MRCP if needed to evaluate bile ducts.
• Anaesthetic assessment, fasting instructions and medication review prior to surgery.

Surgery day & what to expect

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia through 3–4 small incisions. The cystic duct and artery are clipped and divided, and the gallbladder is removed from the liver bed. Most patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay.

How the surgery is done

Laparoscopic instruments and camera are inserted through small ports. The gallbladder is dissected, clipped, and removed. If there are complicating factors (severe inflammation or unclear anatomy), the surgeon may convert to an open procedure for safety.

Benefits

• Resolving biliary pain and preventing complications.
• Minimal scarring, faster return to normal activities and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.

Expected recovery timeline

• First 48–72 hours: Pain at port sites, mild shoulder tip pain from gas; start light walking early to reduce DVT risk.
• 1 week: Most patients resume light daily activities.
• 2–4 weeks: Return to full activities depending on job demands and surgeon advice.

Post-surgery instructions

• Keep wounds clean and dry; follow specific wound care instructions.
• Start with light diet and progress as tolerated; some patients notice mild changes in digestion which often settle.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks; seek urgent care for fever, severe increasing pain, jaundice, or persistent vomiting.

Tourmedx support

We arrange accredited hospitals, expert laparoscopic surgeons, pre-op tests, comfortable recovery hotels, airport transfers and translators. Our packages can be tailored for short-stay medical tourists and include post-op virtual follow-up.

FAQs

Contact Tourmedx

Request a personalised package for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and let us coordinate the clinical and travel arrangements.