Open Cholecystectomy

This webpage will give you information about an open cholecystectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in the gallbladder (see figure 1).

The gallbladder and surrounding structures

Figure 1 - The gallbladder and surrounding structures.

They are quite common but increase with age and in people who eat a diet rich in fat. In some people, gallstones can cause severe symptoms with repeated attacks of abdominal pain being the most common.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that gallstones can cause.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

It is possible to dissolve the stones or even shatter them into small pieces but these techniques involve unpleasant drugs and side effects, have a high failure rate and the gallstones usually come back. Antibiotics can be used to treat any infections of the gallbladder. A low-fat diet may help to prevent attacks of pain. However, these alternatives will not cure the condition.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut in the upper part of your abdomen and free up the gallbladder duct (cystic duct) and artery. They will then separate the gallbladder from the liver, and remove it.

What Complications can happen?

1. General Complications of any operation:

Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Unsightly scarring
Developing a hernia in the scar
Blood clots

2 Specific complications of this operation

Leaking of bile or stones
Retained stones
Persistent pain
Diarrhoea
Inflammation in the abdomen
Bile duct injury
Bowel injury
Serious damage to the liver

How soon will I recover?

In hospital You should be able to go home after three to five days. You should be able to return to work after about six weeks but this may vary depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work. You should make a full recovery and be able to eat a normal diet.

Summary

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that gallstones can cause.