Private Gallbladder Removal
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal, also known as a cholecystectomy, is an operation to remove your gallbladder to treat gallstones
What are gallstones?
To treat gallstones, your gallbladder can be removed using keyhole surgery. You can live without a gallbladder and your liver will still make bile.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Gallbladder removal is usually done as keyhole surgery but sometimes open surgery is needed. You'll be given a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make three or four small cuts in your abdomen. They'll insert a long thin telescope with a light and video camera at the end (laparoscope).
Your consultant will then insert special instruments through the other cuts and remove your gallbladder. To finish, your consultant will then close your cuts with dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Alternatively, the operation can also be done through a single cut (single incision laparoscopic surgery). -
How to prepare icon plus
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. Your surgeon will explain how to prepare and what will happen when you have surgery. They'll ask you not to eat or drink anything for a set time before your procedure. Make sure you let them know about any medicines you're currently taking. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
Most people are able to leave hospital within two hours of a gallbladder removal operation. You shouldn't need to stay overnight. You might have some swelling and bruising in the area for a couple of weeks but this will improve.
Our surgeons
Our locations in London
From complex surgery to diagnostic tests and minor procedures, we provide exceptional general surgical care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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London Liver Centre
4th Floor, Emblem House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private gall bladder removal in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344