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WHAT IS GALLBLADDER REMOVAL?
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most common operations in the United States. The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that stores bile. When gallstones block it or it becomes inflamed, it can cause sudden pain in the upper right belly, often after fatty meals, along with nausea, vomiting or fever. You can live a normal life without a gallbladder because the liver keeps making bile. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our surgeons remove the gallbladder with minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery, usually as an outpatient procedure. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is the standard way to treat gallstones that cause pain or infection.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our board-certified surgeons perform gallbladder surgery every week, from planned operations after gallstone attacks to emergency surgery for an inflamed gallbladder. Our team covers general surgery emergencies at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville 365 days a year.
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within a few days.
For complex gallbladder and bile duct problems, Dr. David Niemeyer is fellowship-trained in hepatobiliary and pancreas surgery.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
GALLSTONES
Hard stones form in the gallbladder. Many cause no symptoms, but stones that block the gallbladder cause attacks of pain called biliary colic. Once attacks start, they usually come back.
ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS
The gallbladder becomes inflamed and infected, usually because a stone is stuck. It causes constant pain, fever and tenderness and usually needs surgery within a few days, often during the same hospital stay.
BILE DUCT STONES AND PANCREATITIS
Stones can slip into the bile duct and cause jaundice or inflammation of the pancreas (gallstone pancreatitis). These are often treated first by a gastroenterologist with an endoscopic procedure (ERCP), followed by gallbladder removal.
GALLBLADDER POLYPS AND POOR FUNCTION
Larger gallbladder polyps, and a gallbladder that does not empty well and causes typical pain, may also be reasons for surgery. Learn when gallbladder removal is necessary.
WHEN TO SEEK CARE NOW
Go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain that lasts more than a few hours, fever with chills, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or vomiting you cannot stop.
HOW GALLBLADDER SURGERY IS DONE
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
The standard operation. Through four small incisions, the surgeon uses a camera and thin instruments to remove the gallbladder, then closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches or skin glue. It usually takes about an hour, and most patients go home the same day.
ROBOTIC AND SINGLE-SITE SURGERY
Some patients are candidates for robotic cholecystectomy, including single-site surgery through one small incision at the belly button. Dr. Alexander Rose performs single-site robotic procedures.
OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Rarely, severe inflammation, scar tissue from earlier surgery or bleeding means the surgeon must switch to an open cholecystectomy through a larger incision under the right ribs. This is done for your safety and means a longer hospital stay and recovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
Most patients have an ultrasound and blood tests, and some need a HIDA scan or MRI. Follow your surgeon’s instructions about eating, drinking and medicines before surgery. Our checklist for general surgery can help you prepare.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
You are asleep under general anesthesia. Most patients walk within a few hours and go home the same day. Plan for someone to drive you home.
EATING AFTER SURGERY
Start with light, low-fat meals for the first week or two. Some people notice looser stools after fatty foods, which usually improves over time. See our gallbladder surgery recovery diet guide.
RECOVERY
Most people return to desk work in about a week and to normal activities in one to two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting for about two to four weeks after laparoscopic surgery, or longer after open surgery. Call us if you have a fever, worsening pain, yellow skin or eyes, or redness at an incision.
OUR GALLBLADDER SURGEONS
Gallbladder surgery at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal, Dr. Alexander Rose, Dr. Courtland Polley and Dr. David Niemeyer. Learn more about hepatobiliary surgery.
GALLBLADDER REMOVAL FAQS
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. The liver keeps making bile, which then flows straight into the intestine. Most people eat normally after recovery. A few notice looser stools after fatty meals for a while.
How long does gallbladder surgery take?
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy usually takes about an hour. Plan to spend a few hours at the hospital or surgery center in total, including preparation and recovery from anesthesia.
Is gallbladder removal an outpatient surgery?
Usually, yes. Most patients go home the same day. Patients who had emergency surgery for an inflamed gallbladder, or an open operation, may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights.
What happens if I do not have my gallbladder removed?
Once gallstones cause pain, attacks usually come back and can lead to an infected gallbladder, blocked bile duct or pancreatitis. Your surgeon will explain your risk and whether surgery is recommended.
Does insurance cover gallbladder surgery?
Many insurance plans cover gallbladder removal when it is medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
Where does bile go after gallbladder removal?
Your liver keeps making bile, which now flows directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder first. Most people digest normally. Some notice looser stools after fatty meals for a few weeks, which usually settles as the body adjusts.
How long does it take to fully recover from gallbladder removal surgery?
After laparoscopic surgery most patients fully recover in two to four weeks. After an open cholecystectomy, full recovery usually takes four to six weeks.
How do I schedule a gallbladder surgery consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: general surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, appendectomy.
