Gallbladder removal surgery is a procedure that removes the gallbladder. This is usually due to painful gallstones or other gallbladder conditions and is often performed using minimally invasive keyhole surgery for quicker recovery. The surgery involves detaching the gallbladder from surrounding tissues with most patients resuming normal activities within weeks.
Gallbladder removal (sometimes known as cholecystectomy) is a medical procedure in which the gallbladder is surgically removed. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, and its primary function is to store bile produced by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of fats in the small intestine.
Who is it for?
The most common reason for gallbladder removal is to remove gallstones. These are hardened deposits of cholesterol that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause pain, inflammation, and other complications. In some cases, gallbladder removal may also be recommended for conditions such as gallbladder inflammation (also called cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, or (rarely) gallbladder cancer.
Symptoms of gallstones can include:
intense abdominal pain in the upper right of your abdomen
pain after eating (particularly foods containing fats)
heartburn
indigestion
excess wind
nausea and vomiting
high temperature
jaundice.
The decision to undergo gallbladder removal is usually based on the severity and recurrence of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history and may perform blood tests, urine tests, or scans.
Types of gallbladder operations
This procedure is usually performed in one of two ways:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: (laparoscopic keyhole surgery) is the most common method of removing gallstones. It is a minimally invasive approach. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a thin tube with a camera called a laparoscope is then used to help the surgeon remove the gallbladder. Recovery time is generally faster compared to open surgery and most patients can return home the same day.
Open surgery: In some cases, open surgery may be necessary, especially if laparoscopic surgery is not feasible or if there are complications during surgery. This involves the surgeon making a larger incision in the abdomen and then removing the gallbladder through this opening and dealing with any other issues that may arise. This type of surgery may involve a longer stay in hospital.
Private gallbladder surgery success rates and benefits
Gallbladder removal is a common and generally safe procedure. Most people can live a normal, healthy life without a gallbladder.
Benefits include:
pain relief
prevention of complications associated with gallstones such as inflammation, blockage, or pancreatitis
improved digestive system and less discomfort after eating
prevention of new gallstones.
Risks and complications
The procedure, especially when performed using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, is associated with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.
However, as with all surgical procedures, gallbladder removal surgery does come with certain risks:
excess bleeding
infections
blood clots
damage to bile duct causing leakage
damage to nearby organs
digestive changes such as increased bowel movements or occasional diarrhoea
adverse reaction to anaesthetic.
As you recover, it is normal to experience some side effects such as bloating, wind, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, and discomfort.
Hear from a past patient
“The service was amazing. Honestly, I think if it hadn’t have been for the speed I was treated in Birmingham, I would have lost my job.”
Rich Walker, gallbladder removal patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
You can expect to pay anything between £4,500-£7,000 for private gallbladder removal surgery in the UK.
At Practice Plus Group, we’re committed to honest, transparent pricing and pride ourselves on offering treatments at a lower price than our competitors. Gallbladder removal surgery at Practice Plus Group costs £6,649, plus £145 for the initial consultation and tests.
Ways to pay
There are 3 ways to access gallbladder removal surgery at Practice Plus Group:
If you are researching gallbladder removal surgery, you may have discovered the current wait for treatment on the NHS can be very long.
The maximum waiting time target for non-urgent consultant-led NHS treatments is around five months depending on your location in the UK. At Practice Plus Group, our average wait for private surgery is 4-6 weeks.
Gallbladder removal options – what to expect
Gallbladder removal surgery might seem like a daunting prospect, so we’ve broken it down into three sections. Each one details what happens before, during, and after the operation, so you know exactly what to expect.
Preparing for surgery
Before surgery, you will be booked in for a pre-assessment appointment. You’ll meet your dedicated surgeon and anaesthetist who will carry out any necessary tests. These may include scans and blood tests. This is your opportunity to talk about your general health and medical history, ask questions, and prepare yourself for the procedure. Once the clinician has assessed you, our team will arrange a date for surgery that works for you.
In the days and weeks before surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare your home. You’ll need to make sure it’s a suitable space for your recovery. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
You will usually be instructed to fast for a specific period before the surgery. This is done to ensure your stomach is empty which will reduce the risk of complications during anaesthesia. You should avoid wearing jewellery, makeup, or nail polish.
The procedure
For the surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the surgical technique used.
The operation is usually performed as keyhole surgery (where the surgeon makes several smaller incisions through which to pass through a small camera and surgical instruments).
Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen to create a space for the surgeon to work and to improve visibility.
The surgeon then carefully detaches the gallbladder from the liver and other surrounding structures. Once detached, the gallbladder is removed through one of the small incisions.
The incisions are then closed, usually with absorbable sutures and skin glue as a waterproof covering. Sometimes surgical stitches or staples may be required with dressings then applied to cover the wound until they are removed.
During an open cholecystectomy, a single, larger incision (often several inches long) is made in the upper-right side of the abdomen.
Gallbladder surgery recovery
For ‘keyhole’ laparoscopic surgery, you will usually go home the same day. For open surgery, you will likely need to stay in hospital for a few nights.
After surgery, you will be monitored until the effects of anaesthesia wear off. You will be advised on pain management and will be encouraged to move around as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the body to heal.
Most people can return to their normal routine within a week or two after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recovery from open cholecystectomy may take longer, with a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.
Meet our surgeons and consultants
At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class care.
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by the CQC.
Take a look at the answers to our most frequently asked gallbladder surgery questions below or contact our team for more information.
Pain experienced during and after gallbladder removal surgery can vary from person-to-person. Pain at the incision sites is common after gallbladder removal in the early period, but it is usually manageable with pain medications and resolves over time. Laparoscopic surgery typically results in less post-operative pain than open surgery due to the smaller incisions.
The immediate recovery period involves some discomfort, particularly when moving, coughing, or breathing deeply. Most patients experience significant improvement in their pain levels within a week or two.
Pain experienced during and after gallbladder removal surgery can vary from person-to-person. Pain at the incision sites is common after gallbladder removal in the early period, but it is usually manageable with pain medications and resolves over time. Laparoscopic surgery typically results in less post-operative pain than open surgery due to the smaller incisions.
The immediate recovery period involves some discomfort, particularly when moving, coughing, or breathing deeply. Most patients experience significant improvement in their pain levels within a week or two.
Several tests may be conducted to:
assess your overall health
identify any potential risks
help the healthcare team plan for the surgery.
This could include physical examinations, blood or urine tests, or imaging scans.
Gallbladder surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be unconscious and unaware of the surgical procedure.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. Open cholecystectomy can range from 1.5 to 3 hours or more.
While some people may need to have surgery relatively soon after being diagnosed with gallbladder issues, others may be able to delay the surgery for a period of time. This will depend on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, your overall health, and whether you have any complications that require urgent intervention.
It’s important to remember that people recover at different rates following surgery. However, most people can return to normal daily activities (including returning to work) within a week or two of having laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Open cholecystectomy may require a longer recovery period.
Sleeping after gallbladder surgery can be a bit challenging due to the discomfort around the incision area. Try elevating the upper body slightly with pillows. You should avoid sleeping on the same side as the incisions and take pain medication as prescribed. Your doctor will be able to help with more sleeping guidance and advice.
You may need to wait until your incisions are fully healed and any stitches or staples are removed. Talk to your healthcare provider about when it is safe to bathe or swim.
Most people can gradually resume a normal diet as their body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder. In the immediate post-operative period, some people may be advised to start on a liquid diet of water, broth, and clear juices. This may then progress to easily digestible foods such as yoghurt or soups.
The transition to a regular diet typically occurs over the first few days to a week. This will depend on how well you tolerate different food types. Prioritise low-fat and easily digestible foods to minimise stress on the digestive system.
If you’ve had keyhole surgery, this is usually within a few days or weeks. Follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare provider regarding when it’s safe for you to resume driving.
This depends on the nature of your job. Many people can return to deskwork duties within a week. Those with more manual roles may have to wait a little longer.
This depends on:
your symptoms
the severity of these symptoms
the underlying cause of the gallbladder issues.
Your healthcare provider can discuss the benefits and risks of gallbladder removal with you. They will also talk through the urgency based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about the timing of the surgery.
Private gallbladder surgery can cost anywhere from around £4,500 to £7,000. The procedure at Practice Plus Group costs £6,349 (plus £95 for the initial consultation).
This page has been medically reviewed and approved by Mr Mark Tomlinson, Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. He is a GMC-registered consultant surgeon (GMC: 3454138), with over 34 years of surgical experience and holds MBBS and FRCS qualifications. His specialist practice includes day-case general and vascular surgery, particularly varicose vein treatment, hernia repair, gallstone disease, and minor skin surgery, alongside laparoscopic procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, and adhesiolysis.
All content on this page is produced by the Practice Plus Group digital content team and clinically reviewed by consultant specialists to ensure accuracy, patient safety, and alignment with current UK clinical best practice. Content is approved under Practice Plus Group’s clinical governance framework.
Mark Tomlinson General Medical Council number: 3454138
This page is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in clinical evidence, surgical practice, and patient safety standards. The last clinical review was completed on 17/6/2026, with the next review scheduled for 17/06/2027.
Gallbladder surgery, Plymouth – kindness and efficiency
Thank you all so much for your kindness and efficiency, caring for me with my recent operation for gall bladder removal, I and my family so appreciate your hard work!
by Hilda PuttThursday February 2, 2023
Portsmouth – every member of staff was amazing
I attended [Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth] Treatment Centre on Sunday with my 7 year old daughter as she had broken her ankle and just wanted to feedback on our experience. The centre was exceptionally busy but every member of staff we encountered was amazing: positive, calm and just absolute stars! The situation could have easily felt really out of control with how busy it was but we were given regular updates to waiting times and to thank us for our patience. We were seen by a lovely woman on triage, the most smiley technician at x-ray and a doctor who took time to explain what was happening to my daughter. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do.
by AnonThursday February 2, 2023
Fantastic care
I would recommend Practice Plus Group and would use them again if I need to. So, so grateful to all of them.
by Fran TaylorTuesday October 18, 2022
Best hospital I have ever been in
This is the best hospital I have ever been in. The care and efficiency were excellent. My operation was conducted by a top class surgeon and anaesthetist who made me feel relaxed and secure. The team in the Kingfisher ward were kind and professional with good bedside manners and sense of humour. There were no delays in the treatment. My stay was made as comfortable as possible and I thank everyone involved. I am now recovering well.
by Iain Robertson, GoogleThursday February 2, 2023
