Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)

Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in abdominal surgery. It is most often recommended for patients with gallstones, chronic or acute gallbladder inflammation, and complications involving the bile ducts.

Gallstones do not always cause symptoms, but in some patients they can lead to severe pain beneath the right rib cage, nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort, particularly after meals. In more serious cases, they may cause gallbladder inflammation, pancreatitis, or obstruction of the bile ducts.

When symptoms become frequent or the risk of complications increases, surgical removal of the gallbladder is considered the most effective long-term solution. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on a specialist consultation, ultrasound examination, and assessment of the patient’s overall health.

Today, most gallbladder procedures are performed using a laparoscopic, minimally invasive approach. Through several small incisions, a high-definition camera and specialized surgical instruments are introduced, allowing surgeons to perform the operation with exceptional precision while minimizing tissue trauma.

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less postoperative pain, a lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Patients are usually able to stand and walk within hours after surgery and return to their normal daily activities much sooner than after traditional open surgery.

Following gallbladder removal, most patients can resume their normal lifestyle without significant restrictions, apart from temporary dietary recommendations during the recovery period.