About
Sometimes small stones called gallstones forms inside your gallbladder. These often cause no symptoms and you may not even know you have them. However, they can sometimes block the flow of bile and irritate your gall bladder (acute cholecystitis) or pancreas (acute pancreatitis).
If you get these conditions, the symptoms are:
- sudden, very severe tummy pain
- nausea and vomiting
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Surgery to remove the gall bladder (cholecystectomy) is the most effective treatment option.
You can live without a gallbladder as your liver will still make bile.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
Your GP or consultant will assess your condition and depending on your symptoms (especially if your gallstones are causing pain), a cholecystectomy will be carried out.
There are two types of cholecystectomy – laparoscopic (keyhole) and open. This type of operation is usually carried out laparoscopically, however, upon discussion with your consultant, and depending on your condition, it may be planned that you have an open cholecystectomy, which is a larger cut in your abdomen, to remove your gallbladder.
Compared to keyhole surgery, the recovery time for open surgery is usually longer. -
How to prepare icon plus
Open cholecystectomy is generally a very safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
Open cholecystectomy is carried out under a general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep during the provedure. Afterwards, the area will be closed with stitches or staples.
We will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery. -
Afterwards icon plus
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery unit, where our dedicated team will look after you. You will be given pain relief medication if needed.
After your open cholecystectomy, you will usually be required to stay in hospital for three to five days. Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital.
You will be advised on how to manage your recovery and when you can get back to your usual daily routines, but most people make a full recovery within six to eight weeks. Some patients may also experience bloating or diarrhoea after surgery, which usually improves within a few weeks.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 3130 6833
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 020 3131 7478
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments and Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments. 020 7234 2773
Switchboard 020 7407 3100 -
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London
W1G 8BJ
Appointments 020 7034 8181
Enquiries 020 3131 7962
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Appointments 020 7811 4000
Enquiries 020 3131 4978
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5AH
Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200 -
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Call 020 3813 9497
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Call 020 3131 5319
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
All of our upper GI and colorectal consultant are at our Chiswick clinic on Saturdays
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.