How Much Does Gall Bladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) Cost?

What Is Gall Bladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)?

A cholecystectomy is a surgical healthcare procedure performed to remove the gall bladder.  The gall bladder is a pouch-like organ located behind the right ribs, connected to the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to the duodenum (gut).  Open cholecystectomy and keyhole cholecystectomy are two methods of gall bladder removal.  

Who Requires a Cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is required when stones form in the gall bladder, causing fever, jaundice, or blockage of the bile ducts.  While a keyhole cholecystectomy is usually preferred, an open cholecystectomy is required if the patient is pregnant, has severe inflammation, or has abdominal scars from earlier operations.  A viable alternative is swallowing a special flexible telescope that may remove stones in the gall bladder.  

What Happens in a Cholecystectomy?

In keyhole cholecystectomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia and the surgeon makes three half-inch cuts in the stomach and one in the navel.  The surgeon inserts a telescope-like instrument (laparoscope) through one of the cuts to get a view of the internal organs.  Using special instruments inserted through the other cuts, the surgeon frees the gall bladder and removes it through the navel cut.  After stitching up the wounds, healthcare providers will supply painkillers, and the patient can return home the next day.  In most cases, the patient can resume regular activities in ten days.  In open cholecystectomy, one cut is made below the right ribs.  The gall bladder and stones in the bile ducts are removed through this cut and the wound is stitched up. The post-operative hospital stay will last five days and medication is supplied to manage any pain.  Frequent fatigue can be expected for the first few weeks, and all regular activities may be resumed in two months.

To compare the cost of gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy) by country, consult our medical tourism pricing guide.