Surgery·Surgery
Cholecystectomy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Cholecystectomy is a surgery to remove the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile. Bile helps digest fats. The surgery is usually done when gallstones (hard deposits) cause pain or infection.
Key facts
- The gallbladder is not essential for a healthy life; you can digest food well without it.
- Most cholecystectomies are done using keyhole surgery (laparoscopic), which means small cuts and a quicker recovery.
- The surgery is one of the most common operations performed worldwide.
Yes, cholecystectomy is a very common surgery. Many people have their gallbladder removed each year, usually because of gallstones that cause symptoms.
It affects people who have problems with their gallbladder, particularly gallstones. This is more common in women, people over 40, those who are overweight, and people with certain medical conditions like diabetes or blood disorders.