Gallbladder surgery for gallstones in Vienna

Gallbladder and gallstones

The gallbladder lies in the right upper abdomen at the lower edge of the liver. It stores bile, which is produced in the liver and helps digest fats in the small intestine. Depending on the composition of the bile, crystals can form and gallstones can develop from them.

When should the gallbladder be removed?

Gallstones are very common and need not cause any problems. However, they can cause symptoms:

• cramp-like upper abdominal pain (biliary colic)
• inflammation of the gallbladder with pain and fever
• stones in the common bile duct that block drainage into the duodenum – this can trigger inflammation of the pancreas, which can be life-threatening

As soon as gallstones cause symptoms, the entire gallbladder should be removed (cholecystectomy). Removing only the stones or crushing them from the outside has not proven effective and is not recommended.

The operation

In almost all patients, the gallbladder can be removed laparoscopically (keyhole method). A camera and fine instruments are inserted through several small skin incisions of 5–12 mm. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about half an hour.

Some patients can leave hospital just a few hours after the operation; if recovery is uncomplicated, discharge is often possible within one to two days.

Life without a gallbladder

You can manage well without a gallbladder: even without this reservoir, the liver produces enough bile for fat digestion. A special diet is not necessary either directly after the operation or later, and new gallstones are very unlikely after removal.

You should limit sport and physical exertion somewhat in the first two to three weeks. Depending on your occupation, you will be unable to work for between two days and two weeks.

Frequently asked questions