Gall Bladder Removal

Alternate Names : Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

What happens right after the procedure?

After the operation, the individual is monitored in the surgical recovery room. After a laparoscopic procedure, about 50% of people are stable enough to go home directly from the recovery area. Some people will be kept overnight for observation. They may also need more time to recover from the effects of the anesthesia. Most people will be given pain and antinausea medicines to take home.

If the open approach is used, a person will need to spend a few days in the hospital. The difference between the two approaches is the amount of pain produced by the bigger incision. Open surgery usually needs stronger painkillers. These medicines are best delivered in the hospital. Open surgery also creates a longer period of recovery before returning to normal activities.