Gallbladder Surgery

Removing gallstones while leaving the gallbladder in place is not a practical option. The gallbladder itself creates the conditions that form stones — changes in bile composition, poor emptying, and inflammation. Even if stones could be removed, new ones would form. More importantly, leaving stones in place carries ongoing risk: stones can migrate into the common bile duct causing obstruction and jaundice, or block the pancreatic duct causing pancreatitis — a potentially life-threatening condition. Cholecystectomy removes the source of the problem and is the worldwide standard of care.

There is one FDA-approved medication — ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol) — that can partially dissolve certain types of cholesterol gallstones. However, it only works on small, non-calcified stones in a functioning gallbladder, requires 6 to 24 months of daily medication, has a success rate of roughly 35–50% in ideal candidates, and there is no reliable way to predict which patients will respond. Approximately half develop new stones after stopping the medication. Meanwhile, the gallstones remain — leaving you at ongoing risk of an acute attack, gallbladder infection, or gallstone pancreatitis. That risk does not pause for vacations, travel, holidays, or important events — situations where dietary control is difficult and access to your surgeon may not be available. For these reasons, surgery is far more effective and definitive for the vast majority of patients. Supplements marketed for “gallbladder flushes” or “gallstone cleanses” have no proven benefit and are not recommended.

No. There is no laser treatment for gallstones. Shockwave therapy (lithotripsy) — similar to kidney stone treatment — was studied for gallstones decades ago but was largely abandoned due to high recurrence rates and the need for months of oral medication afterward. Surgery to remove the gallbladder remains the most effective and reliable treatment.

Avoiding fat may reduce the frequency of attacks, but it is not a long-term solution. Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet — necessary for absorbing vitamins (A, D, E, K), producing hormones, maintaining cell membranes, and supporting brain function. A permanently fat-free diet is both nutritionally inadequate and extremely difficult to sustain. More importantly, dietary modification does not prevent complications — even with a careful diet, stones can shift and cause acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis at any time. Surgery removes the source of the problem and allows you to eat a normal, unrestricted diet.

The liver takes over. Your liver produces bile continuously — the gallbladder’s role was simply to store and concentrate it between meals. After removal, bile flows directly from the liver into the intestine. Most patients notice no difference in digestion at all. A small percentage experience temporarily looser stools, particularly after fatty meals, as the body adjusts. This usually improves within a few weeks and can be managed with dietary adjustments if needed. No supplements are required.

Gallbladder removal does not cause weight gain. Some patients actually find it easier to maintain a healthy weight because they are no longer avoiding food due to fear of attacks.

Most patients eat a light meal the evening of surgery. Start bland and low-fat, then gradually expand over 1–2 weeks. Most patients are eating normally within 3–4 weeks.

Gallstones cannot form in a gallbladder that has been removed. In rare cases, stones can form in the bile ducts themselves — if this occurs, they can be removed with ERCP (an endoscopic procedure performed by a gastroenterologist) without additional surgery.

Dr. Kakarla reviews your imaging (ultrasound, CT, or HIDA scan), examines you, and confirms the diagnosis. He explains your surgical options, answers your questions, and outlines the plan. The visit typically takes about 30 minutes. Most patients leave knowing whether surgery is recommended and when it can be scheduled. You are welcome to bring a family member or companion.

Yes. Gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia — you will be completely asleep and will not feel anything. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors you throughout. A TAP block (numbing injection in the abdominal wall) is performed during surgery to provide long-lasting pain relief after you wake up.

No. Do not shave the surgical area yourself — this can cause small nicks that increase infection risk. The surgical team handles any necessary hair removal with medical-grade clippers immediately before the procedure.

You can take a brief shower the same day as surgery — the Dermabond adhesive is water-resistant. However, do not soak in a bath, hot tub, or pool, and do not scrub or pick at the incisions until the Dermabond has sloughed off naturally (5–10 days).

No. Incisions are closed with Dermabond medical skin adhesive, which naturally sloughs off in 5–10 days. No stitches, staples, or follow-up visit just for wound care.

Most patients describe mild to moderate soreness that improves over the first few days. Right shoulder pain from the CO2 gas used during surgery is common and resolves within 48 hours — walking helps move the gas out. The TAP block provides significant relief for the first 12–24 hours. Most patients manage with Tylenol and ibuprofen.

Every removed gallbladder is sent to pathology for examination. Results take several working days and are reviewed with you at your follow-up visit. Most results confirm chronic inflammation, gallstones, cholesterolosis, or polyps. Unexpected findings are rare.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a safe dye injected through your IV during surgery. Under near-infrared light, it causes the bile ducts to glow, providing a real-time roadmap of the anatomy. In Dr. Kakarla’s robotic cases, ICG is routinely used as an additional visual aid beyond the standard critical view of safety technique.

In a small percentage of cases, severe inflammation or scarring may make it safer to complete the operation through a larger incision. This is a safety decision, not a complication. Recovery is longer but outcomes are excellent. Robotic surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of conversion compared to standard laparoscopic surgery.

The vast majority of patients have no long-term digestive issues. A small percentage develop looser stools, particularly after very fatty meals. This is usually mild and manageable with dietary adjustments or medication if needed.

This is a common concern that reflects a well-known pattern with online health information: patients who recover uneventfully — which is the vast majority — rarely post about their experience. Patients who have complications or prolonged symptoms are far more likely to seek out forums, write reviews, and share their stories. This creates a significant selection bias that makes complications appear far more common than they actually are. Cholecystectomy is one of the safest and most commonly performed operations worldwide, with serious complications occurring in a small minority of patients. Dr. Kakarla is happy to discuss any specific concerns during your consultation.

No. Gallbladder surgery does not involve mesh. The mesh lawsuits you see advertised relate to hernia mesh and vaginal mesh products — completely different procedures.

No. You can call our office directly to schedule an evaluation. You do not need to see your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist first, and you do not need any testing done before your visit — unless your specific insurance plan requires a referral.