How Long Does Gallbladder Removal Surgery Take?

Is gallbladder removal, medically referred to as a cholecystectomy, considered a major surgical procedure? Cholecystectomy, while a common surgical intervention, is not one that doctors typically undertake hastily. It qualifies as a major surgery due to the presence of significant risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. Nevertheless, in the majority of instances, patients can expect to be discharged on the same day as the surgery. This outpatient approach has become the norm for cholecystectomy cases.

What is the level of discomfort typically experienced after gallbladder surgery? Generally, gallbladder surgery is associated with relatively low levels of pain. Following the procedure, patients may experience some soreness in their abdomen, as well as at the small incision sites. Additionally, it’s common for some patients to feel shoulder pain during the first day or two after surgery. This shoulder pain can be attributed to residual gas that remains in the abdomen from the surgical operation. Overall, while there is discomfort, it is usually manageable, and the specific sources of this discomfort can be explained by gas retention and the surgical incisions.