Gallstones and gallbladder removal

Gallbladder stones can trigger severe pain attacks and are a serious condition that needs to be treated by professional gastrointestinal surgeons. At Capio, we offer to remove the gallbladder and thus also the stones, leaving you pain-free and preventing the condition from recurring.

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Why do gallstones occur?

Gallstones form in the gallbladder. The stones can cause gallstone colic with pain under the right rib cage, possibly radiating to the back. Nausea and vomiting may be associated with the colic.

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the bile's content of cholestorol, calcium and bile dyes. The stones can vary greatly in appearance and size - from a few millimeters (called gravel) to stones that fill the entire gallbladder. Gallstones can cause complications such as gallbladder inflammation. In addition, they can also cause blockage of the bile ducts with subsequent development of jaundice and risk of inflammation of the bile ducts and liver.

Gallstone treatment

Treatment for recurrent gallstone pain is most commonly surgery. Since gallstones almost always form in the gallbladder itself, the surgeon removes the entire gallbladder and not just the stones. This prevents new gallstones from forming. Only in very rare cases can stones form in the bile ducts themselves.

Patient information

Gallbladder removal - surgery

Before surgery

During the preliminary examination, the surgeon will perform a clinical examination. If you haven't already had an ultrasound scan, the surgeon will initiate it, as gallbladder stones need to be detected before any surgery. In addition, you will need blood tests to check the function of your liver.

The surgery itself

Before the surgery begins, you will receive an injection to prevent blood clots and antibiotics to prevent infection. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 1 hour. The surgeon makes 4 small incisions of about 0.5-1 cm. Through the small incisions, 4 thin tubes are inserted and the operation is performed. The gallbladder with the stones is exposed and removed and the 4 small incisions are closed with nylon thread and 4 patches are applied.

Various conditions can make the surgery difficult so that it can't be performed as a telescopic operation (although this is only the case in less than 5% of cases). Examples include previous surgery or severe inflammation around the gallbladder. In these cases, it may be necessary to use a larger surgical incision under the right rib cage. This may result in prolonged hospitalization due to an increased tendency to pain, nausea and vomiting. Our surgeons will make sure to find the right treatment for your specific case.

After surgery

You may experience abdominal pain after surgery, mainly corresponding to the 4 small incisions and most pronounced at the navel wound. Some patients also experience pain under the right rib cage or in the shoulder. The pain can be treated with mild painkillers, which you are advised to take for the next 3 days. Gallbladder removal does not cause any changes in digestion and you can eat whatever you want after the surgery.

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