Preparing for Gallbladder Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Good preparation makes gallbladder surgery smoother and less stressful. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to getting ready for your keyhole gallbladder removal.
Before the day of surgery
Your surgeon will confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound and arrange routine blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment. Tell the team about all your medications — some, such as blood thinners, may need to be paused. This is also the time to ask any questions about the operation.
The day before and the morning of surgery
A little organisation the day before makes the morning of surgery calm and straightforward:
- Follow the fasting instructions you are given (usually no food for several hours before)
- Take only the medicines you are told to take, with a sip of water
- Remove jewellery and nail polish; wear comfortable clothing
- Bring your reports, medication list and insurance details
- Arrange for someone to take you home, as you will have had an anaesthetic
What to expect on the day
You will be admitted, reviewed by the anaesthetic team, and taken for surgery, which usually takes 30–60 minutes. Afterwards you will recover on the ward, start eating and drinking, and most patients go home the same day or the next morning with clear after-care advice.
Learn more about Gallbladder Surgery with Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma, or book a consultation.
This article is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice. Please consult Dr Verma for guidance specific to your condition.