General Surgery
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Minimally invasive keyhole removal of the gallbladder to treat gallstones and gallbladder disease.
From £4,800
All-inclusive pricing
Laparoscopic Keyhole
Smaller incisions, faster recovery
Day Case Available
Home the same day in most cases
About This Procedure
What is a Gallbladder Removal?
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. It is used to treat gallstones — hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause severe pain (biliary colic), infection (cholecystitis) and complications affecting the bile duct. Removing the gallbladder is the definitive treatment and does not significantly affect digestion in the long term. At Optimised Care we perform laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy — the gold standard approach involving 3-4 small incisions, significantly less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery. Most patients go home the same day.
Common Question
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. The gallbladder is not an essential organ — it stores bile produced by the liver, but the liver continues to produce bile and release it directly into the small intestine after removal. Most people notice no difference in digestion after their gallbladder is removed. Some people experience looser stools in the first few weeks which usually settles. The vast majority of patients are glad they had the operation.
Wait Time Comparison
Mr. Mark Dunbar
General Surgery
“Had my gallbladder out on a Wednesday morning and was home by Thursday lunchtime. The all-inclusive price was exactly...”
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Admission
You arrive having fasted as directed. Your consultant confirms the surgical plan and your anaesthetist reviews your anaesthetic.
02
The procedure
Under general anaesthetic, 3-4 small incisions are made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen to create working space. A camera and instruments are inserted and the gallbladder is carefully dissected from the liver and removed through one of the incisions. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes.
03
Recovery and discharge
Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. You will need someone to drive you home. Wound care, diet advice and a follow-up appointment are provided.
389
gallbladder removals performed
97%
patient satisfaction
1
night average stay
3
weeks recovery
Key Benefits
Why choose private gallbladder removal?
→Definitive treatment for gallstones and gallbladder disease
→Eliminates gallstone pain and prevents complications
→Laparoscopic keyhole approach — minimal scarring
→Day case in most cases
→Fast access compared to NHS pathway
→All-inclusive pricing
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £4,800
Includes consultation, procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and one follow-up appointment.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
Recovery after gallbladder removal
Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally quick. Most patients return to light activities within a week and to normal work within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery including return to physical work and exercise typically takes 3-4 weeks. Some patients experience right shoulder tip pain in the first day or two — this is referred pain from the gas used during surgery and resolves quickly.
Day 1-2
Rest at home. Mild abdominal and shoulder tip discomfort. Light diet.
3-7 days
Return to light activities. Normal diet resumed gradually.
1-2 weeks
Return to desk work and driving.
3-4 weeks
Return to physical work and exercise. Follow-up with surgeon.
Gallbladder Removal is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
“Had my gallbladder out on a Wednesday morning and was home by Thursday lunchtime. The all-inclusive price was exactly what I paid — no surprises. Recovery was quicker than I expected.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for gallbladder removal — a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.
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