What is a cholecystectomy?

Also known as: gallbladder removal, surgical removal of the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ attached to the liver that stores bile. When the gallbladder needs to be removed, the procedure is known as a cholecystectomy.

When is it recommended to remove a gallbladder?

Most gallbladder removals are performed in patients with gallstones in order to prevent future complications. If the gallbladder is not removed, the gallstones can block the gallbladder and cause cholecystitis, migrate outside the gallbladder, blocking the pancreatic duct causing pancreatitis or blocking the bile duct causing a severe infection.

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Reviewed by: Juan L Calisto, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM