Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
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Surgery Referrals
Gallbladder surgery, called a cholecystectomy, removes the gallbladder. If your child has been diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder problems, this page explains what to expect. You will learn about which conditions require gallbladder removal, what gallbladder removal surgery is and what minimally invasive treatment involves. You’ll also find guidance on preparing for surgery, recovery, life without a gallbladder, and answers to common parent questions.
What gallbladder conditions require surgery?
Some children have gallbladder problems even without gallstones. These conditions can cause symptoms like belly pain, nausea, or vomiting and may require surgery if symptoms don’t improve.
- Gallstones form when bile becomes too concentrated with cholesterol or bilirubin, causing tiny crystals that can harden over time. If a stone blocks bile flow from the gallbladder, pressure builds up and symptoms—often after eating—can occur.
- Biliary dyskinesia happens when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. If testing shows poor function and symptoms continue, removing the gallbladder can help relieve discomfort.
- Acalculous cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation without stones, often caused by illness or infection. Doctors usually start with medicine, but surgery may be needed if symptoms worsen.
- Choledocholithiasis occurs when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, which can cause severe pain or jaundice. Treatment focuses on clearing the blockage and may include gallbladder removal to prevent future issues.
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction affects the muscle that controls bile flow and can mimic gallbladder pain. Most children don’t need surgery, but it may be considered if symptoms are severe and ongoing.
Types of Gallbladder Removal Approaches
Surgeons perform this surgery using three main approaches: Laparoscopic, Robotic, and Open. Your child’s symptoms, anatomy and overall health help guide the surgical team’s approach. Our CHOC team will recommend the safest and most appropriate option for your child.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the most common approach at CHOC and a minimally invasive technique designed to support a quick, comfortable recovery, often allowing children to go home the same day as surgery. It offers several benefits, including smaller incisions with less discomfort, a faster return to school and daily activities, a lower risk of infection, and minimal scarring that fades over time.
In this procedure, surgeons remove the gallbladder through 3 or 4 small incisions in the abdomen using a tiny camera and specialized instruments.
Your surgeon may recommend robotic cholecystectomy, which is similar to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but may have a longer operative time. Robotic cholecystectomy may be appropriate for certain patients based on the location of the gallstones and the surgeon’s preference.
Open surgery is rarely needed for children, but it may be recommended in certain cases, such as severe inflammation, scarring, or differences in gallbladder or bile duct anatomy. Because it involves a larger incision, recovery can take longer than minimally invasive surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a single incision on the upper right side of the abdomen.
Schedule a Surgical Evaluation at CHOC
If your child is experiencing symptoms of gallbladder disease or has been diagnosed with gallstones, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. CHOC’s pediatric surgeons specialize in minimally invasive gallbladder removal and are here to help you understand your child’s condition and treatment options. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, explain all recommendations clearly, and ensure your child receives safe, personalized care.
What to expect: Before, during, and after surgery
Surgery can feel overwhelming — for children and for parents. That’s why CHOC focuses on more than just the procedure. We deliver safe, advanced surgical care in a setting built for kids, with expert teams who support your entire family throughout the process. From your first consultation to recovery at home, our goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident and supported.
We will begin with a complete evaluation to confirm that surgery is the right step. Your child’s evaluation may include:
- Imaging (like an ultrasound or HIDA scan)
- Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation
- A review of your child’s health history and symptoms
If surgery is needed, your CHOC care team will create a personalized plan for your child, connect you with a child life specialist who explains the procedure in an age-appropriate way, assist with insurance, pre-authorization, and scheduling, and ensure your entire family feels informed and prepared every step of the way.
Surgery takes place in one of CHOC’s pediatric surgical centers, specially designed to meet the needs of children and teens.
During the procedure:
- Your child is cared for by pediatric-trained surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses
- Surgeons use minimally invasive tools whenever possible
- You will receive real-time updates while your child is in surgery
As soon as your child is stable in recovery, you’ll be reunited.
Most children go home the same day, while some may stay overnight depending on age, medical history or how they’re feeling after the procedure.
After surgery, your CHOC team will provide child-friendly pain management and comfort strategies, clear instructions for caring for incision sites, guidance on when your child can safely return to school and activities, and follow-up care to ensure proper healing.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Every child heals at their own pace, but here’s a general timeline for recovery after gallbladder removal:
- Between Days 1–2, your child may feel tired or sore and should rest at home. Light activity, like walking around the house, is encouraged.
- By 1 week, most children feel well enough to return to school or daycare. Your care team will check healing progress before giving the OK.
- By 2–3 weeks, most children return to physical activities, including recess, sports and gym class.
- By 4 weeks, nearly all children are fully recovered with no ongoing symptoms or restrictions.
When to call a doctor after surgery
Problems after gallbladder surgery are uncommon, but it is essential to know when to reach out for help. Early care can help prevent complications and support proper healing.
Contact CHOC if your child has:
- A fever over 101°F
- Redness, swelling or drainage around the incisions
- Ongoing or worsening abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting that won’t go away
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gallbladder Disease
Is gallbladder surgery safe for kids?
Yes. Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a common, safe procedure when performed by experienced pediatric surgeons using child-specific techniques.
Will my child have scars after gallbladder surgery?
Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery uses a few small incisions that typically heal well and fade over time.
Will my child need a special diet after surgery?
Most children return to a normal diet quickly. Some may temporarily limit fatty or greasy foods, but long-term restrictions are uncommon.
Can gallstones come back after surgery?
Rarely, stones can form in the bile duct after surgery. Symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure.
How long is the hospital stay after gallbladder surgery?
Most children go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be recommended.
What can my child expect after gallbladder removal surgery?
After gallbladder removal, digestion continues normally as bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. Some children may have temporary mild digestive changes, such as loose stools after fatty foods, but these usually improve over time and rarely require long‑term diet changes. Most children return to healthy, everyday lives without lasting adjustments, and your child’s care team will guide any short‑term needs if necessary.
Is gallbladder removal considered major surgery?
It is technically major surgery, but it’s also a routine, minimally invasive procedure with low risk and a smooth recovery for most children.
Resources for families considering surgery at CHOC
If you’re looking for more information as you navigate possible shoulder surgery at CHOC, these resources can help support your decision:
Contact Us
Our surgeons are available to provide immediate consultations and second opinions to families and referring physicians. We see patients at the following locations. Our main office is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and we respond to after-hours phone calls within 24 hours. Call us today at 714-364-4050 to discuss your child’s surgical needs.
Center for Children’s Health
Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, UCI…
Robert L. Tidwell Procedure Center at CHOC
Holmes Tower | 1201 W. La Veta Ave., 3rd Floor…
CHOC Clinic – Specialty Care
Building: Southwest Tower | 555 S. Main St. | Orange,…
CHOC Specialists Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery
Building: Southwest Tower | 555 S. Main St. | Orange,…
CHOC Health Center, Mission Viejo
26691 Plaza, Suite 130 | Mission Viejo, CA 92691
CHOC Health Center, Corona
854 Magnolia Ave – #101 | Corona, CA 92879 |…