In open gallbladder surgery, also called open cholecystectomy (say "ko-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-mee"), the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a single, large cut (incision) in the belly.
The surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. You will be asleep.
The surgeon will make the incision either under the right rib cage or in the middle of the upper part of the belly (between the belly button and the end of the breastbone).
Surgeons do most open gallbladder surgeries after trying first to remove the gallbladder with laparoscopic surgery. A few people have conditions that make open gallbladder surgery the best choice.
After surgery, bile flows from the liver (where it is made) through the common bile duct. It then flows into the small intestine. Your body will work fine without a gallbladder.
What To Expect
After open surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a day or two. And it may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your normal routine.
You will probably feel weak and tired for several days after you return home. Your belly may be swollen. You may have gas or need to burp a lot at first. A few people get diarrhea. It usually goes away in 2 to 4 weeks. But it may last longer.
Be as active as you can. This can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many. Follow your doctor's instructions for when you can start doing more strenuous activities, such as biking or jogging.
You may want to avoid fatty foods like fried foods or cheese for a while. They can cause symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.
Why It Is Done
Several health conditions may lead to surgery to remove the gallbladder. For example, you may need open surgery if you:
- Have severe inflammation of the bile duct or gallbladder.
- Have an inflamed abdominal lining (peritonitis).
- Have high pressure in blood vessels in the liver (portal hypertension). This is caused by cirrhosis of the liver.
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Have a bleeding disorder or use medicines to prevent blood clotting (blood thinners or anticoagulants).
- Have scar tissue from previous belly surgeries.
Rarely, the surgeon may need to switch from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery because of some of the problems listed above.
How Well It Works
Surgery to remove a gallbladder and gallstones is safe and effective. It does not remove stones in the common bile duct. Rarely, gallstones can form in the common bile duct years after the gallbladder is removed.
Risks
The possible complications of open gallbladder surgery include:
- Infection of an incision.
- Bleeding.
- Injury to the common bile duct.
- Injuries to the liver, intestines, or blood vessels in the belly.
- Bile that leaks into the belly.
- Blood clots or pneumonia related to the longer recovery period after open surgery.
- Risks of general anesthesia.
After gallbladder surgery, some people keep having belly symptoms, such as pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea (postcholecystectomy syndrome).
Credits
Current as of: February 27, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
