You've had painful attacks caused by gallstones. To treat the problem, your doctor wants to remove your gallbladder. This surgery is called a cholecystectomy. Taking out the gallbladder can ease pain. It will also help stop future attacks. You can live a healthy life without your gallbladder. You may also be able to go back to eating foods you liked before your gallbladder problems started.

To get ready:

• Tell your doctor what medicines you take. Include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Also include vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Tell them if you take prescription blood thinners. This includes warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin.
• Have any tests that your doctor asks for, such as blood work or imaging.
• Follow all directions you're given for not eating or drinking before your surgery. You may need to take some medicine with sips of water. Talk with your doctor.
• You'll be asked to sign an informed consent document. Signing the form means that you understand the surgery. It means that you agree to the procedure. Be sure all of your questions are answered before you sign the form.

When you arrive, you'll get ready for surgery:

• An I.V. (intravenous) line will be put into a vein in your arm or hand. This gives you fluids and medicine.
• An anesthesiologist will talk with you about anesthesia. This is medicine used to prevent pain. You'll get general anesthesia. This puts you into a deep sleep during the procedure.

There are two methods for taking out the gallbladder. Your doctor will choose which way is best for you:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is most common. During surgery, two to four small cuts (incisions) are made. A thin tube with a camera is used. This is called a laparoscope. The scope is put through one of the cuts. It sends images to a video screen. Tiny tools for surgery are put through other cuts. The gallbladder is taken out using the scope and these tools.
• Open cholecystectomy. One larger incision is made. The surgeon sees and works through this cut. Open surgery is most often used when scarring or other factors make it a better choice for you.

In some cases, the doctor may need to change from laparoscopic to open surgery during the procedure.

You'll be sent to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. You'll likely go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay is needed. If you had open cholecystectomy, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

When you're released to go home, have a family member or friend ready to drive you. If you're told to take medicines after surgery, do so as told. If you're told to do breathing exercises, do them as advised. You'll be scheduled for a follow-up visit.

All surgeries have risks. The risks of gallbladder surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to the common bile duct or nearby organs
• Blood clots in the legs
• Bile leaks
• Hernia at the incision site
• Pneumonia

Contact your surgeon if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.
• Redness, pain, or fluid leaking at the incision site.
• A yellow color to your skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Severe pain or cramping in your belly.
• Vomiting that continues, and you're unable to keep down fluids.
• No bowel movement within three days.
• Trouble urinating.
• Mild or short-term rectal bleeding.
• Swelling in one leg or both legs.

Call 911 if you have:

• Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• A lot of bleeding, or bleeding for a long time.