Gallbladder Surgery

Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) usually require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Constant pain and other symptoms can make it difficult to wait for treatment. At Cleveland Clinic London, you don’t have to wait. Trusted specialists can provide consultations and perform surgery in as little as a few days.

If you have symptoms, you are likely to need gallbladder surgery. Removing the gallbladder offers curative treatment. At Cleveland Clinic London, you receive prompt, high-quality care from trusted consultants. Meet our gallbladder surgeons.

Highlights of our programme include:

• Expertise: Surgeons specialising in gallbladder disease, some with decades of experience, guide your care. We use laparoscopic techniques to remove the gallbladder through small incisions. This approach leads to a shorter, more comfortable recovery compared with traditional open surgery.
• Prompt access: We understand how gallbladder symptoms impact your life, which is why we can see patients at short notice. Same-day appointments are available when necessary, and we typically set a surgery date after just one visit. Our gallbladder surgeons operate seven days a week, enabling you to get relief quickly.
• Coordination: If you are currently in a local hospital for gallbladder symptoms, we can coordinate a timely transfer to Cleveland Clinic London. One phone call is all it takes to get started.
• Flexible payment options: Cleveland Clinic London makes it easy to pay for your care. We accept nearly all major private health insurance plans and offer a self-pay service. Read more about payment information.

If you have a diagnosis of gallstones or cholecystitis and symptoms, contact us to find out how we can help. 

Here’s how our programme works:

1. Contact us: You can reach our team by calling +44 20 3423 8875. We’ll gather information about your diagnosis, symptoms and health history. Also, let us know whether you need a transfer from another inpatient facility and your payment method.
2. Make an appointment: From the initial conversation, we determine whether a same-day or next-day appointment is necessary. If you are travelling a great distance, a virtual appointment may be an option.
3. Meet with a consultant: Your gallbladder surgeon explains what to expect, discusses the risks and benefits of removing your gallbladder (cholecystectomy) and answers your questions. You decide whether you want to move forward with surgery. 
4. Get additional testing: In some cases, you may need assessments, such as an ultrasound or blood tests, to move forward. These services are available on-site and typically within 24 hours.
5. Schedule surgery: We can perform a cholecystectomy urgently (within 24 hours) when necessary. If you’d like to wait, we schedule it for a time that better suits you.

Recovering From Cholecystectomy

Gallbladder removal often requires a short hospital stay — in many cases, less than one day. After you recover, you can go about your daily activities pain-free. You may only notice subtle changes once your gallbladder is gone, like difficulty digesting fatty meals.

After you return home, you’ll likely feel well enough to be up and about. But you may tire easily. It is essential to take it easy in the early stages of your recovery. Avoid strenuous physical activity during this time. Most people return to work and other daily activities within a few weeks. 

Learn More About Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Contact us or call +44 20 3423 8875 for more information about gallbladder surgery.

We make it easier to access expert care in the U.K. Read more about payment information, including options for self-pay and private medical insurance.