How Long Is a Gallbladder Removal Operation? 1–2 Hours for Surgery, 4–6 Hours Total Hospital Time

A gallbladder removal operation lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
But when you factor in the full experience—prep, anesthesia, and early recovery—you’re looking at a half-day journey. Still, compared to the discomfort of recurring gallstones or infections, those couple of hours might be the most valuable ones you’ll ever spend in a hospital.

Gallbladder removal—formally known as a ​cholecystectomy​—is one of those surgeries that sounds more intimidating than it really is.

Gallbladder Removal Operation

Gallbladder Removal Operation: Around One to Two Hours

Most ​laparoscopic gallbladder removals​—that’s the minimally invasive kind with small incisions—take about one hour on average. The ​open cholecystectomy​, which involves a larger incision, can take up to two hours or slightly more depending on complexity.

And yes, that’s just the ​surgery time​. It doesn’t include prep, anesthesia, or recovery in the post-op room. So if you’re asking, ​*“How long will I be at the hospital?”*​—the total experience can stretch anywhere from ​4 to 6 hours​, sometimes longer if you’re admitted overnight.

What Actually Happens During the Operation?

Let’s walk through what that hour or two actually looks like.

You’ll first be given ​general anesthesia​, meaning you’re fully asleep. For laparoscopic procedures, surgeons make 3–4 small incisions—each less than a centimeter long—and insert thin instruments, including a camera that guides them on a screen. The gallbladder is gently detached from the liver and bile duct, then removed through one of those small openings.

In an ​open cholecystectomy​, surgeons make a single larger incision, usually below the right ribcage. This method takes longer, both for the operation itself and for healing afterward. It’s often used when there’s infection, scarring, or unexpected complications during a laparoscopic attempt.

Here’s the thing: sometimes, even a surgery that’s planned as laparoscopic can convert to an open one mid-procedure. It’s not a mistake—it’s a judgment call for patient safety.

How Long Are You Under Anesthesia for Gallbladder Surgery?

You’re typically under for about 1.5 to 2 hours total, depending on the surgical approach and complexity. Anesthesia doesn’t stop the moment the gallbladder is out—your team needs to make sure you wake up smoothly and safely.

If you’ve ever wondered why your anesthesia time feels longer than the “official” surgery time, that’s why. There’s a bit of setup, positioning, and careful monitoring before the first incision even happens.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Gallbladder Surgery: Timing and Recovery

The laparoscopic method is, by far, the most common. In fact, more than 90% of gallbladder surgeries today use this approach. Patients are up and walking within hours, often discharged the same day.

Open surgery, on the other hand, is the old-school route—necessary in certain cases but slower to recover from. Think of it as the difference between patching a tire versus replacing an entire wheel: same goal, different level of invasiveness.

What About Recovery Time for Women?

You’ll sometimes see people ask specifically about ​female gallbladder surgery recovery time​. In general, recovery timelines are the same for everyone, but women might experience slightly different post-op sensations—like bloating or hormonal fluctuations—especially if surgery interacts with menstrual timing.

It’s not that the surgery itself takes longer, but the recovery experience might feel different. Some women report fatigue or digestive changes lasting a few weeks, especially if they had pre-existing gallstones or inflammation.

Gallbladder Removal Recovery: The Real Timeline

If you’re picturing yourself bouncing back right after the operation, you might be in for a small surprise. Most patients start feeling mostly normal within 7 to 14 days after laparoscopic removal. That said, full internal healing can take a few weeks.

Here’s a rough timeline:

• Day 1–3: You’ll feel sore and tired. Some shoulder pain from the gas used during laparoscopy is normal—it dissipates quickly.
• Week 1: Most people can walk around, eat lightly, and perform small daily activities.
• Week 2: Many return to desk work or light duties.
• Week 4–6: You should be completely healed and cleared for exercise, lifting, or travel.

Australia’s health system—via sites like Healthdirect—recommends around 10–14 days off work for laparoscopic patients, and up to 6 weeks for open procedures.

How Long Do You Stay in Hospital After Gallbladder Removal?

If all goes smoothly with a ​laparoscopic cholecystectomy​, you’ll likely go home the same day. But if your surgeon switches to an open procedure, you might stay ​2 to 5 days​, depending on pain control and overall recovery.

And honestly, that hospital stay can sometimes be more mentally taxing than physical pain itself—especially when you’re counting down to your own bed.

What Happens If You Don’t Remove the Gallbladder?

A quick tangent that’s worth mentioning. Some people hesitate about surgery because they’re managing mild gallstones or trying to delay intervention. But leaving the problem untreated can lead to ​cholecystitis (inflammation)​, ​blockage of bile ducts​, or even ​pancreatitis​.

So, while it’s not always an emergency, it’s one of those “better sooner than later” scenarios.

How Long Does Gallbladder Surgery Last in Australia?

In Australia, the numbers are nearly identical to global averages:

• Laparoscopic surgery: Around 60–90 minutes
• Open surgery: 90–120 minutes
• Hospital stay: Same day to 2 days for laparoscopic; up to 5 days for open
• Recovery: About 1–2 weeks vs 4–6 weeks respectively

It’s a well-oiled system here—many hospitals run cholecystectomies as day procedures, supported by excellent postoperative care.

The Long-Term Picture: Life After Gallbladder Removal

Here’s the good news: most people live completely normal lives without a gallbladder. The liver continues to make bile; it just drips into the intestine continuously instead of being stored.

But—there’s always a “but”—a small fraction of patients experience what’s known as ​post-cholecystectomy syndrome​. It’s a fancy name for lingering bloating, mild diarrhea, or discomfort after eating fatty meals. Usually, these symptoms fade with time as the digestive system adjusts.

A few small tweaks can help:

• Eat smaller, low-fat meals for a few weeks
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods early on
• Stay hydrated and walk regularly to reduce bloating

Your body is remarkably adaptive—it learns a new rhythm faster than you might expect.

Common Myths About Gallbladder Surgery

Let’s clear a few up:

• “It’s a major surgery.” — Not always. Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is minimally invasive and often outpatient.
• “You’ll need months off.” — For most, a couple of weeks is enough.
• “You can’t eat normally again.” — Not true. Most people return to a regular diet after recovery.
• “You’ll gain weight.” — Some do initially, but it’s more related to diet changes post-surgery than the operation itself.

FAQs

1. How long does gallbladder removal surgery last?

Most laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries take about ​1 hour​, while open surgeries can take ​up to 2 hours​.

2. How long are you under anesthesia for gallbladder surgery?

You’ll be under general anesthesia for ​1.5 to 2 hours​, including preparation and wake-up time.

3. How long do you stay in the hospital after gallbladder removal?

Most patients go home the same day for laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery may require 2–5 days in the hospital.

4. How long is recovery time from gallbladder surgery?

Recovery from laparoscopic surgery takes about ​1–2 weeks​; open surgery can take ​4–6 weeks​.

5. Is gallbladder removal considered a major surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a routine, minimally invasive procedure and is not typically considered major. Open surgery, however, is more extensive and involves longer healing time.