Is Gallbladder Surgery Considered a Major Procedure?

Gallbladder surgery is generally not classified as a major operation. Today, the most common method for treating gallbladder inflammation is minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This technique involves making 2-3 small incisions, typically between 5mm to 1cm in size, on the abdominal wall. These small openings significantly reduce trauma to the body and allow for quicker recovery times.

However, due to the gallbladder's unique anatomical position—located beneath the liver in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen—there is a risk of complications during surgery. The gallbladder is close to several vital organs, including the liver, common bile duct, duodenum, stomach, and the hepatic flexure of the colon. In cases where inflammation has caused the gallbladder to adhere to surrounding tissues or organs, there is a higher chance of unintentional injury during the procedure.

Possible complications include damage to the common bile duct, liver, stomach, or intestines, which may result in serious issues such as gastrointestinal perforation. If severe adhesions are discovered during the operation, the surgeon may need to switch from laparoscopic surgery to an open procedure. This traditional approach involves a longer incision along the right upper abdomen or under the ribcage and typically results in a longer recovery period and greater postoperative discomfort.

Despite these potential risks, laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a widely performed and generally safe procedure. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within a week following the surgery. The minimally invasive nature of the operation contributes to reduced pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal activities compared to open surgery.