Gallstone Removal with Gallbladder Preservation: What to Expect After Surgery

Preserving the gallbladder while removing stones is a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes for patients with gallstones. Most individuals can begin with sips of water and light movement within 6 hours after surgery, and resume a normal diet within 24 hours, allowing for a quick discharge from the hospital.

The reason for waiting 6 hours before drinking or walking is not due to significant surgical trauma, but rather the time needed for the body to metabolize the anesthesia. Anesthesia requires time to wear off completely, and premature activity could lead to complications, such as coughing while drinking or brief episodes of fainting when attempting to stand.

If there are no complications related to the anesthesia, patients can generally get up and walk shortly after the procedure. Recovery is usually smooth and does not require any special post-operative care. In summary, patients can expect to drink fluids and move around normally within 6 hours, and return to regular daily activities within 24 hours after the surgery.

This straightforward recovery process makes gallbladder-preserving stone removal a favorable option for many patients seeking a less invasive treatment.