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Gallbladder Removal Surgery at HJE
Gallbladder removal surgery, or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure aimed at removing the gallbladder through small incisions. This technique is often recommended for treating gallstones that cause pain or infections (cholecystitis). By opting for a laparoscopic approach, patients benefit from shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and significantly less pain compared to traditional open surgery.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a role in digestion by storing bile. However, gallstones – small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder – can cause blockages, leading to pain, infection, or inflammation. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. When these symptoms impact your quality of life, laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides a safe and effective solution.
If you’re suffering from gallstones, cholecystitis, or other gallbladder-related issues, you can get fast access to our specialist surgeons who use advanced laparoscopic techniques to ensure the procedure is as precise and comfortable as possible. With rapid access to consultation, surgery and aftercare in our private London facility, we’re committed to helping you get back to feeling your best — quickly and safely.
Gallbladder Removal Surgeons in London
Our experienced consultants specialise in laparoscopic gallbladder removal and provide expert, personalised care — from your initial consultation through to post-operative recovery — ensuring safe, effective treatment in one of London’s leading private hospitals.
How Much Does Private Gallbladder Removal Surgery Cost?
from £6,295*
The cost of private Gallbladder Removal starts from £6,295* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
FAQs about Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Before surgery, you’ll attend a thorough pre-assessment with our dedicated team. This includes blood tests to assess your overall health, imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) to evaluate your gallbladder, and heart and lung function tests to ensure you’re fit for general anaesthesia. A full review of your medications will also take place, and your team will advise on any changes needed ahead of surgery.
When you arrive, our staff will guide you to your room, where you’ll change into a gown. A nurse will check your vital signs and review your medical history. You’ll then meet your anaesthetist to discuss the plan for general anaesthesia. An IV line will be inserted into your arm or hand to administer fluids and medications during surgery.
Your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen and insert a laparoscope—a thin tube with a camera—along with surgical instruments. Guided by images from the laparoscope, your surgeon will remove the gallbladder. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue to minimise scarring.
After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where our nurses will monitor you closely. It’s normal to feel some discomfort—our team will provide pain relief to keep you comfortable. You’ll be encouraged to rest while your body recovers from the anaesthesia.
Yes, recovery is generally quicker than with open surgery. Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, and our team is always on hand to support you throughout your recovery.
The price of gallbladder removal surgery is from £6,295*
Medically reviewed by Professor Lee Dvorkin - MD FRCS (Gen Surg) on 27/04/2024