What is gallbladder removal surgery?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder through three or four small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope (thin camera) and specialist instruments are inserted through the incisions, and the surgeon uses the camera view to carefully detach and remove the gallbladder. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one night in our hospital.
The gallbladder is not essential to normal digestion; after removal, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. Open (non-laparoscopic) surgery may be required in some cases, such as where the gallbladder is severely inflamed or previous abdominal surgery makes keyhole access difficult, but this is uncommon. Our consultant surgeons are based at our hospital in St John’s Wood (NW8) and treat patients from across London.
Who is gallbladder removal surgery suitable for?
Gallbladder removal is typically recommended when:
- You have gallstones that are causing recurrent episodes of pain (biliary colic)
- You have had an episode of acute cholecystitis (infection or inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Gallstones have caused pancreatitis or are blocking the bile duct
- You have been advised by a specialist that conservative management is no longer appropriate
Your consultant will review your symptoms, blood tests and imaging (usually an ultrasound) before recommending surgery. In many cases, patients are referred following an emergency admission or GP referral for recurrent symptoms
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
Private gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £6,295*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs and the surgical approach used.
*Please note that this guide price covers hospital charges and excludes consultant, anaesthetist and diagnostic fees. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking, as prior authorisation is usually required for surgical procedures.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
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