Treatments
Gallbladder Removal in India
Quick answer
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) takes out the gallbladder to treat painful gallstones and their complications. Most operations are keyhole, with open surgery reserved for difficult cases. Hospital stay is usually one or two days for keyhole surgery, and many patients fly home within about a week.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
Cost of gallbladder removal in India
Hospital-listed package prices range from $459 to $3,658 across 1 source (latest 2026). The final figure depends on the hospital, room category, implants and length of stay; every quote we send is in writing from the hospital.
| Hospital / source | City | Price | Includes | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Published estimate | Hyderabad | $459–$3,658 | Consultations, diagnostics, surgeon/theatre, anaesthesia, consumables, hospital stay, medications, follow-up (components listed; not… | 2026 |
Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder. Many cause no symptoms. When they cause pain, infection or pancreatitis, removing the gallbladder is the usual treatment.
Life without a gallbladder is normal for most people. Bile flows directly from the liver to the gut. Some people notice changes in digestion of fatty food for a while.
Approaches: standard, keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic
Open cholecystectomy through a larger cut under the ribs is now used mainly when keyhole surgery is unsafe, such as severe inflammation or scarring. Laparoscopic surgery is the standard for most patients, with less pain and quicker recovery. Robotic surgery offers enhanced precision in selected cases.
Who needs gallbladder removal
- Repeated gallstone pain
- Inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Gallbladder polyps above a certain size
- Stones in the bile duct after clearance by ERCP
How it is done
- General anaesthesia is given.
- The gallbladder is reached through keyhole ports or an open incision.
- The bile duct and artery to the gallbladder are identified.
- These are clipped and divided.
- The gallbladder is separated from the liver and removed.
- The wounds are closed.
Before you travel to India
- Ultrasound showing gallstones
- Liver function tests
- MRCP if bile duct stones are suspected
- Medicine list
- Plan for an attendant if needed
Recovery and flying home
- Hospital stay is usually one or two days for keyhole surgery
- Open surgery needs longer
- Many patients fly home within about a week
- Return to work within a week or two after keyhole surgery
- Follow-up review for histology results
Risks
- Bile leak
- Bile duct injury, which is uncommon but serious
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Digestive changes
Alternatives
- Observation for silent gallstones
- Medicines to dissolve stones, which rarely work
- ERCP for bile duct stones only
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for gallbladder removal
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Continental HospitalsHyderabad
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams RoadChennai
Specialists
Dr Adarsh ChaudharyMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram- Dr Vivek VijFortis Hospital, Noida / Fortis Escorts Okhla / FMRI Gurugram
Dr Aditya J NanavatiFortis Hospital, Mulund- Dr Deepak SubramanianMGM Healthcare (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital)
Dr Sadiq Saleem SikoraSakra World Hospital- Dr Venugopal BLisie Hospital
Frequently asked questions
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Bile still flows from the liver into the gut. Most people have no long-term problems, though some notice looser stools for a while.
Do I need to change my diet after surgery?
Usually not for the long term. Some people avoid very fatty meals in the first weeks. Your digestion generally settles.
Why would a surgeon choose open surgery?
Open surgery is chosen when severe inflammation, scarring or unclear anatomy makes keyhole surgery unsafe. Sometimes a keyhole operation is converted midway. Safety is the priority.
Should gallstones without symptoms be removed?
Usually not, as many never cause trouble. Exceptions include some polyps, a porcelain gallbladder or certain high-risk groups. Your surgeon will advise.
How soon can I fly home after cholecystectomy?
After keyhole surgery, most patients are cleared within about a week. Open surgery needs longer. Walk often during the flight to reduce clot risk.
Sources
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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