Gallbladder surgery

Days before surgery

Medication and supplements

• Some medication will need to be withheld before surgery.

• Bring your regular medications in their original packaging to the hospital, and follow instructions on which ones to take on the day of surgery.

Special considerations

• Notify us if you develop a cough, infection, or any change in health in the week before surgery.

• Arrange help at home for the first few days after surgery, especially for transportation, meals, and household tasks.

• Plan not to drive for a week after surgery, so arrange for transport and assistance as needed.

• It is normal to feel anxious. Bring something to help you relax, such as headphones, music, or a book.

The day before surgery

• Shower or bathe the night before or morning of surgery.

• Do not shave the surgical area; this will be done by the surgical team if needed.

• Eat a light meal the evening before and avoid alcohol after 8pm.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless instructed otherwise (some medications may be taken with a sip of water).

The day of surgery

• Remove all jewellery, piercings, make-up, and nail polish before coming to the hospital.

• Wear comfortable clothing and bring any hearing aids or glasses you may need.

• You may wish to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, and drive you home.

• Arrive at the hospital at the specified time and bring all necessary paperwork and identification.

When do I arrive?

You will be required to arrive at the hospital a few hours before surgery so that the hospital staff can be prepared for the operation.

• If you have a morning operation, arrive at the hospital at 7am. Do not have any food or drink after midnight prior (do not have breakfast).

• If you have an afternoon operation, arrive at the hospital at 11am. Have your last Optifast no later than 8am and drink only water until 10am. Do not have anything after 10am.

General recovery timeline

• First week: Focus on rest, wound care, and gentle movement.

• Two to four weeks: Gradually return to full activities.

• After the second week: Most patients are back to full activity.

Wound care

• Your wounds will usually have dissolving sutures and will be covered in a waterproof dressing. Keep your wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this period, you may shower, but avoid submerging the incision in water (baths, swimming) for 2 weeks.

• Inspect the dressing after showering. The waterproof dressing may become wet or loose. If this happens, you may remove it, but try not to disturb the sticky plaster dressing underneath, which is adhered to the wound. This plaster normally falls off after about 2 weeks.

• Do not apply ointments, antiseptics, or powders to the incision. Simply keep it clean and dry.

• Monitor for signs of infection: Notify your surgical team if you notice excessive redness, drainage, swelling, or increasing pain at the incision site.

Pain relief

Take prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s normal to require this for the first 3 to 5 days.

For more information about pain relief medication, download the gallbladder surgery guide below.

Activity and mobility

• Early movement is encouraged: get up and walk as soon as you are able, even on the day of surgery. Walking helps prevent blood clots, improves breathing, and speeds up recovery.

• No absolute bed rest is needed; staying active helps your recovery.

• You may resume driving when you can perform an emergency stop without pain, usually after 3 to 5 days.

Bowel Care

• Constipation is common after gallbladder surgery. Use over-the-counter laxatives (e.g., Metamucil, Lactulose, Coloxyl) if needed, and do not hesitate to take them preventively for the first few days.

• Stay hydrated and eat foods high in fibre to help prevent constipation.

Diet

No strict dietary restrictions unless otherwise instructed.

Medications

Take your medications exactly as prescribed on your medication discharge instruction sheet. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, all of your medications and vitamins can be swallowed as they are given. Alternatively you may crush tablets, use chewable or liquid forms.

For more information about post-op medications, get in touch or download the gallbladder surgery guide below.

Contact Dr Flint at the rooms or your GP if you experience:

• Fever above 38°C.

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

• Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication.

P. 03 375 4480

For more information, download the reflux surgery guide below.

I am an independent surgeon, but I operate out of St George’s Hospital, one of Christchurch’s leading healthcare facilities. Enjoy comfortable surroundings and the support of dedicated nursing staff delivering quality care throughout your stay.

Gallbladder surgery usually requires a 1-night stay.

It depends on the type of medication. Here is a pre-op guide to find out more. If you have any doubt or further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or your GP.

Here is an indicative cost for a lap cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder): $11,684 to $14,580.

Note that this price is indicative.

Most of the surgeries I perform are covered by your insurance* or ACC. Please check your health insurance plan to confirm the extent of your cover.

*All insurance providers are accepted.

Visit the FAQs if you have more questions, or get in touch with me for any other concerns.