Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most common elective surgeries worldwide — performed laparoscopically through small keyhole incisions with rapid recovery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy — keyhole removal of the gallbladder — is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease (biliary colic, cholecystitis, and choledocholithiasis), gallbladder polyps with malignant features, and biliary dyskinesia. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Korea and globally.
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are very common — affecting approximately 10–15% of the adult population. They are particularly common in middle-aged women, those with obesity, rapid weight loss, high-fat diets, and in those with certain genetic predispositions. In Korea, dietary westernisation, rising obesity rates, and an ageing population have contributed to an increasing burden of gallstone disease in recent decades. Not all gallstones cause symptoms — incidentally detected 'silent' gallstones do not routinely require surgery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed under general anaesthesia through 3–4 small incisions (5–10mm). CO2 gas is used to create working space in the abdomen. The gallbladder is identified, the cystic duct and cystic artery divided and clipped, and the gallbladder removed through one of the port sites. The procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. Dietary restrictions post-operatively are minimal — a low-fat diet is advised for the first few weeks while the biliary system adjusts. Long-term, the liver continues to produce bile — it simply drips continuously into the small intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder.
Key Points
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) approach: smaller incisions, faster recovery than open surgery
- Day surgery in many cases — most patients discharged within 24 hours
- Return to light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 2–4 weeks
- Low-fat diet advised for first 2–4 weeks post-operatively
- ERCP may be needed before surgery if bile duct stones present
- Available at general and university hospitals nationwide
When to See a Doctor
- Right upper quadrant pain after fatty meals (biliary colic)
- Fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain (acute cholecystitis — urgent assessment)
- Gallstones found on ultrasound with recurrent symptoms
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025