Surgery for gallbladder cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for early gallbladder cancer. There are different types of operation to remove the cancer.

You have tests before your operation to check that you are well enough for a general anaesthetic and that you'll make a good recovery.

You usually go into hospital on the same day or the day before your gallbladder cancer operation. You may stay in hospital for about 10 days, depending on the type of surgery.

You may wake up in the intensive care unit or a high dependency recovery unit after your operation. Your treatment team monitor you and help you recover whilst you are in the hospital.

There is a risk of problems (complications) after any operation. Possible problems after surgery for gallbladder cancer include leakage of bile and infection.