What to expect from tumour removal surgery for gallbladder cancer

The gallbladder sits beneath the liver, so the planned operation depends on tumour depth and spread into nearby structures. Surgery may involve removing the gallbladder alone or a portion of adjacent liver and regional lymph nodes. The surgeon may use keyhole or open surgery; the choice depends on safety, anatomy and the need to remove all visible tumour. Pathology examines the gallbladder and any removed tissue to guide the next treatment discussion.

After surgery, digestion usually continues because bile still travels from the liver into the intestine, although eating patterns and bowel habits can change while the body adapts. Your team will explain activity and diet instructions.

Share your medicine list and tell the team about jaundice, allergies, diabetes or other health conditions. Plan transport and help with meals, bathing and lifting. At home, keep the incision clean and follow instructions about walking, lifting and food. Take prescribed pain relief and attend appointments for wound checks and pathology results. Contact the team before starting supplements or changing medicines.

Call promptly for fever, increasing abdominal pain, a red or leaking wound, repeated vomiting, worsening yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools. Seek emergency help for severe pain with collapse, confusion, heavy bleeding or serious breathing difficulty.

Ask which organs or lymph nodes may be removed, whether the operation will be open or keyhole, how eating may change, and how long lifting is restricted. Ask when pathology will be discussed, whether more treatment may be recommended, and which abdominal symptoms require an urgent call.