Gallbladder Removal Surgery in Delhi: Procedure, Options, Recovery and Cost (2026)
Surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, is the standard treatment for gallstones that cause pain or complications. In most patients it is done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). This guide explains when gallbladder removal surgery is needed, what happens during the operation, how recovery goes, and what it costs at THE CLINICS in South Delhi.
Gallbladder removal surgery cost at THE CLINICS
At THE CLINICS, laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery is offered as an all-inclusive package of about ₹75,000 to ₹1,10,000. This is an all-inclusive package covering the surgery, hospital stay and standard consumables. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient. The package depends on the room category and the length of stay. Insurance facilities available.
The package covers the surgery (surgeon, anaesthesia and operation theatre), the hospital stay in the chosen room category and standard consumables
The room category and the length of stay decide where the package falls in the range
Why is the gallbladder removed, and not just the stones?
Stones form because of how bile is made and stored in the gallbladder. If only the stones were taken out, new stones would usually form again. Removing the gallbladder treats the problem. Bile still flows from the liver into the intestine through the bile duct, so digestion continues normally in most people.
When is surgery of gallbladder removal needed?
Repeated pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen after meals (biliary colic)
An attack of acute cholecystitis (an inflamed, infected gallbladder)
Gallstone pancreatitis
Stones that have passed into the bile duct and caused jaundice
A gallbladder polyp of 10 mm or more, or a polyp that is growing
Selected patients with stones and no symptoms, for example with a very large stone or a porcelain gallbladder
Stones found by chance on an ultrasound, without symptoms, do not always need an operation. Your surgeon explains the options. Read when surgery to remove the gallbladder is needed.
What happens during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
You are admitted on the day of surgery, usually fasting for six hours
The operation is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes 45–90 minutes
Three or four small cuts (5–10 mm) are made, and a camera is passed through the belly button
The surgeon identifies the cystic duct and artery, clips and divides them, and separates the gallbladder from the liver
The gallbladder is removed in a bag through the belly-button cut
The gallbladder is usually sent for histopathology
In a small number of patients, for example with severe inflammation or unclear anatomy, the surgeon may switch to an open operation or do a subtotal cholecystectomy for safety. This is discussed with you before surgery. Read what happens on the day of gallbladder surgery.
Laparoscopic vs open gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is the usual approach, with smaller cuts, less pain and a quicker return home. Open surgery uses a larger cut under the right ribs and is kept for special situations. Cost is lower for laparoscopic surgery in many cases because the hospital stay is shorter.
Recovery after gallbladder removal
Walking and sips of water the same evening
Most patients go home the same day or the next day
Desk work: usually after five to seven days
Driving: usually after a week, when you can brake without pain
Heavy lifting and gym: after about four weeks
Diet: light meals at first, then a normal balanced diet; some people find fatty food upsets them for a few weeks
Read how long recovery after gallbladder removal takes and what you can eat after gallbladder removal surgery.
Risks of gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common operation, but no surgery is without risk. Possible problems include wound infection, bleeding, a bile leak, a retained stone in the bile duct and, rarely, injury to the bile duct. Your surgeon explains these and how they are reduced and managed.
Does insurance cover gallbladder removal surgery?
Gallbladder surgery is covered by most health insurance policies when medically needed, often after a waiting period stated in the policy. The desk at THE CLINICS helps with pre-authorisation. Insurance facilities available.
Who does gallbladder surgery at THE CLINICS?
Dr Saurabh Bansal is a GI & laparoscopic surgeon with 18 years of experience (DMC Reg. No. 37887), trained in minimal access surgery (FNB) at GEM Hospital, Coimbatore. Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas. See our gallbladder stone surgery in South Delhi page.
Preparing for gallbladder surgery
Ultrasound of the abdomen, liver function tests and routine blood tests
An MRCP if there is jaundice, abnormal liver tests or a widened bile duct, to look for stones in the duct
ECG and anaesthesia review; a chest X-ray or echo when needed
Stop or adjust blood thinners and diabetes medicines only as advised
Fasting for about six hours before surgery
Gallbladder removal in the presence of other problems
If a stone has slipped into the bile duct, it is usually removed by ERCP (an endoscopic procedure) before or after the gallbladder operation. In acute cholecystitis, surgery within the first few days is often preferred, but a severely ill patient may be treated with antibiotics first. A gallbladder polyp or a thickened gallbladder wall may need extra imaging. Each of these can change the plan, the stay and the estimate, and your surgeon explains why.
Types of gallbladder removal: laparoscopic, open and subtotal
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the usual operation for gallstones. Open cholecystectomy is used when there are dense adhesions from earlier surgery or severe inflammation, or when the laparoscopic operation cannot be completed safely. Subtotal cholecystectomy removes most of the gallbladder and leaves a small part behind when complete removal would put the main bile duct at risk. It is a safety step decided during the operation, not a smaller or cheaper option.
If a subtotal operation is needed, ask what was left behind, whether a drain was placed and what follow-up is planned. A small number of patients need a later endoscopic procedure for a bile leak or a stone in the remnant. Keep the operation note for future doctors.
ERCP is different from gallbladder removal. It clears stones from the main bile duct through an endoscope passed through the mouth, and it does not remove the gallbladder. Some patients need both.
Can medicines dissolve gallstones?
Tablets that dissolve stones work only for a few small cholesterol stones, take months, and the stones often come back when the tablets are stopped. For stones that cause pain, removing the gallbladder is the usual treatment. A low-fat diet can reduce attacks while you wait for surgery, but it does not remove the stones.
Common myths about gallbladder removal
Myth: you cannot digest food without a gallbladder. Fact: the liver keeps making bile, which flows straight into the intestine.
Myth: surgery is only for severe cases. Fact: repeated pain is reason enough to discuss surgery, because waiting can lead to infection, jaundice or pancreatitis.
Myth: you will gain weight after surgery. Fact: weight depends on diet and activity; the operation itself does not cause weight gain.
Myth: you will have digestive problems for life. Fact: some people have loose stools for a few weeks, and most settle with time and diet.
Signs that need urgent care
Go to the nearest hospital without delay if you have:
Pain under the right ribs lasting more than six hours
Fever with chills
Repeated vomiting
Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or pale stools
Severe upper abdominal pain spreading to the back
These can mean infection of the gallbladder, a stone in the bile duct or pancreatitis. Read more about gallstone symptoms and digestive health and when gallbladder surgery is needed.
How to compare gallbladder surgery quotations
Compare quotations for the same operation and the same room category, and ask whether each one is an all-inclusive package. At THE CLINICS, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is offered as an all-inclusive package covering:
The surgery: surgeon, anaesthesia and operation theatre
The hospital stay in the chosen room category
Standard consumables
A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient. If the plan changes, for example if an ERCP is needed, the reason is explained to you before treatment.
More gallbladder guides
Questions to ask before gallbladder surgery
Do my stones need surgery now, or can we wait?
Is there any sign of stones in the bile duct?
Will the operation be laparoscopic, and when might it need to change to open?
What does the all-inclusive package cover?
When can I eat normally, return to work and travel?
Coming from outside Delhi for gallbladder surgery?
Share your ultrasound and blood reports on WhatsApp before travelling. If the tests are complete, consultation and surgery can often be planned within a short stay. Most people can travel by road or rail two to three days after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and by air after about a week, as advised. The histopathology report is shared when ready, and follow-up can be by video or phone.
Living without a gallbladder: diet tips
Eat smaller, more frequent meals for the first few weeks
Increase fibre slowly with fruit, vegetables and whole grains
Go easy on fried and very fatty food at first
Drink enough water
Most people return to their usual diet within a month
Frequently asked questions about gallbladder removal surgery
What is a subtotal cholecystectomy?
It removes most of the gallbladder and leaves a small part behind, when complete removal would put the main bile duct at risk. The decision is made during surgery for safety, and the follow-up plan is explained afterwards.
Can medicines dissolve gallstones?
Only a few small cholesterol stones dissolve with tablets, over months, and they often come back. For stones that cause symptoms, gallbladder removal is the usual treatment.
Is ERCP the same as gallbladder removal?
No. ERCP clears stones from the bile duct through an endoscope and does not remove the gallbladder. Some patients need both.
What is the cost of gallbladder removal surgery in Delhi?
At THE CLINICS, laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery is offered as an all-inclusive package of about ₹75,000 to ₹1,10,000, depending on the room category and length of stay. This is an all-inclusive package covering the surgery, hospital stay and standard consumables. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient. Insurance facilities available.
What is the cost of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at THE CLINICS is offered as an all-inclusive package of about ₹75,000 to ₹1,10,000. This is an all-inclusive package covering the surgery, hospital stay and standard consumables. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient.
How long does surgery of gallbladder removal take?
Usually 45 to 90 minutes, and longer when the gallbladder is badly inflamed.
How many days in hospital after gallbladder removal?
Most patients go home the same day or the next day.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Bile flows directly from the liver into the intestine. Most people eat a normal diet after a few weeks.
Can gallstones be removed without removing the gallbladder?
Not reliably. Stones usually form again if the gallbladder is left. Medicines to dissolve stones work only in a few selected patients and often take months.
Is gallbladder surgery covered by insurance?
Usually yes, when medically needed, subject to waiting periods and policy terms. Insurance facilities available at THE CLINICS.
When can I go back to work after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Desk work after about five to seven days; physical work after about four weeks.
Should I have surgery if the stones cause no symptoms?
Not always. Many people with silent stones are watched. Surgery may be advised for a large stone, a polyp, a porcelain gallbladder or other risk factors.
What is the consultation fee?
₹1,500 + ₹100 registration.
पित्त की थैली (गॉलब्लैडर) के ऑपरेशन से जुड़े सवाल
पित्त की पथरी के ऑपरेशन का खर्च कितना है?
THE CLINICS में दूरबीन से गॉलब्लैडर निकालने का ऑपरेशन लगभग ₹75,000 से ₹1,10,000 तक होता है। यह ऑल-इन्क्लूसिव पैकेज है, जिसमें सर्जरी, अस्पताल में रहना और सामान्य कंज़्यूमेबल्स शामिल हैं। डॉक्टर द्वारा जांच के बाद अंतिम कोटेशन दिया जाता है।
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Book a consultation
Call the desk on +91 92173 81353 or +91 83683 75734, or WhatsApp +91 92173 81353. Consultation fee: ₹1,500 + ₹100 registration. Insurance facilities available.
THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas Main Road, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016 (surgery and OPD)
THE CLINICS Green Park, G-32, Green Park Main Market Road, New Delhi (OPD)
THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
This article was prepared with AI assistance for review by Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI & laparoscopic surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887). It is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
