Cholecystectomy

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₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Cholecystectomy?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Cholecystectomy ?

.

Why do you need Cholecystectomy ?

Cholecystectomy is indicated for:

  • Symptomatic gallstones: Biliary colic (severe abdominal pain), often triggered by fatty meals.
  • Acute cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation, usually from a stone blocking the cystic duct.
  • Gallstone complications:
    • Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct).
    • Gallstone pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation from a stone).
    • Cholangitis (bile duct infection).
  • Acalculous cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation without stones, often in critically ill patients.
  • Gallbladder polyps or cancer: Rare, but may require removal if symptomatic or malignant.
  • Biliary dyskinesia: Impaired gallbladder function causing pain, confirmed by a low ejection fraction on a HIDA scan.

The procedure aims to relieve pain, prevent complications, and eliminate the source of infection or obstruction.

Why Do Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Cholecystectomy Procedure

The procedure varies based on the surgical approach and patient condition:

  1. Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Ultrasound confirms gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening, or pericholecystic fluid (signs of cholecystitis).
      • Blood tests assess liver function (e.g., elevated bilirubin, ALP in bile duct obstruction) and infection (e.g., WBC).
      • MRCP or ERCP may be needed for suspected bile duct stones.
      • HIDA scan evaluates gallbladder function in biliary dyskinesia.
    • Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) are stopped 5–7 days prior to reduce bleeding risk.
    • Patients fast for 6–8 hours before surgery; IV fluids and antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) are given.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:
      • Standard approach, performed under general anesthesia, lasting 45–90 minutes.
      • Four small incisions (0.5–1 cm) are made: one at the navel (for the camera) and three in the upper abdomen (for instruments).
      • The abdomen is inflated with CO2 gas to create space for visualization.
      • The gallbladder is dissected from the liver bed, and the cystic duct and artery are clipped and divided.
      • The gallbladder is removed through the navel incision in a retrieval bag.
      • Incisions are closed with sutures or glue; often an outpatient procedure or 1-day stay.
    • Open Cholecystectomy:
      • Used for complicated cases (e.g., severe inflammation, scarring, or gallbladder cancer), lasting 1–2 hours.
      • A 10–15 cm incision is made under the right rib cage (right subcostal) or midline.
      • The gallbladder is removed using a similar dissection technique as laparoscopic, but with direct visualization.
      • A drain may be placed to manage bile leakage; hospital stay is 3–5 days.
    • Additional Procedures:
      • Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC): Dye is injected to check for bile duct stones.
      • ERCP: May be needed pre- or post-surgery to remove bile duct stones.
      • Conversion to open: Occurs in 5–10% of laparoscopic cases if complications arise (e.g., unclear anatomy, bleeding).
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored for a few hours (laparoscopic) or 1–2 days (open) for pain, nausea, and complications.
    • Pain is managed with analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen); shoulder pain (from CO2 irritation) may occur in laparoscopic cases.
    • Antibiotics are continued for 3–5 days if infection was present.
    • A liquid diet starts within 6–12 hours, progressing to soft foods.

Recovery After Cholecystectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: Outpatient or 1 day (laparoscopic); 3–5 days (open).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain for 3–7 days (laparoscopic) or 1–2 weeks (open), managed with analgesics.
    • Incision care: Keep wounds dry for 48 hours; sutures (if not absorbable) are removed in 7–10 days.
    • Antibiotics for 3–5 days if infection was present.
    • Activity: Light walking on day 1; avoid heavy lifting for 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open).
  3. Diet:
    • Start with liquids (e.g., water, clear soups) for 1–2 days, then soft foods (e.g., rice, boiled vegetables).
    • Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods for 4–6 weeks to prevent diarrhea or bloating (due to bile flow changes).
    • Gradually reintroduce a normal diet; 2–3 liters water daily.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visit at 1–2 weeks to check incisions and recovery.
    • No routine imaging unless complications (e.g., bile leak) are suspected.

Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open). Success rates are 95–98% for symptom relief; complications occur in 2–5% of cases.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding (1–2%), infection (1–3%), bile duct injury (0.3–0.5%, more common in laparoscopic).
  • Post-Surgical Complications:
    • Bile leak (1–2%), potentially requiring ERCP or reoperation.
    • Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (5–10%): Persistent pain or diarrhea from bile reflux or retained stones.
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots (DVT, <1%).
  • Long-Term: Diarrhea (5–10%, from altered bile flow), usually resolves in 3–6 months; rare risk of bile duct stricture.

Report fever, severe pain, jaundice, or persistent vomiting promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for cholecystectomy?

Gallstones causing pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or complications (e.g., pancreatitis, cholangitis).

Can I live without a gallbladder?

Yes, the liver still produces bile; most adapt, though some experience diarrhea or dietary changes.

Is laparoscopic better than open cholecystectomy?

Yes, for most cases—less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery; open is reserved for complicated cases.

How soon can I resume activities?

1–2 weeks (laparoscopic), 4–6 weeks (open).

Is cholecystectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic gallstones or complications; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, jaundice, or vomiting.

Will my diet change permanently?

Most return to a normal diet in 4–6 weeks; some avoid fatty foods long-term to prevent diarrhea.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Low-fat diet initially, maintain healthy weight, regular follow-ups if complications arise.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cholecystectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, typically to treat gallstones (cholelithiasis) or related complications like cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). It is one of the most common abdominal surgeries and can be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or as an open procedure. In the Philippines, cholecystectomy is conducted in general surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering high-quality care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients and families to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is indicated for:

  • Symptomatic Gallstones (60–70% of cases): Biliary colic (severe, episodic upper abdominal pain, often post-fatty meals, lasting 1–6 hours).

  • Acute Cholecystitis (20–30%): Gallbladder inflammation, usually from a gallstone blocking the cystic duct, causing persistent pain, fever, or nausea.

  • Gallstone Complications (10–15%):

    • Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones in the common bile duct, causing jaundice or elevated liver enzymes.

    • Gallstone Pancreatitis: Pancreas inflammation from a stone blocking the pancreatic duct.

    • Cholangitis: Bile duct infection, often with fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain (Charcot’s triad).

  • Acalculous Cholecystitis (5–10%): Gallbladder inflammation without stones, common in critically ill patients (e.g., post-trauma, sepsis).

  • Gallbladder Polyps or Cancer (1–2%): Removal for symptomatic polyps (>1 cm) or suspected malignancy (rare).

  • Biliary Dyskinesia (2–5%): Impaired gallbladder function (low ejection fraction <35% on HIDA scan), causing chronic pain.

  • Prevalence in the Philippines: Gallstones affect ~10–15% of adults, with higher rates in women, obese individuals, and those over 40. Cholecystectomy is performed in ~20,000–30,000 cases annually, driven by dietary factors (e.g., high-fat diets) and improved diagnostic access (ultrasound).

  • Timing: Urgent for acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, or pancreatitis; elective for recurrent biliary colic or biliary dyskinesia.

The procedure aims to relieve pain, prevent complications (e.g., infection, pancreatitis), and eliminate the source of gallstone-related issues. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred approach (90–95% of cases) due to faster recovery and smaller scars.

Why Do Cholecystectomy Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱80,000 to ₱350,000, influenced by:

  • Procedure Type:

    • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: ₱80,000–₱200,000.

    • Open cholecystectomy: ₱150,000–₱300,000.

    • Complex cases (e.g., with ERCP for bile duct stones): ₱200,000–₱350,000.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱150,000–₱350,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱30,000–₱100,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced general surgeons charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Diagnostics: Ultrasound (₱2,000–₱5,000), MRCP (₱10,000–₱30,000), blood tests (₱2,000–₱5,000).

    • Anesthesia (general): ₱15,000–₱40,000.

    • Hospital stay: Outpatient or 1 day (laparoscopic, ₱10,000–₱30,000); 3–5 days (open, ₱10,000–₱30,000/day).

    • ERCP (if needed for bile duct stones): ₱50,000–₱100,000.

    • Medications (e.g., antibiotics, analgesics): ₱5,000–₱15,000.

    • Drain (open cases): ₱2,000–₱5,000.

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱21,000–₱50,000) for symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, or complications; private insurance typically covers medically necessary cases with documented indications (e.g., biliary colic, pancreatitis). PCSO medical assistance or charity programs may reduce costs for indigent patients. Confirm with your provider.

Cholecystectomy Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Diagnosis:

    • Ultrasound (90–95%): Confirms gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening (>4 mm), pericholecystic fluid (cholecystitis), or bile duct dilation.

    • Blood Tests: Assess liver function (e.g., bilirubin, ALP, GGT for bile duct obstruction), infection (elevated WBC), or pancreatitis (elevated amylase/lipase).

    • MRCP (10–15%): Non-invasive imaging for suspected bile duct stones.

    • ERCP (5–10%): Diagnostic and therapeutic for bile duct stones (pre- or post-op).

    • HIDA Scan (2–5%): Measures gallbladder ejection fraction for biliary dyskinesia (<35% indicates dysfunction).

  • Preparation:

    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) 5–7 days prior if safe; antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) given pre-op for cholecystitis.

    • Fasting: 6–8 hours before general anesthesia.

    • Consent: Includes risks like bile duct injury, bile leak, or conversion to open surgery.

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves general surgeon, anesthesiologist, gastroenterologist (if ERCP needed), and radiologist (for imaging).

Surgical Techniques:

  1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (90–95%):

    • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 45–90 minutes.

    • Process:

      • Four small incisions (0.5–1 cm): One at the navel (for camera) and three in the upper right abdomen (for instruments).

      • Abdomen inflated with CO2 gas to create working space.

      • Laparoscope (camera) inserted to visualize gallbladder, cystic duct, and artery.

      • Gallbladder dissected from liver bed; cystic duct and artery clipped (titanium clips) and divided.

      • Gallbladder removed through navel incision in a retrieval bag.

      • Incisions closed with absorbable sutures or surgical glue; no drain typically needed.

    • Tools: Laparoscope, trocars, clipping devices, retrieval bag.

  2. Open Cholecystectomy (5–10%):

    • Used for complicated cases (e.g., severe cholecystitis, scarring, gallbladder cancer), lasting 1–2 hours.

    • Process:

      • A 10–15 cm incision is made (right subcostal under rib cage or midline).

      • Gallbladder dissected under direct visualization; cystic duct and artery ligated.

      • A drain may be placed to manage potential bile leakage (removed in 2–5 days).

      • Incision closed with sutures; hospital stay of 3–5 days.

    • Tools: Scalpel, retractors, sutures, drain (if needed).

  3. Additional Procedures:

    • Intraoperative Cholangiogram (IOC, 10–20%): Dye injected into cystic duct to check for bile duct stones; adds 15–30 minutes.

    • ERCP: Pre- or post-op to remove bile duct stones; performed by gastroenterologist.

    • Conversion to Open (5–10%): If laparoscopic approach is unsafe (e.g., unclear anatomy, bleeding, adhesions).

  4. Intraoperative Considerations:

    • Sterile technique to minimize infection risk.

    • Blood loss: Minimal (50–100 mL for laparoscopic; 100–300 mL for open).

    • Critical view of safety: Ensures cystic duct and artery are clearly identified to avoid bile duct injury.

After Surgery:

  • Monitoring: Recovery room for 2–4 hours (laparoscopic) or ICU/ward for 1–2 days (open) to check for bleeding, bile leak, or respiratory issues.

  • Hospital Stay: Outpatient or 1 day (laparoscopic); 3–5 days (open or complicated cases).

  • Care:

    • Pain management: IV analgesics (e.g., tramadol, ketorolac) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol).

    • Antibiotics (e.g., cefalexin): 3–5 days if infection present (e.g., cholecystitis, empyema).

    • Diet: Liquids (e.g., water, clear broth) within 6–12 hours; soft foods (e.g., lugaw, mashed potatoes) after 1–2 days.

    • Shoulder pain (laparoscopic, 20–30%): From CO2 irritation of diaphragm; resolves in 1–3 days.

  • Instructions:

    • Keep incisions dry for 48 hours; laparoscopic wounds heal with minimal care.

    • Avoid heavy lifting (>5 kg) for 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open).

    • Monitor for signs of complications (e.g., fever, jaundice).

Recovery After Cholecystectomy

  • Hospital Stay: Outpatient or 1 day (laparoscopic); 3–5 days (open or complicated cases like empyema or cholangitis).

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Pain: Mild to moderate abdominal pain for 3–7 days (laparoscopic) or 1–2 weeks (open); managed with oral analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol).

    • Swelling/Bruising: Minimal in laparoscopic; more pronounced in open (resolves in 1–2 weeks).

    • Incision Care: Keep laparoscopic wounds dry for 48 hours (shower after); open incision requires cleaning with saline, dry dressing for 5–7 days. Sutures (if non-absorbable) removed in 7–10 days.

    • Diet:

      • Start with liquids (e.g., water, clear soups) for 1–2 days, then soft foods (e.g., lugaw, boiled vegetables) for 2–5 days.

      • Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods (e.g., lechon, adobo) for 4–6 weeks to prevent diarrhea or bloating due to altered bile flow.

      • Gradually reintroduce normal diet; 2–3 liters water daily supports recovery.

    • Activity: Light walking on day 1 to prevent blood clots; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open).

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visit at 1–2 weeks to check incisions and recovery; 4–6 weeks for full assessment.

    • No routine imaging unless complications suspected (e.g., bile leak, retained stones).

    • Liver function tests (if bile duct stones were present) at 1–2 months.

  • Recovery timeline: Resume light activities in 3–5 days (laparoscopic) or 2–3 weeks (open); normal routines in 1–2 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open). Success rate: 95–98% for symptom relief (e.g., biliary colic); complications occur in 2–5%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Bleeding (1–2%): Minor at incision or liver bed; rare major bleeding may require transfusion or reoperation.

    • Infection (1–3%): Wound infection or intra-abdominal abscess; treated with antibiotics, rarely drainage.

    • Bile Duct Injury (0.3–0.5%): More common in laparoscopic; may cause bile leak or stricture, requiring ERCP or surgery (₱100,000–₱300,000).

  • Post-Surgical Complications:

    • Bile Leak (1–2%): From cystic duct stump or liver bed; may need ERCP or surgical repair.

    • Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome (5–10%): Persistent pain, diarrhea, or bloating from bile reflux, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or retained stones; managed with diet or ERCP.

    • Retained Bile Duct Stones (1–2%): Causes jaundice or pancreatitis; requires ERCP.

  • General Risks:

    • Blood Clots (DVT, <1%): Prevented with early ambulation or compression stockings.

    • Anesthesia Reactions (<1%): Rare in healthy patients.

  • Long-Term:

    • Chronic Diarrhea (5–10%): From altered bile flow; usually resolves in 3–6 months with low-fat diet.

    • Bile Duct Stricture (0.1–0.5%): Scar tissue narrowing bile duct; may need stenting or surgery.

  • Report fever, severe pain, jaundice, persistent vomiting, or wound redness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for cholecystectomy?
Gallstones causing biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholangitis, or biliary dyskinesia; rarely polyps or cancer.

Can I live without a gallbladder?
Yes, the liver produces bile directly into the intestine; most adapt, though 5–10% experience diarrhea or dietary changes.

Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy better than open?
Yes, for most cases—less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery (1–2 weeks vs. 4–6 weeks); open used for complicated cases (e.g., severe inflammation, adhesions).

How soon can I resume activities?
Light activities (e.g., walking): 3–5 days (laparoscopic) or 2–3 weeks (open); normal routines: 1–2 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open).

Is cholecystectomy covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱21,000–₱50,000) for symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, or complications; private insurance covers medically necessary cases. PCSO assistance may apply. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-procedure?
Fever, severe abdominal pain, jaundice, persistent vomiting, or wound redness/discharge require immediate medical attention.

Will my diet change permanently after surgery?
Most return to a normal diet in 4–6 weeks; some (5–10%) avoid fatty foods long-term to prevent diarrhea or bloating.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-procedure?
Follow a low-fat diet for 4–6 weeks, maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated, avoid heavy lifting initially, and attend follow-ups to monitor recovery.

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure for gallstone-related conditions, with a high success rate (95–98%) and faster recovery for laparoscopic cases. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide quality care at costs ranging from ₱80,000 to ₱350,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance for medically necessary cases. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach surgery confidently. For symptoms like severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever, seek immediate care at a hospital with a general surgery unit. Consult a board-certified general surgeon for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cholecystectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
50,000
150,000
Antipolo
50,000
150,000
Bacolod
50,000
150,000
Bacoor
50,000
100,000
Baguio
50,000
150,000
Butuan
50,000
100,000
Cagayan de Oro
50,000
150,000
Caloocan
50,000
100,000
Cebu City
70,000
200,000
Dasmariñas
50,000
100,000
Davao City
70,000
200,000
General Santos
50,000
150,000
General Trias
50,000
100,000
Iligan
50,000
150,000
Iloilo City
50,000
150,000
Las Piñas
50,000
150,000
Makati
70,000
200,000
Malolos
50,000
100,000
Manila
70,000
200,000
Muntinlupa
50,000
150,000
Parañaque
50,000
150,000
Pasay
50,000
150,000
Pasig
70,000
200,000
Puerto Princesa
50,000
150,000
Quezon City
70,000
200,000
San Fernando
50,000
100,000
San Jose del Monte
50,000
100,000
Taguig
70,000
200,000
Valenzuela
50,000
100,000
Zamboanga City
50,000
150,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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