Private gallbladder surgery Washington

At Spire Washington, we provide comprehensive private hospital care for our patients across the North East.

If you’re experiencing medical complications (such as bile duct blockage) due to gallstones, you can get fast access to our services. From diagnosis and consultations, through to treatments and aftercare, we’re here to help you get back to your daily life. Our expert consultants and multidisciplinary teams will provide you with a treatment and recovery plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Keyhole surgery

The standard procedure to remove the gallbladder is using keyhole surgery – also called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During keyhole surgery, only small incisions (cuts) are needed and smaller instruments are used. Keyhole surgery is usually the first choice because you typically recover faster and are left with smaller scars than with open surgery.

Open surgery

Open surgery requires one larger incision to access and remove your gallbladder. This may be needed for a number of reasons, including if you have scars from a previous operation. Occasionally, during a keyhole procedure, your consultant may not be able to access or remove your gallbladder and so may need to convert to an open surgery to complete the removal. Your consultant will explain this to you beforehand and answer any questions you might have.

Getting here

The hospital is within easy reach of the A1(M), close to Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland. Public transport options are available. We have free on-site parking for you and your visitors.

Consultations

Your consultations give you a chance to discuss your symptoms and ask questions about the procedure. Your consultant will be able to explain:

• Which anaesthetic you need
• How gallbladder removal works
• Your recovery
• The potential risks
• Whether you need any further tests or scans to help plan your treatment
• What your pre-operative assessment will involve

Once you arrive at the hospital, you’ll meet the staff who’ll be looking after you.

The procedure

You’ll be given a general anaesthetic so you’ll be asleep during the operation. Keyhole gallbladder removal usually takes from one to two hours. Open surgery may take slightly longer.

When your consultant has finished, you’ll be taken to a private room where you can recover and relax for around four to six hours. Your consultant or nursing team will advise you when you can go home.

Staying overnight

If you need to stay overnight, you’ll have your own en-suite room. All of our rooms have:

• TV
• Window
• Armchair
• Wardrobe
• En-suite

If you have open surgery, you’ll stay in hospital for three to five nights.

After your operation, you’ll probably feel some pain and discomfort. You’ll be given medication to manage this, and advice about over-the-counter painkillers you can take once you’re home.

Your consultant will give you advice about your recovery. Everyone recovers differently, but here’s a typical recovery timeline: