How many hours does gallstone surgery take?

In general, gallstone surgery may take 1 to 2 hours. If this procedure is needed, it is recommended to choose a reputable hospital and have it performed by a qualified surgeon. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The principle of gallstone surgery involves removing the stones within the gallbladder or removing the gallbladder itself through surgical intervention. When a patient's condition is relatively mild—for example, having only a few simple gallbladder stones—the surgical procedure is usually straightforward. In such cases, doctors may opt for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive technique that operates through small abdominal incisions, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time. Therefore, for these patients, the surgery may be completed within about one hour. However, when a patient's condition is more severe—such as having numerous or large gallstones, or complications like cholecystitis or bile duct stones—the surgery may become more complex. In these situations, doctors might need to perform an open cholecystectomy, a traditional approach requiring a larger incision and longer operating time. Consequently, the procedure may take up to two hours for such patients.

Overall, the duration of gallstone surgery depends on the patient’s specific condition and the chosen surgical method. Doctors will develop an individualized surgical plan based on the patient’s exact medical situation to ensure both surgical success and patient safety.