How many days after gallbladder stone surgery should stitches be removed?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, the suture removal time after gallbladder stone surgery depends on the surgical approach. For laparoscopic surgery, sutures are typically removed around 7 days postoperatively, while for open abdominal surgery, removal usually occurs between 10 to 14 days. The exact timing should be adjusted according to the wound healing progress. After suture removal, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, avoid friction or scratching, and prevent the wound from getting wet in the short term to reduce the risk of infection.

Generally, the suture removal time after gallbladder stone surgery depends on the surgical approach. For laparoscopic surgery, sutures are typically removed around 7 days postoperatively, while open abdominal surgery usually requires 10–14 days for suture removal. The exact timing should be adjusted based on the wound healing condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed, the surgical incisions are small, with minimal trauma and faster healing. In the absence of infection, exudation, or other complications, sutures can usually be removed around 7 days after surgery. Some patients with good wound healing may receive absorbable sutures, which do not require additional removal, thereby reducing discomfort from a second procedure.

For traditional open cholecystectomy, the incision is longer and causes greater tissue damage, resulting in a relatively longer healing period. Sutures are generally removed between 10 and 14 days post-surgery. If the patient is elderly, has underlying conditions such as diabetes, or shows mild redness, swelling, or delayed wound healing, the suture removal time should be appropriately delayed to ensure complete wound healing.

After suture removal, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, avoid friction or scratching, and prevent contact with water in the short term to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, monitor the wound for signs of exudate, dehiscence, or other abnormalities.

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Is gallbladder polyp surgery a minor procedure?

In general, whether gallbladder polyp surgery is considered minor depends on the surgical approach. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure and relatively less complex, while traditional open cholecystectomy involves greater trauma and is not considered a minor surgery. Postoperatively, it is important to keep the incision clean to prevent infection. Initially, a light liquid diet is recommended, gradually transitioning to a normal diet.

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How are gallstones removed?

Treatment methods for gallstones typically include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy for stone removal, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy, and medical dissolution therapy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making several small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder containing the stones, thereby completely eliminating the gallstones.