About Gallbladder Cancer
Key Highlights
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Curative intent for localized gallbladder cancer, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in hepatobiliary cancers.May involve minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced pain and faster recovery in select cases.Aims for complete tumor removal (R0 resection) with clear surgical margins.Often includes lymph node dissection, which is crucial for accurate cancer staging and guiding further treatment.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary adenocarcinoma or other malignancies of the gallbladder.
- Localized cancer (Stages I, II, and some Stage III) without evidence of distant metastasis.
- As a palliative procedure to relieve symptoms like biliary obstruction or pain in advanced cases.
- Incidental finding of gallbladder cancer during or after a routine cholecystectomy for gallstones.
- Patient is medically fit to undergo major abdominal surgery.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and sometimes endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
- Consultation with a multidisciplinary team including medical oncologists and radiologists.
- Nutritional optimization, as patients may be jaundiced or malnourished.
- Management of any biliary obstruction with stenting prior to surgery, if needed.
- Pre-operative counseling about the procedure, potential stoma creation, and lifestyle changes.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery and stopping certain medications as advised.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Bile leak from the surgical site, which may require drainage or further intervention.
- Injury to nearby structures like the liver, bile ducts, intestines, or major blood vessels.
- Post-operative liver dysfunction or failure, especially with extensive liver resection.
- Digestive issues, including diarrhea or fat malabsorption, after gallbladder removal.
- Risk of cancer recurrence even after successful surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring bowel function returns.
- Gradual advancement from liquids to a soft, low-fat diet as tolerated.
- Incision care and instructions on recognizing signs of infection or bile leak.
- Activity restrictions, avoiding heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks to prevent hernia.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery, review pathology reports, and discuss adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy/radiation) if recommended.
- Long-term follow-up with imaging and tumor marker tests to monitor for recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gallbladder cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gallbladder cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gallbladder cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Neha Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...
Neha Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school principal from Jaipur, India, had always been health-conscious. For months, she dismissed her persistent upper abdominal discomfort and occasional nausea as indigestion from her beloved spicy food. When her skin and eyes developed a noticeable yellow tinge (jaundice) and her urine turned dark, her family insisted she see a doctor. An ultrasound and subsequent CT scan revealed a small tumor in her gallbladder. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that while the cancer was localized, a radical cholecystectomy, removing the gallbladder, part of the liver, and nearby lymph nodes, offered the best chance for a cure. Neha was terrified; cancer was a word that brought a chill to her family. The surgery was long and complex, but successful. Her recovery in the hospital was challenging, with pain managed through an epidural and careful monitoring. Back home, she followed a strict, low-fat diet and slowly regained her strength through short walks. Emotionally, Neha moved from a state of profound fear and denial to one of cautious optimism. The support of her large, close-knit family was her anchor. A year later, with clear scans, she channels her energy into volunteering, feeling a deep gratitude for her second chance and a renewed purpose in life.
Surgical Oncologists for Gallbladder Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform gallbladder cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore