Learn about Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Gallbladder Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer surgery is a specialized oncologic procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove cancerous tumors from the gallbladder and surrounding tissues. The primary goal is complete surgical resection, which may involve a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) and often extends to a more extensive operation called a radical cholecystectomy. This can include removing a portion of the liver, nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes parts of the bile ducts to achieve clear margins and prevent recurrence. The specific approach, open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic/robotic techniques, depends on the cancer's stage, location, and the patient's overall health. This complex procedure is a cornerstone of curative treatment for localized gallbladder cancer and requires a multidisciplinary team for optimal outcomes.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated