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.
Popular choices for gallbladder cancer in India include Nanavati Max Hospital, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
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.
Top hospitals for Gallbladder Cancer in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing gallbladder cancer.
As a young professional with a...
As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.
Surgical Oncologists for Gallbladder Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform gallbladder cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 40 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 21 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road