Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy) at Boulder City Hospital
If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder disease, gallbladder surgery in Boulder City, NV is available close to home. Boulder City Hospital offers laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder, performed by experienced general surgeons in a patient-centered environment. Residents throughout Boulder City and the greater Henderson area — including those in Inspirada, Cadence, and Seven Hills just 15–20 minutes away — trust our team for safe, efficient care with a clear path from diagnosis to recovery.
What Is a Cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When gallstones develop or the gallbladder becomes inflamed or diseased, surgery is often the most effective long-term solution.
Boulder City Hospital performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the standard approach for eligible patients. This technique uses a small camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions, allowing surgeons to remove the gallbladder without large open cuts. The result is less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal daily activity compared to traditional open surgery.
In rare or complex cases, such as severe inflammation, scarring, or complications discovered during the procedure, the surgical team may convert to open cholecystectomy to ensure patient safety. Your surgeon will discuss this possibility during your pre-surgical consultation.
You can learn more about our full range of procedures on the General Surgery page at Boulder City Hospital →
Recognizing Gallbladder Symptoms
Gallbladder problems often begin with symptoms that are easy to dismiss or confuse with other digestive conditions. Knowing the warning signs helps patients seek timely care before a situation becomes an emergency.
Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, often after eating
- Pain that radiates to the right shoulder blade or back
- Nausea, vomiting, or persistent indigestion
- Bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness after small meals
- Fever or chills (which may indicate infection or cholecystitis)
- Jaundice, yellowing of the skin or eyes, if a stone blocks the bile duct
Gallstone attacks typically occur within an hour or two after a fatty or heavy meal. Episodes may last from 15 minutes to several hours. If you experience severe pain accompanied by fever or jaundice, seek emergency care immediately.
For acute gallbladder emergencies, proceed directly to the Boulder City Hospital Emergency Room or call 911.
From Diagnosis to Surgery: What to Expect
Gallbladder disease is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, lab work, and imaging. Understanding each step of this process helps patients feel informed and prepared before any surgical decision is made.
Step 1 — Initial Evaluation
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam. Blood tests check for signs of infection, liver function abnormalities, or bile duct obstruction.
Step 2 — Imaging Studies
An abdominal ultrasound is the primary imaging tool for detecting gallstones and assessing gallbladder wall thickness or inflammation. Additional imaging such as a HIDA scan, CT scan, or MRCP may be ordered to evaluate bile duct function or rule out other conditions.
Step 3 — Surgical Consultation
Once gallbladder disease is confirmed, your care team will refer you to a general surgeon at Boulder City Hospital. During this consultation, the surgeon reviews your imaging, discusses surgical options, explains risks and expected outcomes, and answers your questions. Most patients are scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy within days to weeks, depending on symptom severity.
Step 4 — Pre-Operative Preparation
You will receive pre-operative instructions including dietary restrictions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery), medication adjustments, and guidance on what to bring to the hospital. Outpatient surgery preparation at Boulder City Hospital is streamlined to minimize the burden on patients and families.
Learn about Outpatient Surgery at Boulder City Hospital →
The Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Boulder City Hospital is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Here is what happens during the procedure:
- The surgical team makes three to four small incisions (each less than one centimeter) in the abdomen.
- Carbon dioxide gas is introduced to gently inflate the abdominal cavity, creating space for the surgeon to work safely.
- A laparoscope, a thin tube with a high-definition camera, is inserted through one incision, projecting a magnified view of the operative field onto a monitor.
- Specialized instruments are used through the remaining incisions to carefully separate the gallbladder from the liver and bile duct.
- The gallbladder is removed through one of the small incisions, usually inside a protective bag to prevent spillage.
- The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients experience significantly less pain than with open surgery, have minimal scarring, and are up and moving within hours of the operation.
Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Hospital Stay
The majority of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Boulder City Hospital are discharged the same day or within 24 hours of surgery. Recovery room monitoring continues until the patient is alert, comfortable, and able to tolerate fluids.
Activity and Return to Normal Life
Most patients return to light daily activity within three to five days and resume full normal activity, including desk work and driving, within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon.
Dietary Changes After Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder is not essential for digestion, but its removal does require a short-term dietary adjustment. Without the gallbladder, bile drips continuously from the liver into the small intestine rather than being concentrated and released in response to meals. During the initial recovery period:
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large portions
- Reduce intake of high-fat, fried, or greasy foods in the first few weeks
- Increase fiber gradually to support digestion
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day
- Avoid spicy or heavily processed foods until your digestive system adjusts
Most patients tolerate a normal diet within four to eight weeks after surgery. If you experience persistent diarrhea, bloating, or digestive discomfort beyond this point, speak with your provider.
Follow-Up and Rehabilitation
A post-operative follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within one to two weeks of discharge. If you experience any complications, including fever above 101°F, severe abdominal pain, wound redness or drainage, or jaundice, contact your surgical team or return to the Emergency Room immediately.
For patients who require guided recovery support, Boulder City Hospital offers rehabilitation services to assist with mobility and post-surgical strength restoration.
How do I know if I need gallbladder surgery?
Surgery is typically recommended when gallstones are causing recurring pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or complications such as bile duct obstruction. Your provider will review your symptoms and imaging to determine if surgery is the appropriate next step.
Is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery safe?
Yes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed and well-established surgical procedures in the United States, with a strong safety profile. Your surgical team will review individual risk factors during your pre-operative consultation.
How long does gallbladder removal surgery take?
The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours from the first incision to closure. Total time at the hospital, including pre-operative preparation and post-anesthesia recovery, is generally four to six hours.
Will I be able to eat normally after gallbladder surgery?
Most patients return to a normal diet within four to eight weeks. A low-fat, high-fiber diet is recommended during the initial recovery period to allow the digestive system to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder.
Does Boulder City Hospital serve Henderson patients needing gallbladder surgery?
Yes. Boulder City Hospital serves patients from Henderson and surrounding communities, including Inspirada, Cadence, and Seven Hills — all just 15–20 minutes away. We offer a local, community-based surgical option with the personalized attention a neighborhood hospital provides, without the drive into the Las Vegas metro area.
Schedule a Gallbladder Surgery Consultation at Boulder City Hospital
If you’re experiencing gallbladder symptoms or have already received a diagnosis, the surgical team at Boulder City Hospital is ready to help. We offer compassionate, community-based care for gallbladder surgery near Boulder City and Henderson, with the personalized attention a local hospital provides.
Contact Boulder City Hospital today to schedule a consultation with our General Surgery team or ask your primary care provider for a referral. Call us at (702) 293-4111. Do not delay care if your symptoms are worsening — severe cases should go directly to our Emergency Room.