Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) in Windhoek

About this service

Gallbladder removal, known as a cholecystectomy, is performed by a visiting general surgeon in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre. This surgery is most often recommended for gallstones causing recurring pain, particularly after fatty meals, or for gallbladder inflammation that keeps returning. Removing the gallbladder resolves these symptoms permanently, and because the body can digest food normally without it, most people notice little long-term change to their diet once they have recovered.

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia using a minimally invasive, keyhole technique where possible, which tends to mean a shorter recovery than open surgery. Your surgeon will confirm the approach best suited to your situation before the day of surgery.

What to expect

• Your surgeon reviews your scans and symptoms to confirm surgery is the right option.
• Under general anaesthesia the gallbladder is removed through a few small keyhole incisions where possible.
• You will be shown the incisions and told what to eat in the first days, when a lighter, low-fat diet is easier to tolerate.
• Recovery is generally quicker with the keyhole approach, though your surgeon will advise on activity afterwards.

Who is it for?

You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:

• Recurring abdominal pain after eating, especially fatty meals
• Diagnosed gallstones causing symptoms
• Repeated episodes of gallbladder inflammation
• A doctor has recommended gallbladder removal

Frequently asked questions