DAMSOYU HOSPITAL · BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Learn about gallbladder removal surgery in Seoul, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, costs, recovery and diet. Ask Damsoyu Hospital about your care plan.
Start with your situation
Gallstones are hardened deposits formed from bile; cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Damsoyu assesses these conditions with blood tests and ultrasound, adding CT when needed. For gallbladder disease requiring surgery, the hospital performs gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) using single-incision laparoscopic surgery through the navel.
Gallstones are deposits inside the gallbladder; cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Stones may block its outlet or irritate its lining, causing pain and inflammation. Ultrasound checks the stones and gallbladder, and blood tests check inflammation and liver function. CT may be used to look for complications or other conditions.
Tell the clinician about pain in the upper middle or right side of your abdomen, pain spreading to your back or right shoulder, or discomfort after fatty food. Damsoyu’s cholecystitis page also describes fever and chills with abdominal pain. These symptoms need to be considered together with test results to make a diagnosis.
| Term or topic | What it means | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Gallstones | Hardened deposits formed from bile. Their location matters when planning treatment. | Are the stones in the gallbladder or a bile duct? |
| Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) | Surgery to remove the gallbladder. | Why is removal proposed, and which surgical approach is planned? |
| Bile duct treatment | Stones in a bile duct may require a separate procedure. | Is another procedure needed, and where would it be performed? |
Finding gallstones does not automatically mean you need surgery straight away. Damsoyu advises considering surgery when the stones cause symptoms. The pattern of pain, inflammation, and bile duct findings help the clinician decide what treatment is needed and when.
Medication can shrink some types of gallstones, but it does not work for every type. The clinician checks whether it is suitable and whether there is inflammation or a complication. Medication cannot replace surgery in every case with symptoms.
The surgeon places a camera and instruments through one incision at the navel to remove the gallbladder. Damsoyu uses this approach for gallbladder surgery. The study on its website also includes operations that needed extra access ports. Inflammation and findings during surgery may therefore change the approach.
Cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder, including the stones inside it. It is not an operation to remove only the stones. The gallbladder stores bile; symptoms, inflammation, and other findings help the clinician decide whether it needs to be removed.
Damsoyu's FAQ describes conventional laparoscopy as typically using three or four access sites, while the single-incision approach uses one at the belly button. “Single-incision” describes access for the instruments; it does not mean there is no incision or scar.
Related research from Damsoyu
Damsoyu researchers compared single-incision laparoscopic outcomes in acute and chronic cholecystitis. The study included cases requiring additional ports or conversion to open surgery.
ANZ Journal of Surgery · 2018 · 88:755–759
DOI: 10.1111/ans.14246The team uses the consultation and test results to decide whether surgery is needed, then monitors recovery afterward. If you plan to have surgery on the day of your appointment, ask how to prepare and how long to expect to stay when booking.
Bring recent test results, a medication list, and details of previous surgery or anesthesia. Follow the fasting and medication instructions given for your appointment.
The team reviews your symptoms and recent ultrasound and blood test results. CT or other tests may be needed to check for additional problems. They also assess whether you need any bile duct treatment as well as gallbladder removal.
The team explains the planned operation and arranges preoperative tests. An anesthesiologist manages anesthesia and monitors you during surgery.
The team checks your recovery from anesthesia and surgery before deciding when you can leave. Before discharge, confirm instructions for meals, wound care, activity, and contacting the hospital.
The official fee schedule lists individual items such as rooms, tests, materials and certificates. A personal surgical estimate depends on the treatment plan and insurance eligibility.
Fees not covered by Korean health insurance (Korean) ↗| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Assessment and imaging | Can existing scans be used, and are further tests needed? |
| Surgery and anesthesia | What is the proposed procedure and which fees are included? |
| Additional procedures | Are bile duct assessment or treatment items separate? |
| Stay and follow-up | Which room, medicine and review arrangements are included? |
Use this checklist to ask what applies to your care. Items are not necessarily required or included in an estimate.
Distinguish gallbladder removal from any additional bile duct procedure in the estimate, and check tests, anesthesia, and hospitalization. The location of stones and degree of inflammation can change the treatment plan.
Ask your insurer which documents it needs, then request them from the hospital. Damsoyu offers admission/discharge certificates, treatment/attendance certificates, and medical certificates in Korean or English. Outpatients and patients who have been discharged register and speak with the treating doctor before applying. Inpatients are advised to ask the ward nurse the day before discharge. Check the fee for each document.
Document types and application process (Korean) ↗Ask the hospital how your care will be billed. Ask your insurer whether the proposed treatment abroad is covered, whether prior approval is needed and which documents to keep. Check any Korean health insurance eligibility separately if it is relevant to you.
The gallbladder FAQ describes discharge the following day for most patients. It advises avoiding high-calorie, high-fat meals and eating regular, moderate portions. Your discharge and diet plan depend on the inflammation and your recovery.
Meet the clinicians listed on Damsoyu Hospital’s official treatment page and explore their clinical specialties.
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon
Clinical specialties
Surgeon
Clinical specialties
Names are shown in their official Korean spelling.
Team on the official treatment page (Korean) ↗ Meet the clinical team (Korean) ↗Based on Damsoyu Hospital’s clinical pages and FAQs. Linked originals are in Korean unless indicated otherwise. Official website sources checked:
DAMSOYU HOSPITAL
Tell us which procedure you are considering, the reports you have and your preferred visit dates. Contact Damsoyu Hospital for an individual cost estimate.
The booking page is in Korean. Please confirm your preferred consultation language with the hospital.
Information to help you prepare for a consultation. Your care plan is determined after a medical assessment.
Clinical information from Damsoyu (Korean) ↗