Costa Rica’s Gallbladder Surgery Crisis— A Growing Healthcare Challenge

San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS), is grappling with a growing crisis: over 15,594 people are languishing on waiting lists for gallbladder surgery, enduring an average wait time of 513 days—nearly a year and a half—as of July 2025. This alarming backlog reveals a system struggling to meet the demands of its citizens, with potential severe consequences for patients’ health and well-being.

The lengthy wait times vary across hospitals, with some exceeding two years. Major hospitals like Calderón Guardia, Maximiliano Peralta, and San Vicente de Paúl each have over 1,500 patients on their waiting lists, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas like the Brunca region, where only 10 surgeons are available across five medical centers.

To understand the legal implications surrounding gallbladder surgery in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.

Patients considering gallbladder surgery in Costa Rica should be aware of their rights regarding informed consent, which includes a thorough explanation of the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and alternative treatment options. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the legal recourse available in case of medical malpractice or negligence related to the surgery, such as the ability to file a claim for damages. Choosing a reputable surgeon and healthcare facility, and confirming they have the necessary licenses and certifications, are proactive steps patients can take to protect their legal rights and well-being.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on patient rights and informed consent is crucial when considering any surgical procedure, especially in a medical tourism destination like Costa Rica. Proactive research and open communication with medical professionals are essential for a positive experience. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on navigating gallbladder surgery in Costa Rica.

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion by producing bile.

The gallbladder is a very important organ because it produces the bile that helps us digest food, along with gastric juices and pancreatic juices.
Dr. Luis Garita, Medical Director of Centro Médico San Antonio (Cemsa)

Excess fats can cause the formation of stones in the gallbladder. When this occurs, symptoms such as intense pain usually appear, and in serious cases it can even lead to gallbladder cancer.
Dr. Garita

Dr. Garita emphasizes the dangers of prolonged waiting:

A fatty meal can trigger a crisis, and in advanced cases, even a bland food can trigger it. The pain is incapacitating; Many times patients go to the emergency room, but since the services are saturated, only the symptoms are relieved. Even so, the ideal is to operate.
Dr. Garita

While the CCSS has reported a 22.4% increase in monthly surgeries performed between January and July 2025, from 626 to 766, this increase hasn’t kept pace with the growing demand. The CCSS attributes the strain to a saturated emergency system, with over 70% of resources dedicated to trauma cases, primarily from traffic accidents.

The CCSS is exploring several strategies to address the crisis, including optimizing existing schedules, prioritizing long-waiting patients, increasing specialist training in 2026, securing resources for additional nursing and support staff, implementing performance-based pay, extending operating hours, and reviewing the service delivery model.

In the meantime, those experiencing potential gallbladder issues are advised to seek medical attention promptly, particularly those with risk factors such as obesity, being over 40, female sex, diabetes, rapid weight loss, use of oral contraceptives, or a family history of gallstones.

For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro Médico San Antonio (Cemsa)
About Centro Médico San Antonio (Cemsa):
Cemsa is a medical center in Costa Rica that provides a range of surgical services, including gallbladder surgery. Dr. Luis Garita serves as the medical director. They are a likely resource for those seeking information and potential treatment for gallbladder issues.

For further information, visit the nearest office of Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS)
About Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS) is Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, responsible for providing healthcare services to the majority of the population. It is currently facing significant challenges in managing waiting lists for procedures like gallbladder surgery due to high demand and limited resources.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing access to justice for all. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with a deep commitment to educating and empowering communities, distinguishes its legacy. Through proactive outreach and a dedication to sharing legal knowledge, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society in Costa Rica and beyond.