Atlanta man has a benign gallbladder growth removed in Shenzhen

When
2026-03
City
Shenzhen
Procedure
Surgical removal of a non-cancerous gallbladder growth (general surgery; no canonical condition slug fits).
Total cost reported
Not reported
Shared on
News
Patient from
USA
ReportedLast verified

Timeline

2025-12
A US doctor finds a non-cancerous growth on his gallbladder and says it should be removed within a year.
2026-early
Out-of-pocket quote in Atlanta is close to $10,000; a medical tourism agency quotes under $2,000 at a Shenzhen facility.
2026-03
Flies to China on a 90-day tourist visa arranged with agency help; surgery and recovery take about 48 hours.
2026-03
Travels on to Chongqing after recovering.

What went well

What was hard

"We were trying to stay local, just to avoid delays or anything. But [the cost] was just incredible."

Individual experience; outcomes vary. This story is a summary linking to its source; follow the link for the original account.

Source

  1. How trips to Asia are making some Americans healthy again
    CNN Business · news · accessed 2026-10-26

Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.