What is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?

Cholecystectomy (laparoscopic gallbladder surgery) removes the gallbladder and gallstones through several small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon will inflate your abdomen with air or carbon dioxide in order to see clearly, then insert a lighted scope attached to a video camera (laparoscope) into one incision near the patient's belly button. The surgeon will then use a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions to remove the patient's gallbladder.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the best method of treating gallstones that cause symptoms, unless there is a reason that the surgery should not be done. Laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective and is used most commonly when no factors are present that may complicate the surgery.

Surgery gets rid of gallstones located in the gallbladder. It does not remove stones in the common bile duct. Gallstones can form in the common bile duct years after the gallbladder is removed, although this is rare.

What to Expect After Surgery

You may have gallbladder surgery as an outpatient, or you may stay 1 or 2 days in the hospital.

After surgery you may have:

• Pain in your shoulder and belly that lasts 24 to 72 hours (from gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery). It lasts as long as a week.
• Widespread muscle aches from anesthesia.
• Diarrhea
• Minor inflammation or drainage at the surgical wound sites.
• Loss of appetite and some nausea.

Most people can return to their normal activities in 7 to 10 days. People who have laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are sore for about a week, but after 2 to 3 weeks they have much less discomfort than people who have open surgery. No special diets or other precautions are needed after surgery.