Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and specialized tools to remove a diseased or infected gallbladder.

 

The gallbladder is a small organ located near the liver. It stores bile, a liquid that is produced in the liver. The gallbladder releases bile to help break down fats. Normal digestion is possible without a gallbladder, so if it becomes diseased or infected, removal is one treatment option.

 

It is formally known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

 

How a Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal is performed

Before beginning the procedure, you’ll change into a hospital gown and will be given an IV so doctors can deliver medications and fluids directly into your bloodstream. You’ll be given general anesthesia, which will put you in a painless sleep before the surgery begins.

 

 

Your surgeon will make four small incisions in your abdomen. Through these incisions, he or she will guide a tube with a small lighted camera through your abdomen. Watching the video through a monitor, your doctor will guide other tools through the holes in your abdomen. Your abdomen will be inflated with gas so your surgeon has space to work. He or she will remove your gallbladder through these holes.

 

After the gallbladder has been removed, your surgeon will use a special X-ray to check for problems in your gallbladder. This technique is called cholangiography. Any abnormalities in the bile duct may be removed.

 

When your surgeon is satisfied with the results, the openings will be stitched up and bandaged properly. After the procedure, you’ll be brought to a room to recover from the anesthesia. Your vital signs will be monitored the entire time.

 

Most patients are able to go home the day of surgery.