Cholecystectomy

A guide for patients with gallstones

The presence of gallstones is one of the most common T problems of the digestive system. About one adult in every 10 has gallstones.

In people who have pain and other symptoms caused by gallstones, removal of the gallbladder is usually the best treatment. In people with complications due to gallstones, prompt treatment is important.

The most common way to remove the gallbladder is by using a modern surgical technique called laparoscopic surgery or “key-hole” surgery. As shown in the illustrations, the surgeon inserts special instruments into the abdomen through small cuts and then removes the gallbladder. This is called a “laparoscopic cholecystectomy”. You will hear your surgeon use this term.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder using laparoscopic (key-hole) techniques and has become the treatment of choice for most patients.