BACK
    TO
    TOP
    Print-Friendly
    Bookmarks
    bookmarks-menu

    Laparoscopic gallbladder removal

    Cholecystectomy - laparoscopic; Gallbladder - laparoscopic surgery; Gallstones - laparoscopic surgery; Cholecystitis - laparoscopic surgery

    Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder using a medical device called a laparoscope.

    The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the liver. It stores bile, which your body uses to digest fats in the small intestine.

    Description

    Surgery using a laparoscope is the most common way to remove the gallbladder. A laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube that lets your surgeon see inside your belly.

    Gallbladder removal surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia so you will be asleep and pain-free.

    The operation is done the following way:

    • Your surgeon makes 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly.
    • The laparoscope is inserted through one of the cuts.
    • Other medical instruments are inserted through the other cuts.
    • Gas is pumped into your belly to expand the space. This gives your surgeon more room to see and work.

    The gallbladder is then removed using the laparoscope and other instruments.

    An x-ray called a cholangiogram may be done during your surgery.

    • To do this test, dye is injected into your cystic duct so that it flows into the common bile duct and an x-ray picture is taken. The dye helps find stones that may be in the common bile duct.
    • If other stones are found, your surgeon may remove them with a special instrument.

    Sometimes your surgeon cannot safely take out the gallbladder using a laparoscope. In this case, your surgeon may use open surgery, in which a larger cut is made.

    Why the Procedure Is Performed

    You may need this surgery if you have pain or other symptoms from gallstones. You may also need it if your gallbladder is not working normally.

    Common symptoms may include:

    • Indigestion, including bloating, heartburn, and gas
    • Pain after eating, usually in the upper right or upper middle area of your belly
    • Nausea and vomiting

    Most people have a quicker recovery and fewer problems with laparoscopic surgery than with open surgery.

    Risks

    Risks for anesthesia and surgery in general include:

    Risks for gallbladder surgery include:

    • Damage to the blood vessels that go to the liver
    • Injury to the common bile duct
    • Injury to the small intestine or colon
    • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

    Before the Procedure

    You may have the following tests done before your surgery:

    Tell your surgeon if:

    • You are or could be pregnant
    • You are taking any medicines, including medicines, drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription
    • You have been drinking a lot of alcohol, more than 1 or 2 drinks a day

    Planning for your surgery:

    • If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon may ask you to see the provider who treats you for these conditions.
    • If you smoke, it's important to cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk for blood clots. Ask your provider for help quitting smoking.
    • If needed, prepare your home to make it easier to recover after surgery.
    • Ask your surgeon if you need to arrange to have someone drive you home after your surgery.

    During the week before your surgery:

    • You may be asked to temporarily stop taking medicines that keep your blood from clotting. These medicines are called blood thinners. This includes over-the-counter medicines and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and vitamin E. Many prescription medicines are also blood thinners.
    • Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
    • Prepare your home for any problems you might have getting around after the surgery.
    • Let your surgeon know about any illness you may have before your surgery. This includes COVID-19, a cold, flu, fever, herpes outbreak, or other illness. If you do get sick, your surgery may need to be postponed.

    On the day of surgery:

    • Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
    • Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
    • Shower the night before or the morning of your surgery.
    • Follow instructions on when to arrive at the hospital. Be sure to arrive on time.

    After the Procedure

    If you do not have any problems, you will be able to go home when you are able to drink liquids easily and your pain can be treated with pain pills. Most people go home on the same day or the day after this surgery.

    If there were problems during surgery, or if you have bleeding, a lot of pain, or a fever, you may need to stay in the hospital longer.

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    Most people recover quickly and have good results from this procedure. It may take up to a week to get you normal energy back.

    Open References

    References

    Bonds M, Rocha F. Cholecystectomy techniques and postoperative problems. In: Jarnagin WR, Allen PJ, Chapman WC, et al, eds. Blumgart's Surgery of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 36.

    Radkani P, Hawksworth J, Fishbein T. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 55.

      • Gallbladder

        Gallbladder - illustration

        The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper small intestine.

        Gallbladder

        illustration

      • Gallbladder anatomy

        Gallbladder anatomy - illustration

        The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver.

        Gallbladder anatomy

        illustration

      • Laparoscopic surgery - series - Incision

        Laparoscopic surgery - series - Incision

        Presentation

        • Gallbladder

          Gallbladder - illustration

          The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper small intestine.

          Gallbladder

          illustration

        • Gallbladder anatomy

          Gallbladder anatomy - illustration

          The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver.

          Gallbladder anatomy

          illustration

        •   Laparoscopic surgery - series - Incision

          Laparoscopic surgery - series - Incision

          Presentation

        A Closer Look

         

        Review Date: 7/9/2025

        Reviewed By: John Meilahn, MD, General Surgeon, Wyndmoor, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
        © 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.