Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
You'll need to have a pre-operative assessment in hospital during the weeks leading up to yourgallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy).
During this appointment:
There are two main ways gallbladder removal surgery can be performed:
Both procedures are performed under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep) and both are equally effective.
However, keyhole surgery tends to be carried out whenever possible because you can leave hospital sooner, recover faster and are left with smaller scars.
During keyhole gallbladder removal surgery:
You can usuallygo home later the sameday. Recoverytypically takes about two weeks.
Recovery typically takes six to eight weeks.
Read about gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), including why it's done, what's involved and what the potential risks are.
Read about what happens before and during a gallbladder removal operation, (cholecystectomy), including the main differences between a keyhole and open procedure.
Read about recovering from having surgery to remove your gallbladder (cholecystectomy), including side effects, how long it takes to get back to normal, and driving after surgery.
Read about the risks of gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), including infections, internal damage and blood clots.
Read the real story of Phyllis Long, who had surgery to remove her gallstones after doctors discovered 19 of them when removing her appendix.