What is Gallbladder Surgery?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder using keyhole techniques. It is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones and is performed as a day case procedure in most patients.
The Procedure
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia through 4 small incisions (less than 1cm each). A tiny camera and instruments are inserted through these cuts to carefully dissect and remove the gallbladder.
What to Expect
Before surgery you will have a pre-assessment appointment where blood tests, scans and an ECG may be performed. You should not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Specific risks include: bile leak, bile duct injury, bleeding, infection, hernia at a port site, and in rare cases conversion to open surgery.