General & laparoscopic
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal
Keyhole removal of the gallbladder, usually for gallstones causing symptoms. It is performed through several small incisions using a camera and fine instruments rather than one large incision.
Who it is for
- Gallstones causing pain, typically in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals
- Gallstones that have caused complications
- Not generally recommended for gallstones found incidentally that cause no symptoms
What to expect
Performed under general anaesthetic through several small incisions.
Occasionally an operation that begins as keyhole is converted to open during the procedure. This is a judgement made in the interest of safety and is discussed beforehand as a possibility.
Recovery
Many people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks after an uncomplicated keyhole operation. Physically demanding work takes longer.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk, and the list below is general rather than complete. Which of these matter for you depends on your health, your anatomy and what is being treated, which is what the consent conversation before surgery is for.
- Bleeding, infection, or a leak of bile after the operation
- Injury to the bile duct, uncommon, but among the more serious complications in general surgery
- Conversion to open surgery where the anatomy is unclear or inflammation is severe; this is a judgement made for safety, not a failure
- Stones left behind in the bile duct, which may need an endoscopic procedure afterwards
- Looser stools or indigestion after fatty meals, which usually settles but can persist
No surgeon can promise a particular result, and nothing on this page should be read as one.
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