Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the preferred method of treating gallbladder disease. It has the advantage of removing both the gallstones and the gallbladder at the same time and thus removing the possible causes of the symptoms. Although there is a risk of complication from any form of surgery this procedure has few disadvantages. The most common after effect is an increase in frequency of bowel movement, which can be easily managed in all but a few cases.

In the past cholecystectomy required a substantial abdominal incision to allow access to the gallbladder but the procedure has been transformed by the development of the minimally invasive laparoscopic method. In this method several small incisions are made in the abdomen through which a laparoscope with a small video camera and other remotely operated surgical instruments can be inserted. The gallbladder and its contents are removed through the instrument without the need for a major abdominal incision. A general anaesthetic is needed but following this procedure the patient can often be discharged within 24-48 hours.

This procedure has now become routine and very effective. In a small number of patients it may not be suitable and standard open cholecystectomy is necessary. In these cases the substantial abdominal wound takes longer to heal and the procedure results in more intestinal upset. It causes more pain, greater immobility and recovery is more prolonged.