Gallbladder removal surgery is commonly recommended following a diagnosis of symptomatic gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. The procedure, known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, removes the gallbladder and the stones it contains through several small incisions. Most patients recover more quickly following keyhole surgery than after an open operation.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed under general anaesthetic. A small camera and fine surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen and used to safely remove the gallbladder.

Surgery may be recommended for symptomatic gallstones, recurrent biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis and, in selected cases, following treatment to clear stones from the bile duct.

During the operation, an on-table cholangiogram may be performed. This is a specialised X-ray of the bile ducts that helps the surgeon confirm the anatomy and check for any bile duct stones that may require further treatment.

Compared with open surgery, the laparoscopic approach usually results in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. These include wound infection, bleeding, bile leakage, retained bile duct stones and injury to nearby structures. Bile duct injury is rare. In a small number of cases, the operation may need to be converted to open surgery if this is considered the safest approach.

Most patients can begin eating and drinking soon after the operation and are able to go home within 24 hours. Some patients may be discharged on the same day, depending on the timing of the procedure, their recovery and their individual medical circumstances.

Most people do not need to follow a special long-term diet after gallbladder removal. A small number of patients experience looser stools or an increased frequency of bowel movements, although this often improves over time. A balanced diet and a gradual return to normal meals are generally recommended.

Gentle activity can usually begin soon after surgery. Many patients return to light activities within one to two weeks, although recovery times vary depending on the type of work they do, their general fitness, the degree of inflammation and whether any complications occurred.

The gallbladder stores bile but is not essential for normal digestion. After it has been removed, bile flows directly from the liver into the small bowel.