Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery + benefits
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove the gallbladder and gallstones that may have built up in the organ. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery uses several small incisions near the belly button to remove the gallbladder, rather than one long incision (“open” surgery). Prior to the surgery, the surgeon inflates the abdomen with air or carbon dioxide for better visualization and access to the affected area. Through the small incisions, the surgeon inserts a small camera on the end of a tube (a laparoscope) and several small instruments in order to remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery requires general anesthesia (the patient is completely asleep), and takes between 1 ½ and 2 hours. The benefits of having laparoscopic versus open gallbladder surgery include less scarring, less pain and discomfort after the procedure, and a shorter recovery time (most patients return to normal activities within a week).