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Surgery is done to remove a gallbladder that is infected (cholecystitis), inflamed, blocked (obstructed), or filled with gallstones. Gallbladder surgery is done while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). It can be done through an abdominal incision (open cholycystectomy) or through several small incisions (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) with a special scope (laparoscope) which is actually a small video camera.
If the gallbladder is extremely inflamed, infected, has large gallstones, or seems to be complicated, the abdominal approach is recommended. A small incision is made just below the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. The liver is moved to expose the gallbladder. The vessels and tubes (cystic duct and artery) to and from the gallbladder are cut and the gallbladder is removed. The tube (common bile duct) that drains the digestive fluid (bile) from the liver to the small intestine (duodenum) is examined for blockages or stones. A small flat tube may be left in for several days to drain out fluids if there is inflammation or infection.
If the procedure is expected to be straightforward, the scope removal (laparoscopic) may be used. A laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen near the umbilicus (navel). Instruments are inserted through 3 more small puncture holes. The gallbladder is found, the vessels and tubes (cystic duct and artery) are cut and the gallbladder is removed.
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