Gallstones (Cholelithiasis and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy): Stones can form inside the gallbladder and can cause severe abdominal pain.  Fortunately, this condition can be treated by minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.

Generality: The gallbladder is located in the right upper abdomen, below the ribs.  It collects the bile.  Gallstones forming inside the gallbladder can become painful when the gallbladder contracts in the attempt to get rid of them.  Gallstones can also cause infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).  In both situations, removal of the gallbladder is recommended.

Anesthesia:  General Anesthesia (you will be asleep).

Type of Procedure:  The majority of the gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is recommended for straightforward uncomplicated gallstones and it is done via laparoscopy.   Complicated, infected gallbladders or stones which are impacted need to be operated in the usual fashion (the skin is open just below the rib cage on the right).

Recovery Time: For the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the recovery time is about 2-3 days (24 hour in the hospital, followed by 1-2 days at home) with quick return to the usual activities.  For the standard cholecystectomy, the in-hospital stay is about 3-4 days with about 7-10 days recovery time.

Postoperative Pain: Minimal for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, moderate for standard cholecystectomy.