Gallbladder Removal

The Gallbladder is a small organ attached to the underside of the liver and passes bile into the digestive system, which helps to dissolve and digest fat. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder for a variety of reasons, and these can cause a number of problems, the commonest of which are severe abdominal pain, or jaundice. The only effective treatment is the removal of the gallbladder by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery).

The diagnosis of gallstones is usually made by ultrasound scanning. Once diagnosed, patients are strongly advised to adhere to a low fat diet until they are able to have their operation.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Since Professor Bailey helped introduce the procedure into the UK in 1990, the laparoscopic method of removing the gallbladder, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, has become by far the most common technique used by surgeons. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes about one hour. Usually patients go home either the same day or the following day, and are able to immediately resume a normal diet.