Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive than an open cholecystectomy and is the most commonly used surgical technique for removing the gallbladder. It has a faster recovery time and a shorter hospital stay.  In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy three or four small incisions are made in the abdomen.  A telescope-like instrument (a laparoscope) is inserted through one incision and surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions. The laparoscope has a camera and a light on its tip allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the abdominal cavity on a television monitor.  The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a clear field of vision and to give the surgeon room to operate.  The gallbladder is located and the cystic duct is tied off or closed with surgical clips.  The gallbladder is then removed through an incision in the belly button.  The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and the patient can usually be discharged after a one-night stay in hospital.