Gallbladder removal – a gallbladder containing gallstones can be removed surgically in two ways.
So-called laparoscopic gallbladder removal is becoming increasingly common: the diseased organ is removed through 3 small incisions, using endoscopes and instrument guide tubes.
If this method cannot be used to remove the gallbladder, or if there are certain contraindications to this method, it can be removed in the conventional way, through a surgical incision. The advantage of the laparoscopic method is a faster recovery and smaller surgical scars.
If the gallbladder’s small stones have passed into the bile ducts, then before gallbladder surgery it is advisable to remove the bile duct stones.
This can be done during an ERCP examination or by giving ursodeoxycholic acid, but one procedure is often not enough.
