Cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy, or removal of the gallbladder, is usually performed for people with symptoms arising from gallstone disease.

This is a very a common operation, one of the most common gastrointestinal operations in Australia. The gallbladder, which is attached to the under-surface of the liver, is freed from the liver and surrounding structures, and then the connecting duct and artery to the gallbladder are secured and divided. The whole gallbladder is removed with all its contents (including the stones). Often an x-ray is performed during the operation to make sure no stones are retained in the tubes that drain the liver.

This operation can almost always be performed by Keyhole Surgery, and most patients only require 1 night in hospital.

Patients can be a little sensitive to oily foods following gallbladder removal, however the body rapidly adapts in most cases, on often functions much better without the diseased organ.