What does Gallstone Surgery involve?

You are admitted on the day of Gallstone surgery and undergo a general anaesthetic. 4 tiny keyholes (1 hidden in the belly button) allow specialised surgery instruments to undertake the Gallstone surgery. Gas is passed into your abdomen (removed at the end of the operation) to allow the gallbladder and anatomy to be seen on a TV monitor.

Your surgeon uses the instruments to carefully dissect the gallbladder off the liver. An x-ray is usually then performed (called a cholangiogram) to check if any stones have passed into the bile duct (If this has happened an expert Gallstones surgeon in your field can remove this at the time). The gallbladder (with stones) is then removed via one of the keyholes. The gas is then removed and around 4-5 absorbable stitches are used to close the keyholes. You usually stay overnight in hospital but are walking and eating the same day as Gallstone surgery. The dressings normally stay for 1-2 weeks and then a clinic review is done by your surgeon. You can freely walk when you get home with the help of oral pain killers which may be needed for a few days usually.