Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Medical Author: Dennis Lee, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a
cholecystectomy (chol-e-cys-tec-to-my). The
gallbladder is removed through a 5 to 8 inch long
incision, or cut, in your abdomen. The cut is made
just below your ribs on the right side and goes to just
below your waist. This is called open
cholecystectomy.
A less invasive way to remove the gallbladder is called
laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This surgery uses a
laparoscope (an instrument used to see the inside of your
body) to remove the gallbladder. It is performed through
several small incisions rather than through one large
incision.
What is a laparoscope and how is it used to remove the
gallbladder?
A laparoscope is a small, thin tube that is put
into your body through a tiny cut made just below your
navel. Your surgeon can then see your gallbladder on a
television screen and do the surgery with tools inserted in
three other small cuts made in the right upper part of your
abdomen. Your gallbladder is then taken out through one of
the incisions.
Are there any benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
compared with open cholecystectomy?
With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you may return to
work sooner, have less pain after surgery, and have a
shorter hospital stay and a shorter recovery time. Surgery
to remove the gallbladder with a laparoscope does not
require that the muscles of your abdomen be cut, as they
are in open surgery. The incision is much smaller, which
makes recovery go quicker.
With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you probably will
only have to stay in the hospital overnight. With open
cholecystectomy, you would have to stay in the hospital for
about five days. Because the incisions are smaller with
laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there isn't as much pain
after this operation as after open cholecystectomy.
Next: Is there any reason why I wouldn't be able to have a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy? »
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