• A patient experiences gallbladder pain due to gallstones
• The gallbladder stones block the bile duct (a condition known as choledocholithiasis)
• The gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected (a condition known as cholecystitis)
• Gallstones cause the pancreas to become inflamed

• General anesthesia risk
• Infection to the incision area
• Internal bleeding
• Injury to the bile duct, small intestine, or liver
• Blood clots

• Fast for at least eight hours. You should avoid all food and drink in the hours leading up to the surgery, starting the night before.
• Ask your doctor about any medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications and continue taking others.
• Arrange transportation. Make sure you have a reliable way to get to and from the surgery. Be prepared in case a laparoscopic surgery turns into an open surgery and you have to stay an extra day in the hospital.

Before the procedure, you will be given general anesthesia. As soon as you’re unconscious and prepped for surgery, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon will then insert a small tube fitted with a lighted camera. The camera will send real-time images to a monitor. The surgeon will use the screen as a guide while removing the gallbladder with surgical instruments. After removal, the surgical team may take special x-ray or ultrasound images in order to ensure that there are no problems with the bile duct or with loose gallstones. If at any time, the surgeon happens to notice scar tissue, or if bleeding occurs, then a larger incision (approximately six inches) may be required.

People may experience pain or discomfort in the affected area, particularly when lifting, bending, or coughing. Hernia pain is somewhat common but not universal; often a bulge appears without any unwanted sensations. Signs of strangulation include nausea, vomiting, and the sudden onset of pain. Anyone who feels these symptoms should call a doctor and discuss their options.

After the procedure, you should feel relief from pain. Most likely, you’ll have no trouble digesting food. Since the gallbladder isn’t required for healthy digestion, most patients experience no ill effects.