A general anesthesia is given to maintain unconsciousness throughout the procedure. The surgery may be performed by a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure or an open surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, several small cuts are made. A video camera is inserted through one, and surgical instruments through other. The surgeon watches the video on screen and removes the gallbladder. In open surgery, a single, large incision is made across the abdomen and the gallbladder is removed. The surgical incision is sutured.

As part of the evaluation, physical exam, blood tests and other diagnostic tests may be performed. Give the doctor a list of all current medications and continue or discontinue them as instructed. Mention about any allergies. Do not eat or have any food for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Patients are usually discharged on the same day after laparoscopic surgery. However, it is recommended to bring your personal belongings and prepare to stay at the hospital if required. An open surgery requires hospital stay for a few days.

The recovery time is short for laparoscopic surgery, and the patient is discharged on the same day or the following morning. In case of open surgery, a stay of 2- 3 days is required. Complete recovery takes a week in case of the former and over a month in case of the latter. Bloating or diarrhea may be seen after the procedure. This resolves in a few days. Identify the foods that cause these symptoms and avoid eating them. Certain diet modifications may have to be followed.

- Injury to the bile ducts, liver, small intestine or other surrounding tissue - Bleeding - Infection - Blood clot - Hernia - Bile leakage - Pneumonia - Pancreatitis