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The gallbladder is a small sac that rests beneath the right side of the liver. The gallbladder's main purpose is to collect bile which is used to help digest food. The gallbladder releases bile that travels through the bile ducts to the small intestine.

Removal of the gallbladder may be necessary when gallstones cause symptoms or develop complications. They are small hard masses often consisting of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or bile duct. These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder. As a result, the gallbladder begins to swell, which results in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting and indigestion. In addition, gallstones may promote inflammation and infection of the gallbladder.

Surgeons perform the procedure through small incisions, each about a quarter-inch long. A surgical instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through the incisions. A video camera at the end of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see a magnified view of the patient's gallbladder and other internal organs on a video monitor. The surgeon then manipulates surgical instruments, brought to the operative site through small, hollow tubes.

Using special instruments, the surgeon gently removes the deflated gallbladder through the navel. In most cases, patients leave the hospital the same day or the day after gallbladder surgery, and return to normal activity within three to seven days.