Postoperative discomfort after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is much less than after the open operation. Healing is quicker, and cosmetic results are superior. Most patients go home after only a few hours in recovery, or occasionally, after a single night in hospital. Recuperation is shorter, usually only several days to a week. The National Institutes of Health endorsed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1992 as a safe treatment equivalent to open surgery.
Complications are uncommon.
The most important risk is the potential for injury to the common bile duct. This situation can lead to a potentially dangerous infection. Minor injury can usually be managed without further surgery. A major injury, however, may require corrective surgery. Conversion to open cholecystectomy is more frequently required if emergency surgery for acute cholecystitis is required.