Unfortunately, it often does not cause symptoms until the cancer has spread to the liver or adjacent bile duct. Surgical removal is appropriate where technically possible. Treatments Surgery, called cholecystectomy, is the most common method for treating gallstones despite the development of some nonsurgical techniques. Each year more than 500,000 Americans have gallbladder surgery. Patients may remain in the hospital about a week and may require several additional weeks to recover at home.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively new alternative procedure for gallbladder removal.
Currently about 80 percent of cholecystectomies are done that way. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires several small incisions in the abdomen to allow the insertion of surgical instruments and a small video camera. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor, giving the surgeon a close-up view of the organs and tissues. The surgeon watches the monitor and performs the operation by manipulating the surgical instruments through separate small incisions. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not require the abdominal muscles to be cut, and thus results in less pain, quicker healing, improved cosmetic results, and fewer complications such as infection.