Finally, several different instruments are inserted to clip the gallbladder artery and bile duct and to safely dissect and remove the gallbladder and stones. When the gallbladder is freed, it is then teased out of the tiny navel incision. The entire procedure normally takes 30 to 60 minutes. The three puncture wounds require no stitches and may leave very slight blemishes. In the past, general surgery was the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstones.
Laparoscopic surgery is now possible in most patients.
With general surgery there is a 3 to 6 inch incision in the right-upper abdomen and a 3 to 6 day hospital stay. There are instances in which this type of surgery is necessary. Drugs are now available that dissolve cholesterol gallstones. This treatment however, is not appropriate for every patient. For example, the gallbladder must be able to concentrate the medicine inside it.