Gallstone

In medicine, gallstones are crystalline bodies formed within the body by accretion or concretion of normal or abnormal bile components.

Surgical options

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) has a 99% chance of eliminating the recurrence of cholelithiasis, and the lack of a gall bladder does not seem to have any negative consequences. There are two surgery options: open procedure and laparoscopic: see the cholecystectomy article for more details.

Related Topics:
Cholecystectomy

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• Open procedure: This involves a large incision into the abdomen (laparotomy) below the right lower ribs. A week of hospitalization, normal diet a week after release and normal activity a month after release.
• Laparoscopic: 3-4 small puncture holes for camera and instruments (available since the 1980s). Typically same-day release or one night hospital stay, followed by a week of home rest and pain medication. Can resume normal diet and light activity a week after release. (Decreased energy level and minor residual pain for a month or two.) Studies have shown that this procedure is as effective as the more intrusive open cholecystectomy, provided the stones are accurately located by cholangiogram prior to the procedure so that they can all be removed.