Gallstones (biliary calculi) are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium
salts, usually in a mixture that forms in the gallbladder. They are a common disorder of the
digestive system, and affect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and over.
Some things that may cause gallstones to form include the crystallisation of excess cholesterol
in bile and the failure of the gallbladder to empty completely.
In most cases, gallstones don’t cause any problems. However, you might need prompt
treatment if stones block ducts and cause complications such as infections or inflammation of
the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Surgeons may remove your gallbladder (called a cholecystectomy) if gallstones (or other types
of gallbladder disease) are causing problems. Techniques include laparoscopic (‘keyhole’)
cholecystectomy or open surgery. The gallbladder is not a vital organ, so your body can cope
quite well without it.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The general procedure includes:
 The surgeon makes a number of small incisions into your abdomen, so that slender
instruments can reach into the abdominal cavity.
 A tube blowing a gentle stream of carbon dioxide gas is inserted. This separates the
abdominal wall from the underlying organs.
 The surgeon views the gallbladder on a TV monitor by using a tiny camera attached to
the laparoscope.
 Special x-rays (cholangiograms) during the operation can check for gallstones wedged
in the bile ducts.
 The ducts and artery that service the gallbladder are clipped shut. These clips are
permanent.
 The gallbladder is cut free using either laser or electrocautery
 The gallbladder, along with its load of gallstones, is pulled out of the body through one
of the abdominal incisions.
 The instruments and the carbon dioxide gas are removed from the abdominal cavity.
The incisions are sutured (closed up) and covered with dressings.