Laparoscopic cholecystectomy refers to the removal of the gallbladder guided by a laparoscope. It is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Surgery is done under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes several small incisions. The laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end) will be inserted through one of the small incisions for proper visualisation. Guided by the camera images on the screen, the gallbladder will be removed by the tiny surgical instruments inserted through the other incisions.

Yes, gall bladder removal surgery is a common procedure known as cholecystectomy. The surgery is generally considered to be of low risk and is associated with fewer complications if patients strictly adhere to the post-operative instructions.

Laparoscopic gall bladder stone operation is generally associated with very mild pain compared to that of open surgery. The pain is usually experienced after the surgery at the incision sites and sometimes in the abdomen. The abdominal pain can be due to the retention of gas in your belly. This pain/discomfort may last for a few days to a week.

The recovery period for most people after laparoscopic surgery may be several weeks, on an average of about 6 weeks. Everyday activities can be resumed in a week or two. However, complete recovery requires more time. Recovery from an open surgery takes still more time. On average, it requires about 6-8 weeks for complete recovery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally associated with a low risk of complications. Some possible complications are infections, bile leakage, injury to the bile duct and abdominal wall bleeding.