A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder through several small incisions in the abdomen. During the procedure, carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdomen so instruments can be inserted to tie off the cystic duct and artery before removing the gallbladder. It is usually performed to treat gallstones, gallbladder polyps, or cholecystitis. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and better cosmetic outcomes, though there are risks such as injury to other organs or postoperative bleeding.

3. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the removal of the gallbladder. What is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

4. How is it done? It is generally performed using a general anesthesia. During the procedure the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to provide room for the procedure. Through a small incision made at the navel, a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen.

5. Three small additional holes are made to allow the entry of the instruments. The gallbladder is located and the cystic duct and artery are tied off. The gallbladder is removed and the incision is closed.

6. Why is it done?

7. It is usually done to treat the following conditions such as GallStones these are solid deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts that form in your gallbladder or nearby bile ducts gallbladder polyps these are growths or lesions resembling growths (polypoid lesions) in the wall of the gallbladder.

8. Cholecystitis it is the inflammation the of the gallbladder (the presence of choleliths or gallstones, in the gallbladder), with choleliths most commonly blocking the cystic duct directly.

12. Laparoscopic surgery It is associated with less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic results than the open surgical procedure.

13. Risks and Complications associated with anesthesia respiratory or cardiac malfunction Injury to the bile duct, blood vessels or other abdominal organs Minor shoulder pain (from the carbon dioxide gas) Post operative bleeding Infection

14. Alternatives Open surgery (laparotomy) may have to be performed in patients with bleeding; if there is abnormal anatomy resulting from acute infection; or where scarring from previous surgeries or infections prevent a clear view of the anatomy.

15. Candidate eligibility The surgeon will make the final determination of each patient’s eligibility for the procedure after an examination and consultation with the patient.

16. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Clip