Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Dr. Anthony Vine has performed many successful laparoscopic gallbladder procedures (cholecystectomy). During this minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Vine removes the gallbladder, an organ that stores and thickens a digestive fluid called bile

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is most commonly performed when gallstones cause pain, inflammation, infection, or blockages.

For more information on the different types of gallstones and symptoms, please visit our gallstones page.

The Procedure

During the procedure, Dr. Anthony Vine makes a tiny incision and inserts a tool called a trocar, which is similar to a hollow, small pen into the abdomen or pelvis, each less than a quarter or half inch long. 

Once in place, Dr. Vine uses this trocar to insert various surgical tools into the abdomen, whether it be a tiny laparoscope, a device with a camera and light, or instruments as listed below. The camera offers a magnified view inside the abdominal cavity on a video monitor.

The abdomen is inflated through the trocar with carbon dioxide. Other small tools inserted through the tube during the procedure include small scissors, graspers, coagulators, and suturing devices. 

Dr. Vine uses these tools to carefully detach the gallbladder from: 

• The cystic duct – a tube that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct which carries bile to the small intestine 
• The cystic artery – supplies blood to the gallbladder
• The liver bed – the area of the liver on which the gallbladder rests and is attached 

The gallbladder is then removed through one of the tiny incisions. Removing a diseased gallbladder results in very few if any complications within the digestive system, because the liver continues to make bile.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

• Less invasive – tiny incisions cause minimal damage to surrounding tissue and less blood loss.
• Minimal pain – smaller wounds mean little discomfort and less anesthesia needed.
• Barely visible scars – small incisions heal with little to no scarring.
• Faster recovery – patients heal more quickly than with open surgery, returning to their daily routine sooner.
• Ambulatory procedure – discharge the same day or after a brief hospital stay
• Lower risk of infection – smaller incisions reduce the chance of infection.
• Greater accuracy – the laparoscope provides a clear, magnified view for precise surgery.