Minimally Invasive Surgery

The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ in the upper right part of your tummy. It stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fatty foods. You don't need a gallbladder, so surgery to take it out is often recommended if you develop any problems with it.

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There are 2 main ways of removing a gallbladder:

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy 

• Open cholecystectomy – a single larger incision is made in your tummy to access and remove your gallbladder

 

During keyhole gallbladder removal surgery:

• A small incision (about 0.5 to 1cm) is made by your belly button and 2 or 3 smaller incisions (about 3mm) are made on the middle and right side of your tummy.