The gallbladder stones may present in the following different clinical scenario:

• Pain in right upper abdomen often going to right shoulder or back (Cholecystitis)
• Pain abdomen with jaundice – due to stone slipping from gallbladder into the bile duct which is the tube that carries bile from liver to intestine (bile duct stones)
• Acute pancreatitis
• Incidentally detected during routine ultrasound examination of abdomen

Surgical removal of gallbladder medically referred to as cholecystectomy.

Gallbladder is removed as the stones form due to defect in gallbladder function.

Gallbladder is removed laparoscopically (laparoscopic cholecystectomy or minimally invasive or key hole surgery). Some patients also use the term ‘laser surgery’ for this procedure.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and is the preferred treatment.

Medical treatment has high failure rate and is advised only for patients who have serious medical problems and cannot undertake surgery.

All patients who have typical pain due to gallstones or presentation such as acute cholecystitis, jaundice due to stone or acute pancreatitis are candidates for surgery.

Gallbladder removal can be performed laparoscopically or robotic.

Cholecystectomy is regarded as safe operation. Operative complications are discussed by surgery team before surgery.

All patients can have normal diet. There are no dietary restrictions following removal of gallbladder.