Gallstones are usually formed by precipitation of bile pigments and cholesterol in the gallbladder. They do not necessarily cause harm but can lead to colic, inflammation (cholecystitis) and jaundice and pancreatitis. Diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound. Definitive treatment entails removing the stones together with the gallbladder otherwise the stones reform. Losing the gallbladder, which simply stores bile, is harmless. Keyhole surgery (laparoscopic cholecystecomy) involves putting a telescope through the belly button and inserting instruments through three other puncture sites to excise the gall bladder. Patients can sometimes go home the same day but more often prefer 24 to 48 hours to recover in hospital. Return to work is possible after a week. Diet is normal. It is not possible to guarantee that the surgeon will not need to open the abdomen as the condition of the gallbladder can only be reliably determined at surgery.
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