Treatment Options
Because the gallbladder is the primary source of these biliary stones, removal of this organ is nearly always curative. This removal (cholecystectomy) is accomplished laparoscopically through several small incisions. Rarely, the organ is so diseased with scarring or the anatomy is so unusual that the safest method of surgical removal is accomplished through a larger incision. If there are stones within the bile ducts, they can usually be removed at the time of surgery. There are other specific conditions that would indicate preoperative removal of the bile duct stones by way of endoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist.
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most patients are ready for discharge later on the day of surgery. If an open incision is used, several days of hospitalization are generally required. At the time of discharge, the typical patient is able to eat and walk.
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