On the whole, surgical treatments are required for symptomatic gallstones. However sometimes, conservative measures such as painkillers and antibiotics may be recommended. The advice of an expert should be sought in order to determine the optimal management strategies.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy illustration (click to view full size in new tab).

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This is the standard and recognised method used to treat symptomatic gallstones.

Using telescopes at the umbilicus and 3x other ports (keyhole), the gallbladder can be removed safely, usually within 45 minutes.

This is a day case procedure (in and out of hospital on the same day) and it takes 4–5 days to fully recover at home.

Laparoscopic On Table Cholangiogram

This is an extra step taken at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

X-ray of the bile ducts taken during an operation.

It allows for the main bile ducts to be visualised, thereby checking for any anatomical/pathological variation of the biliary system as well as ensuring that gallstones have not passed out of the gallbladder and into the main bile ducts.

Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration

If stones have passed out of the gall bladder and into the main bile ducts then these can be retrieved with keyhole surgery. This may be something that is planned for preoperatively, or it may be necessary to undertake this step if an on table cholangiogram has demonstrated an incidental stone in the bile duct.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

As an alternative to laparoscopic bile duct exploration, bile duct stones may be removed endoscopically (a telescope from the mouth into the stomach). This may be something that is planned ahead of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or it may be needed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy if the on table cholangiogram has demonstrated a bile duct stone.