Home > Medical Reference > Patient Education

Gallbladder removal - series - Incision

Incision:

Most gallbladder surgery today is done using laparoscopic surgical techniques, in which narrow instruments, including a camera, are introduced into the abdomen through small incisions. With the patient under anesthesia, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide. Next, a laparoscopic camera is inserted into the abdomen near the umbilicus (navel). Instruments are inserted through 2 more incisions. The gallbladder is found, the vessels and tubes are cut, and the gallbladder is removed.

Reviewed last on: 6/8/2008
Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.