Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Gallstones are very common (15 – 20 % of people) and usually asymptomatic. Because of the recurrent pain and more severe problems gallstones can cause, particularly pancreatitis, all international guidelines recommend removal of the gallbladder once gallstones become symptomatic.

Gallbladder polyps are also common, and can progress to become gallbladder cancer, a very serious cancer that has a very poor prognosis and is always terminal. Once gallbladder polyps reach 6mm in size, international guidelines recommend cholecystectomy. If smaller than 6mm, gallbladder polyps should be closely watched / surveilled with regular ultrasound scans. Some patients may prefer to have their gallbladder polyps removed at a smaller size to avoid the annoyance of multiple follow up ultrasound scans.