Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

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Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of the digestive system 
Gallbladder location

Cholecystectomy is used to treat gallstones and the complications they cause. Your doctor may recommend cholecystectomy if you have:

  • Gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis)
  • Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
  • Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
  • Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
References
  1. Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:1423.
  2. Patient information for laparoscopic gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy) from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI11/. Accessed Oct. 31, 2008.
  3. Cholecystectomy. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/cholesys.pdf. Accessed Oct. 31, 2008.
  4. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Nov. 18, 2008.

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Dec. 31, 2008

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