Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with CBD Exploration

Why is the procedure done?

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove the gall bladder in order to remove gallstones as well as prevent gall bladder cancer. Common bile duct exploration is an additional procedure that can be done during this surgery, if there are indications of a stone blocking the common bile duct.

How is the procedure done?

• A small incision is made in the navel through which the laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera at one end, is inserted.
• The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to provide better view and room to operate.
• Additional laparoscopic tools are inserted through three other small incisions in the abdomen to aid the clipping of the gall bladder from the adherent artery and bile duct.
• The gall bladder is removed through one of the incisions. 
• A cholangiogram, an X-ray, is taken to detect obstructions in the common bile duct.
• The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and hip. Other tools of operation are inserted likewise through three additional small incisions and the stones located are retrieved by a flexible endoscope
• The small incisions are closed with sutures and surgical tape.