Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery in Mérida

Dra. Montserrat Monroy · Board-Certified Surgeon (CMCG)
Last medical review: September 2026

What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder using a minimally invasive technique. The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. When the gallbladder develops gallstones, chronic inflammation, or other conditions, surgery is the definitive treatment.

It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and is considered the standard of care for symptomatic gallbladder disease. Dr. Monroy performs this procedure laparoscopically, using small incisions that allow significantly faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

The laparoscopic technique uses a high-definition camera and specialized instruments inserted through 3 to 4 incisions of less than 1 cm each, allowing the surgeon to operate with precision and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.

When Is Gallbladder Surgery Needed?

Gallbladder surgery is recommended when the gallbladder causes symptoms or presents a risk of complications:

• Symptomatic gallstones (cholelithiasis): stones in the gallbladder causing recurrent abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals. The typical pain is located in the upper right abdomen and may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
• Acute cholecystitis: acute inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a stone obstruction. It presents with intense pain, fever, and abdominal tenderness and requires urgent medical attention.
• Chronic cholecystitis: repeated episodes of gallbladder inflammation producing recurrent pain, intolerance to fatty foods, nausea, and bloating.
• Gallbladder polyps: when polyps larger than 10 mm or with features suggesting malignancy risk are detected.
• Biliary dyskinesia: when the gallbladder does not contract properly, causing chronic digestive symptoms without visible gallstones.

Not all gallstones require surgery. Asymptomatic gallstones (incidental findings) are generally managed with observation. Dr. Monroy evaluates each case individually.

How Is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery Performed?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and follows these steps:

1. Laparoscopic access: 3 to 4 small incisions (5 to 12 mm) are made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide is introduced to create a working space, and a camera provides high-definition visualization of the structures.
2. Structure identification: the cystic duct and cystic artery supplying the gallbladder are precisely identified, following safety protocols to prevent injury to the main bile duct.
3. Clipping and division: the cystic duct and artery are sealed with surgical clips and divided in a controlled manner.
4. Gallbladder removal: the gallbladder is separated from the liver and extracted through one of the incisions. Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical adhesive.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, though it may vary depending on case complexity (inflammation, adhesions, anatomical variants).

Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery

One of the main advantages of the laparoscopic technique is rapid recovery:

• Most patients are discharged the same day or the day after surgery.
• Postoperative pain is mild to moderate and managed with oral pain medication.
• Return to light daily activities within 3 to 5 days.
• Return to work (non-physical activities) generally within 1 week.
• Full physical activity between 2 and 4 weeks.

A low-fat diet is recommended during the first few weeks while the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder. Most patients can gradually resume a normal diet. Dr. Monroy provides detailed postoperative care instructions.

Risks and Complications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and widely practiced surgery. Like all surgeries, it carries risks that, while uncommon, should be considered:

• Intra- or postoperative bleeding.
• Incision site infection.
• Bile duct injury (low risk with proper technique and an experienced surgeon).
• Bile leak.
• Conversion to open surgery (necessary in a small percentage of cases, usually due to severe inflammation or complex anatomy).

The surgeon's experience and strict adherence to safety protocols are key factors in minimizing these risks.

Can you live without a gallbladder?

Yes. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it; the liver continues producing bile that flows directly into the intestine. Most patients experience no significant long-term changes in their digestion. Some patients may notice softer or more frequent stools during the first few weeks, which generally resolves as the body adjusts.

What happens if I don't have surgery for symptomatic gallstones?

Symptomatic gallstones tend to cause increasingly frequent and intense episodes. Without treatment, they can lead to complications such as acute cholecystitis (severe inflammation), biliary pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), choledocholithiasis (stones migrating to the main bile duct), or intestinal obstruction. Scheduled surgery is safer than emergency surgery for complications.