Gallstones, small stone-like structures, form in the fluid (bile) that is stored in the gallbladder.  They may vary from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball and there may be one or hundreds present.

Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain if they block the outlet of the gallbladder.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder.  A laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity at the level of the umbilicus (belly button).  Surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions and the gallbladder removed.

For more information on the above topic, please refer to Andrew Bowker's website:  www.gallstones.co.nz