What is cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy means removal of the gall bladder. The other treatment options for gall bladder disease are much less satisfactory due to the length of treatment necessary, the cost of treatment, side effects and the high possibility that gall stones may recur. Most often cholecystectomy is done with laparoscopy, allowing the incisions made to be smaller. This means less pain afterwards and a quicker return to normal activity.

Can I live without a gall bladder?
The gall bladder serves as a storage organ for bile. When an abnormal gall bladder is removed (i.e. one with stones), the only change in function is a lack of pain. Digestive processes are normal afterwards.