The main symptoms of gallstones are abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen, sickness and fever. Once you’ve been diagnosed, surgery may be required to remove your gallbladder if these symptoms persist.

The operation is called a laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy. Four small incisions are made in your abdomen to allow access to remove the gallbladder. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.

With keyhole surgery you will recover faster than if you have open surgery. There is a 5% chance of needing to convert to an open operation if there are difficulties with the surgery. In this case, a six-inch incision is made below the right rib and you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.

You can live a normal life without your gallbladder.