Gallbladder surgery is usually (99%) performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive technique). Most commonly three ports or small tubes (5-10 mm) are placed through the abdominal wall while the patient is under general anesthesia. One tube is for introduction of a lighted camera and the other two are for introduction of various medical instruments used to remove the gallbladder. Usually a cauterizing device and small clips are used to divide the bile duct blood vessels and structural attachments; then the gallbladder is removed through the largest (12 mm) port site usually near the umbilicus. As a part of the operation our surgeons will put dye into the bile duct system to clarify the anatomy and to make sure no stones have escaped into the bile ducts. If stones are seen in the bile duct (1-2% of the time) then special devices can be used to remove the stones or if not possible another endoscopic procedure called ERCP can be performed the next day. In our hospital this procedure is done by gastroenterology specialists and does not require incisions or general anesthesia. Gallbladder surgery is usually an outpatient procedure allowing the patient to go home the same day or the next day.