The utmost and most recommended option in treating gallstones is through laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. In laparoscopy, specialized tools are used in making small incisions to perform an operation. Gallbladder removal through laparoscopy is formally called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although a person can live without a gallbladder, it still makes a difference in one’s life, biologically speaking, especially when involving proper digestion. The gallbladder provides a vital role in breaking down food and releasing of fats. Without it, there is no one to collect the bile that is responsible for completing the digestive process. The liver will be left alone to release the bile straight to the small intestine, which can result in bloating and diarrhea. When the gallbladder can no longer perform its duty and gallstones have significantly increased and unable for the body to flush them out, this leaves only one thing—to remove the gallbladder to avoid further complications. Gallstones, also called cholelithiasis that become as large as a golf ball, can cause complications. Cholelithiasis is just one of the gallbladder conditions that require laparoscopic surgery. The others that may lead to severe conditions are: Cholecystitis—gallbladder inflammation Choledocholithiasis—bile duct obstruction Biliary dyskinesia—a defective flow of bile Pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas due to gallstones Dr. Clay Albrecht, MD, FACS is a highly certified and respected surgeon with extensive experience in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Even if he had performed thousands of operations, Dr. Albrecht knows where to apply his expertise as he understands that every patient has a unique need, especially concerning delicate matters such as gallbladder surgery.