Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The gallbladder is removed through four small keyhole incisions — the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones with rapid recovery and excellent outcomes.
What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold-standard surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, and gallbladder polyps. The entire gallbladder is removed through four small keyhole incisions using a high-definition laparoscope and specialised instruments. The cystic duct and artery are safely clipped and divided, and the gallbladder is extracted through the umbilical port. Dr. Abhishek performs this routinely at Lux Hospitals, with most patients going home the next day and returning to normal activities within a week.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Pneumoperitoneum
General anaesthesia is given; CO2 is insufflated to create working space in the abdomen.
Port Placement
Four small ports (5–10 mm) are placed: one umbilical, one epigastric, and two in the right upper quadrant.
Calot's Triangle Dissection
The cystic duct and artery are carefully identified within Calot's triangle to achieve the 'critical view of safety'.
Clipping & Division
Cystic duct and artery are clipped and divided; the gallbladder is dissected off the liver bed using electrocautery.
Extraction & Closure
The gallbladder is placed in a retrieval bag and removed through the umbilical port; all ports are closed.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Minimally invasive — four small keyhole incisions
- →Same-day or next-day discharge in most patients
- →Significantly less pain than open cholecystectomy
- →Faster return to work and normal activities
- →Excellent long-term outcomes with very low complication rate
- →Safe and effective for both elective and acute cases
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the great success stories of modern surgery — safe, reliable, and transformative for patients. The key is always achieving the critical view of safety before dividing any structure.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Hyderabad depends on the severity of gallbladder disease, number and size of gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder, presence of infection, associated common bile duct stones, pre-operative investigations, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and hospital stay. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the gallbladder and is commonly recommended for symptomatic gallstones when surgery is appropriate. The estimated cost ranges from ₹55,000 to ₹1,20,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹87,500.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard, symptomatic gallstones | ₹55,000 ₹1,20,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on whether the gallstones are uncomplicated or associated with acute cholecystitis, empyema, adhesions, or other complications. Acute inflammation or an infected gallbladder may require a longer hospital stay, additional medicines, and more complex surgery. Based on the provided estimate, acute cholecystitis or empyema may increase the overall cost by approximately 20–40%.
Patients with common bile duct stones may require ERCP before gallbladder surgery. When ERCP is performed as a separate admission, its cost is generally additional to the laparoscopic cholecystectomy estimate. The total expense may also include consultation, blood tests, liver function tests, ultrasound or other imaging, anesthesia, operating-room charges, hospital admission, medicines, pathology, and follow-up care.
Factors Affecting Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Cost
The cost of laparoscopic gallbladder removal can vary between patients because gallstone disease can range from uncomplicated symptomatic stones to acute inflammation or infection. Findings before and during surgery and the need for additional procedures can significantly influence the final treatment expense.
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Number and size of gallstones: The stone burden and gallbladder condition can influence the complexity of surgery.
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Acute cholecystitis: Active inflammation can make surgery more difficult and may require additional hospital and medical care.
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Gallbladder empyema: An infected gallbladder containing pus may require more intensive treatment and can increase hospitalization costs.
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Common bile duct stones: CBD stones may require additional evaluation or ERCP before or after gallbladder surgery.
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Pre-operative investigations: Ultrasound, liver function tests, blood investigations, MRCP, or other imaging may be required depending on the clinical situation.
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Previous abdominal surgery: Adhesions from earlier operations can make laparoscopic dissection more complex.
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Surgical complexity: Severe inflammation, adhesions, difficult anatomy, or complications may increase operative time.
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Anesthesia: General anesthesia is required for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and contributes to the total procedure cost.
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Hospital stay: Admission, nursing care, monitoring, intravenous medicines, antibiotics, and recovery services affect the overall expense.
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ERCP or additional procedures: When CBD stone clearance, drainage, or another intervention is required, these may add separate charges.
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Pathology: The removed gallbladder may undergo histopathological examination, with pathology charges potentially billed separately.
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Post-operative care: Medicines, wound care, follow-up consultations, and recovery monitoring may also contribute to the final cost.
Insurance Coverage for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary treatment for symptomatic gallstones or related gallbladder disease. Coverage depends on the diagnosis, medical indication, policy terms, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer guidelines, applicable limits, and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm coverage for the surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, investigations, medicines, and any separate ERCP or related procedure with their insurance provider before planned admission.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Abhishek Katha
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, evaluates patients with gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, common bile duct stones, and other gastrointestinal surgical conditions. During consultation, he reviews symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, pain after fatty meals, nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice, indigestion, and the duration and recurrence of symptoms. He also reviews the patient's medical and surgical history along with available ultrasound, liver function tests, blood investigations, MRCP, and other imaging reports to determine the nature and extent of gallbladder disease. When laparoscopic cholecystectomy is appropriate, Dr. Abhishek Katha assesses the patient's condition and discusses the recommended surgical approach based on the clinical and imaging findings. For uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones, he explains the laparoscopic procedure, anesthesia, expected hospital stay, recovery, wound care, and follow-up. If acute cholecystitis, empyema, adhesions, or CBD stones are present, he discusses how these findings may alter the treatment plan and whether antibiotics, ERCP, additional imaging, or other procedures may be required. The consultation also includes discussion of the expected treatment expenses, possible additional charges, and factors that can influence the final cost.
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