The liver normally produces bile. It drains into the first part of the small intestine where it aids in digestion. It is stored in the gallbladder between meals. Crystals can form when the bile is stored, and as the crystals grow, they form gallstones.

An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis of gallstones.

In most cases, the gallbladder containing the stones is removed. Removal of the stones alone is not adequate therapy. Stones will almost always reform in the gallbladder if it is not removed.

During surgery four small incisions will be made on your child's abdomen, through which a telescope is passed to observe the operation as it is performed with instruments placed through the other three openings. Your child will have four small dressings (clear plastic bandage over gauze) on his or her abdomen.

Rarely, an "open" procedure through an incision below the ribs may be necessary. This may be required if there is scarring, inflammation, bleeding or unusual anatomy of the common bile duct which prevents safe performance of the laparoscopy.

Occasionally, a gallstone remains in the bile ducts after removal of the gallbladder. In most cases, the stone can be safely removed by passing a flexible telescope through the mouth and stomach into the first part of the intestine. With this telescope the stone can generally be remove from the common bile duct.

After surgery your child will go to the recovery room for one to two hours, then to the surgical floor. After surgery:

• Your child may drink fluids the evening after the operation.
• Your child will receive pain medicine through the IV the evening after the operation.
• The morning following the operation, if your child is not too nauseous, he or she may eat breakfast.
• Your child will be given a prescription for pain medication at time of discharge. Give pain medicine as prescribed and instructed by your doctor and nurse.