• Access is generally obtained by making an incision in the umbilicus.
  • Usually, a 12 mm port is placed through the umbilical incision under direct visualization.
  • The abdomen is insufflated.
  • Generally, a subxiphoid 5mm trocar and two right subcostal trocars are placed.
  • Any adhesions to the gallbladder are taken down using electrocautery or ultrasonic shears.
  • The gallbladder is retracted superiorly and lateral.
  • Electrocautery as well as blunt dissection is used to identify the Triangle of Calot.
  • The cystic duct is identified. Two clips are placed proximally, and one is placed distally.
  • The cystic artery is identified. Two clips are placed proximally, and one is placed distally.
  • The cystic duct and the cystic artery are transected using scissors.
  • The gallbladder is removed from the gallbladder fossa using electrocautery or an ultrasonic energy device such as HARMONIC 1100.
  • Hemostasis is obtained while removing the gallbladder.

NOTE: Adjunctive hemostats such as SURGICEL SNoW™ or SURGICEL Powder™ may be used if the liver bed is oozing and where primary methods (energy, staples, sutures, or clips) are ineffective or impractical.

  • The patient is extubated and taken to the recovery room.