HealthWise: Is gallbladder removal safe?

Gallstones are pebble-like collections of cholesterol and other substances that form in the gallbladder and cause chronic inflammation and pain. At least 10 million people in India develop gallstones every year, yet misconceptions about the disease persist. Many people believe no treatment is needed for gallstones that are small or are not causing pain. They’re wrong. Gallstones are the most common risk factor for cancer of the gallbladder. A safe 30-minutes laparoscopic procedure for the removal of the gallbladder removal gets patients back on their feet within a couple of hours after surgery. Dr Pradeep Chowbey, chairman of the Max Institute of Laparoscopic, Endoscopic and Bariatric Surgery, separates the myths from the facts.