What happens if a laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not work or if there are complications during surgery?

What happens if a laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not work or if there are complications during surgery?

If the patient has certain complications associated with gallstones, the surgeon may need to remove the gallbladder with an open cholecystectomy. This surgery involves an incision in the abdomen and requires a longer hospital stay (three to five days). Medical issues that could lead to open cholecystectomy include:

• Having severe inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Experiencing difficulties during an attempted laparoscopic surgery.
• Having severe cardiac and respiratory issues.
• Having a late term pregnancy.
• Experiencing major scarring from a previous surgery.
• Having a bleeding disorder or liver disease.
• Having suspected gallbladder cancer, a very rare condition.