Gallbladder surgery, often called cholecystectomy, is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile. This surgery is commonly performed when patients have gallstones, which can cause pain, inflammation, or infection. It can be done using traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopic surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to access the gallbladder. After removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine, which usually does not cause any significant digestive issues. Recovery time varies, but many patients return to normal activities within a week.