The best treatment for gallstones which cause colic, pancreatitis, or cholangitis is the removal of the gallbladder. This kind of surgery is called a cholecystectomy and is usually done laparoscopically with small incisions. Much less frequently, your surgeon will determine that it is better for the patient's safety to make a more extensive incision. Your surgeon will often perform an x-ray of the bile duct which is called a cholangiogram to determine if any stones are present in the bile duct. Sometimes, gallbladder pain can occur when gallstones are absent. In this case, the gallbladder doesn't empty well. Your physician will determine this by ordering a HIDA scan to reveal a low ejection fraction. Removal of the gallbladder is one of the most common procedures done by a general surgeon. Robotic surgery has allowed for enhanced techniques in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery as well