A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. The surgeon makes several small incisions on the right side of the abdomen. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end used to view the gallbladder on a screen, is inserted into one incision. The gallbladder is removed through another incision. This procedure helps individuals with gallstones that cause inflammation, pain or infection.