There are two separate techniques when performing a cholecystectomy; a laparoscopic cholecystecomy vs. an "open" cholecystecomy. The laparoscopic approach is the procedure that generally allows the patient to go home the same day, whereas the "open" cholecystecomy is an inpatient procedure. The physician will advise the patient which method works best for the situation.

In a laparoscopic cholecystecomy, there are four small incisions less than one inch each in length. The incisions are at the bellybutton, the upper abdomen, and two on the right side under the ribs. The abdomen is then inflated with carbon dioxide gas for a better view. A special scope is then inserted into the belly button and attached to a television camera. The camera allows the surgeon to see the intra abdominal cavity on the television screen. Small instruments and scissors are inserted into the other incisions to help remove the gallbladder through the existing small incisions. The benefits of this procedure are: less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and much less visible scarring.

The incision for the "open" procedure is long so the surgeon can see the gallbladder without scopes and then remove it through the incision. Primarily, this procedure is done due to extreme bleeding, severe inflammation, or gallstones in the bile duct. The benefit of this technique is that a laparoscopic scope is not used so there will be no risk of injury to the abdominal organs.