To assess whether the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has led to a change in attitude regarding the resumption of normal activities after operation, the views of 407 general practitioners (GPs) and 532 patients were analysed. Although 99 per cent of GPs thought that laparoscopic cholecystectomy represented an improvement on the open operation, 55 per cent advised significant restrictions in the postoperative period. For the 231 patients in employment who had an uncomplicated laparoscopic procedure the mean time of return to work was 3.3 weeks. Although 47 per cent of patients returned to work within 2 weeks, 19 per cent took more than 4 weeks. The self-employed returned significantly earlier than employees. Education through better communication among hospital, general practitioners and patients is required if prevailing attitudes towards the length of convalescence after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are to change.