Gallbladder Removal Surgery Ringwood (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
Waking up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in your upper abdomen or a squeezing ache across your ribs can be a sign of a ‘gallbladder attack’. It’s often described as severe, prompting many to seek medical attention right away.
The gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver, stores bile, a substance that helps digest fats. When bile becomes rich in cholesterol or pigments and isn’t released properly, small crystals can form, gradually building up into gallstones.
Gallbladder Disease
This condition, called gallstone disease, is one of the most common reasons for surgery in Australia. General surgeons like Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam work with patients experiencing gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions, like acute or chronic cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder), biliary colic, and gallstone pancreatitis.
Through prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, patients may experience ongoing relief and lower the chances of complications developing.
With timely diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, patients may be able to find long-term relief and avoid potentially serious complications.
Symptoms of Gallstones
In some cases, gallstones cause no symptoms. This is because if the stones are small enough, they don’t block the bile duct or interfere with the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. However, if gallstones are large enough to cause symptoms, they may lead to:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Pain that occurs after eating a fatty meal
- Yellowing of the eyes and sometimes the skin (jaundice)
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- High cholesterol levels in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Being on hormone replacement therapy
- Blood disorders passed down through families
- Eating certain fatty foods
While some people never experience symptoms, others develop severe biliary pain (also known as biliary colic), recurrent attacks, or complications like chronic pancreatitis or an inflamed gallbladder.
The typical approach in these cases is gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), which is performed to stop future attacks and help patients get back to daily life.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a highly experienced general surgeon who has carried out many gallbladder surgeries across Ringwood. He utilises advanced laparoscopic methods to support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
Keyhole, or laparoscopic, surgery offers a minimally invasive method for gallbladder removal. It uses a few tiny incisions to insert instruments, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallbladder while reducing post-operative pain and recovery time.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam’s surgical approach involves:
- Comprehensive assessment: Confirming that your initial symptoms are caused by gallstones and excluding other conditions, such as a peptic ulcer or acid reflux.
- Clear communication: Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.
- Comprehensive surgical care: Performing laparoscopic or open gallbladder surgery depending on each patient’s needs, ensuring the most suitable treatment path.
- Post-operative support: Managing post-operative pain, wound care, and dietary guidance (such as a low-fat diet) to help you return to everyday life as quickly and smoothly as possible.
With a focus on evidence-based care, safety, and empathy, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures each patient is well-informed and cared for every step of the way.
Looking to learn more about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery from a supportive and experienced local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Ringwood Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can be made of cholesterol stones (the most common type, formed when bile has too much cholesterol), pigment stones (small, dark stones caused by excess bilirubin, often linked to hereditary blood disorders), or mixed stones (a combination of cholesterol and salts). These stones may range in size from as small as a grain of sand to several centimetres in diameter.
How many people have gallbladder diseases?
The true rate of gallstones is uncertain, as many people remain symptom-free. However, research suggests that about 15% of Australians older than 50 are likely to have gallstones.
What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?
Every surgical procedure carries some risks, though complications are rare. These may include bleeding, infection, bile duct injury, blood clots, or mild bruising and oozing near the incision area. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will explain these possibilities in detail before your operation.
What happens after my gallbladder is removed?
Following gallbladder surgery, many patients leave the hospital the same day or the next. Temporary loose stools or mild diarrhoea can occur as bile flows more freely into the intestine, but this usually resolves. It’s advised to eat a low-fat diet initially, then slowly reintroduce regular foods.
What is a bile duct, and what is its role in the gallbladder?
The bile duct carries bile from both the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, assisting in the digestion of fats. The main duct, called the common bile duct, collects bile from smaller ducts before it reaches the intestine. Surgeons carefully examine these ducts during gallbladder surgery to confirm they’re clear of stones that could cause pain or infection.
Do I need a gallbladder if it's causing issues?
The gallbladder isn’t vital for digestion, and the body can operate well without it. It serves mainly as a storage pouch for bile, which, after removal, flows straight into the small intestine. Most people experience little to no lasting dietary changes, though reducing fatty foods can ease discomfort during recovery. Occasionally, loose stools may occur after eating rich foods or caffeine, but this usually settles quickly.
Even though minor issues may occur, it’s important not to be discouraged. If you’re experiencing gallstones or another gallbladder condition, laparoscopic removal is generally the safest and most suitable treatment to prevent future problems.
What areas do you service?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Experience in Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam uses advanced laparoscopic techniques to help patients experience reduced pain and a quicker return to normal activities after surgery.
Comprehensive, Local Care
From diagnosis to surgery and recovery, all close to home, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers complete care and clear communication at every step.
Patient-Centred Approach
With over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to assisting patients with bile duct and gallbladder concerns.
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
For those experiencing gallstones, biliary colic, or repeated abdominal pain, relief could be within reach. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery often provides a way to avoid future problems and enjoy daily life without persistent pain.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam to review your symptoms and better understand your treatment options, including laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. From urgent gallbladder inflammation to ongoing gallbladder disease, he will work with you to create a treatment plan suited to you.