Gallbladder Surgery Blackburn (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a pain in the upper right of your abdomen? Or a pain that squeezes you around the top of your ribs? This may be what people refer to as a ‘gallbladder attack’, and it’s known to be quite painful, with many people turning to the emergency room for help.
Your gallbladder is a tiny organ that holds bile, a digestive fluid sent into the small intestine to process fats. When the bile becomes overly concentrated or the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, crystals may start to form and eventually turn into gallstones.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallstone disease is one of the most common surgical conditions in Australia. General surgeons like Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam treat patients with gallstones and other gallbladder conditions such as acute or chronic cholecystitis, biliary colic, gallstone pancreatitis, and, though rare, gallbladder cancer.
A timely diagnosis combined with appropriate care can help patients find lasting relief and avoid major complications.
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
Gallstones can sometimes exist without causing any issues. When they’re small, they don’t block bile flow between the gallbladder and the small intestine. But larger gallstones may cause symptoms such as:
- Pain in the abdomen, which may be severe
- Abdominal pain that flares up after consuming fatty foods
- Jaundice, a yellow tint in the eyes or skin
- Fever
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- Sudden or fast weight loss
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Inherited blood conditions
- Consuming foods high in fat
For some, gallstones cause no symptoms, but others may suffer from strong biliary pain, recurring flare-ups, or complications like gallbladder inflammation or chronic pancreatitis.
In such situations, gallbladder surgery, also called a cholecystectomy, is often recommended to prevent further episodes and help patients resume their normal routine.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a highly experienced general surgeon who has carried out many gallbladder surgeries across Blackburn. 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.
The approach taken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam focuses on:
- Comprehensive evaluation: Determining if gallstones are the source of your discomfort and checking for other conditions, including peptic ulcers or reflux.
- Transparent communication: Discussing the potential risks and benefits and ensuring you understand the consent form before surgery.
- Comprehensive surgical care: Performing laparoscopic or open gallbladder surgery depending on each patient’s needs, ensuring the most suitable treatment path.
- Post-surgery care: Offering guidance on pain relief, wound healing, and diet (such as reducing fat intake) to ensure a comfortable and steady recovery.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follows an evidence-based and patient-centred approach, prioritising safety and compassion to provide reassurance and guidance throughout treatment.
Thinking about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want to speak with a caring, trusted local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Blackburn Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Inside the gallbladder, hard deposits known as gallstones can develop. These may include cholesterol stones (commonly formed when bile carries too much cholesterol), pigment stones (small, dark stones from high bilirubin levels linked to hereditary blood disorders), or mixed stones (a mixture of cholesterol and minerals). They can range in size from a speck of sand to a few centimetres wide.
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?
All surgeries come with potential risks, so it’s important to understand these. Complications are uncommon but may include wound infection, blood clots, bleeding, bile duct injury, or bruising and slight oozing around the incision sites. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will discuss these risks with you before surgery.
What happens after my gallbladder is removed?
After gallbladder removal, patients typically go home within a day. Some may have mild diarrhoea or softer stools while the body adjusts to the constant bile flow, though this tends to settle. A low-fat diet is encouraged early on, with a gradual transition back to normal meals.
What is a bile duct, and what is its role in the gallbladder?
Bile flows through a network of ducts from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine to break down fats. The common bile duct serves as the main channel connecting the smaller ducts. During gallbladder surgery, surgeons inspect the ducts to ensure they’re not blocked by gallstones, which can lead to pain, infection, or jaundice.
Do I need a gallbladder if it's causing issues?
Although the gallbladder helps store bile, it isn’t essential for healthy digestion. Once removed, bile simply travels directly to the small intestine. Most patients continue to eat normally long-term, though avoiding fatty foods early in recovery can help minimise discomfort. Some may experience brief bouts of loose stools after having caffeine or fatty meals, which typically resolve soon.
However, it’s important not to let potential issues like these deter you. If you have gallstones or another condition that affects your gallbladder, undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is typically the most appropriate option, as leaving it in may lead to further complications.
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 your first consultation to post-surgery recovery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures seamless, locally based care and transparent communication at every stage.
Patient-Centred Approach
With more than 15 years of experience in surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides care for patients experiencing bile duct and gallbladder problems.
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If you’re suffering from gallstones, biliary colic, or recurrent abdominal pain, help may be closer than you think. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may be the most appropriate way to prevent further attacks and complications, potentially helping you get back to daily life without pain.
Book a consultation with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam today to discuss your symptoms and find out whether laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may be right for you. Whether you need urgent care for an inflamed gallbladder or are considering your options for managing gallbladder disease, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will work with you to provide a personalised treatment plan.