Gallbladder Surgery Hampton (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
If you’ve ever experienced sudden pain in the upper right of your abdomen or a squeezing sensation across your ribs, it might be what’s commonly called a ‘gallbladder attack’. Many people describe it as intense enough to send them to the hospital for relief.
The gallbladder is a small organ in the abdomen that stores bile, a digestive fluid released into the small intestine to help break down fats. When bile becomes concentrated with cholesterol or pigments, the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. This may cause small crystals to develop and gradually grow 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.
When diagnosed in time and managed with the right treatment, many patients experience long-term comfort and prevent further health issues.
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
Not all gallstones cause noticeable symptoms. Smaller stones usually don’t block the bile duct or hinder bile movement from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Once they become larger, though, they may result in symptoms like:
- Sharp or persistent pain in the abdomen
- Pain that occurs after eating a fatty meal
- Yellowing of the eyes and sometimes the skin (jaundice)
- Fever that may accompany pain or infection
Causes of Gallstones
A number of factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:
- High cholesterol levels in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Inherited blood conditions
- Regularly eating rich or fatty foods
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 has considerable experience performing gallbladder surgeries across Hampton, applying the latest laparoscopic approaches that aim to help shorten recovery periods and optimise outcomes.
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:
- Thorough assessment: Identifying whether gallstones are responsible for your symptoms and ruling out other possible issues like acid reflux or peptic ulcers.
- Open communication: Explaining the procedure, outlining possible risks and advantages, and reviewing the consent form in detail beforehand.
- Advanced surgical care: Offering both laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, if required, open gallbladder surgery, aiming to ensure the most appropriate option for each patient.
- 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.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follows an evidence-based and patient-centred approach, prioritising safety and compassion to provide reassurance and guidance throughout treatment.
Looking to learn more about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery from a supportive and experienced local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Hampton Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are solid formations that develop within the gallbladder. They may consist of cholesterol stones (the most frequent kind, created when bile contains excess cholesterol), pigment stones (dark stones formed from too much bilirubin, often associated with inherited blood conditions), or mixed stones (a blend of cholesterol and salts). Their size can vary from tiny grains of sand to several centimetres across.
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?
Most people are able to go home within 24 hours of gallbladder removal. A few may notice mild diarrhoea or loose bowel movements due to bile flowing directly into the intestine, but this generally improves over time. A low-fat diet is recommended at first, with a gradual return to normal eating habits.
What is a bile duct, and what is its role in the gallbladder?
Bile ducts transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine to aid fat digestion. The common bile duct connects the smaller ducts into one main channel before bile flows into the intestine. During surgery, doctors check these ducts closely to make sure no stones are blocking them, which could lead to discomfort, infection, or jaundice.
Do I need a gallbladder if it's causing issues?
The gallbladder’s main role is to store bile, but it isn’t necessary for normal digestion. After removal, bile flows continuously into the small intestine. Most people adapt well without lasting dietary problems, though a lower-fat diet can ease recovery. Some may notice temporary loose stools, especially after caffeine or fatty foods, but these symptoms generally fade over time.
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?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is 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 over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to assisting patients with bile duct and gallbladder concerns.
Our Location near Hampton
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 an appointment with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam to assess your symptoms and discuss whether laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most appropriate next step. If you require urgent attention for gallbladder inflammation or want guidance on long-term management, you’ll receive an individualised care plan.