Gallbladder Surgery Cheltenham (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, 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, gallstone pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, 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
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:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
- A high temperature or fever
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- High cholesterol levels in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Use of hormone replacement treatments
- Hereditary blood disorders
- Consuming foods high in fat
Although some individuals remain symptom-free, others may encounter severe biliary discomfort, ongoing attacks, or related complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder 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 Cheltenham, applying the latest laparoscopic approaches that aim to help shorten recovery periods and optimise outcomes.
Laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery is the least invasive technique for gallbladder removal. This approach requires only small incisions through which the surgeon operates, often resulting in less discomfort and quicker recovery compared to traditional procedures.
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.
- 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.
- Recovery support: Providing assistance with pain control, wound management, and dietary adjustments (including a low-fat plan) to promote a smooth return to normal activities.
Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to keeping patients safe, informed, and supported during their treatment journey.
Considering laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want guidance from a kind, knowledgeable surgeon near you?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Cheltenham 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?
As some people don’t experience symptoms, the exact numbers are hard to define. However, it’s thought that about 15% of people over 50 in Australia have gallstones.
What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?
While surgery is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Uncommon complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, bile duct injury, or minor bruising and discharge at the incision sites. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will go through all potential risks with you beforehand.
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 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?
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.
Despite these potential side effects, it’s best not to avoid treatment. For anyone with gallstones or related gallbladder conditions, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is usually the most suitable option to avoid ongoing or serious complications.
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 performs laparoscopic gallbladder surgery with the goal of reducing postoperative discomfort and helping patients recover sooner.
Comprehensive, Local Care
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides end-to-end care, from diagnosis through to recovery, all conveniently close to home, with open communication throughout.
Patient-Centred Approach
Backed by over 15 years in surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is dedicated to helping patients manage gallbladder and bile duct issues.
Our Location near Cheltenham
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If gallstones, biliary colic, or recurring abdominal pain are affecting your routine, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may offer the best solution to prevent further issues and support a quicker return to everyday comfort.
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.