Gallbladder Removal Surgery Melton South (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, and gallstone pancreatitis.
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:
- Pain in the abdomen, which may be severe
- Pain that occurs after eating a fatty meal
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Fever that may accompany pain or infection
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- Rapid weight loss
- Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- Genetic blood disorders
- Consuming foods high in fat
Some people may not notice any symptoms, while others experience intense biliary pain, repeated episodes, or issues such as chronic pancreatitis or inflammation of the gallbladder.
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 Melton South. He utilises advanced laparoscopic methods to support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
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 approach includes:
- Detailed evaluation: Ensuring your symptoms are linked to gallstones while excluding other potential causes such as reflux or ulcers.
- Transparent communication: Discussing the potential risks and benefits and ensuring you understand the consent form before surgery.
- Advanced surgical care: Offering both laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, if required, open gallbladder surgery, aiming to ensure the most appropriate option for each patient.
- 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.
Looking to learn more about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery from a supportive and experienced local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Melton South 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?
Since gallstones often cause no symptoms, determining exact numbers can be challenging. It’s believed that roughly 15% of Australians aged over 50 have them.
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?
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?
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?
Vineyard Specialist Centre 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
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
Drawing on more than 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam supports patients dealing with gallbladder and bile duct conditions.
Our Location near Melton South
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If you’ve been dealing with gallstones, biliary colic, or ongoing abdominal discomfort, you don’t have to keep living with it. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery could help stop future flare-ups and allow you to return to a more comfortable, active life.
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.