Roshan Ariyaratnam General Surgeon

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy) Melbourne ＆ Regional Victoria

Gallbladder surgery aims to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

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.

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 reasons for surgery in Australia. General surgeons like Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam work with patients experiencing gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions, like:

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:

Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones may develop due to various factors such as:

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.

In these cases, the most common treatment is gallbladder surgery (gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy). This is a surgical procedure that aims to prevent future attacks and allow patients to return to normal life.

Gallbladder Surgery in Melbourne

Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has performed numerous gallbladder surgeries in Melbourne and regional Victoria. He uses the latest laparoscopic and robotic surgical methods in an effort to minimise recovery time and improve patient outcomes.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, is the most minimally invasive procedure for gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). A laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making a few small incisions to insert surgical instruments, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallbladder with typically less post-operative pain than traditional surgery.

Robotic Gallbladder Surgery

Robotic gallbladder surgery involves the use of an advanced surgical system. Robotic arms allow for more precise incisions, may offer a clearer view of the patient's anatomy, and are then used to perform gallbladder removal. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is extensively trained and experienced in robotic surgery.

What to Expect With Rapid Access to Care

When you’re living with pain or discomfort, waiting months for answers only adds to the burden. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers timely care, with most patients seen within one week of referral. His approach includes:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Confirming that your initial symptoms are caused by gallstones and excluding other conditions, such as a peptic ulcer or acid reflux.

2. Clear Communication

Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.

3. Advanced Surgical Care

Offering laparoscopic cholecystectomy, robotic surgery and, if required, open gallbladder surgery, aiming to ensure the most appropriate option for each patient.

4. 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’s care is guided by evidence-based practice, patient safety, and compassion, helping every patient feel informed and supported throughout their treatment.

Ready to enquire about gallbladder surgery with a compassionate, experienced, local surgeon?

Your Gallbladder Surgery Melbourne 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 is a bile duct, and what is its role in the gallbladder?

The bile duct is the channel that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine, where it helps digest fats. The common bile duct is the main pathway that joins smaller ducts together before bile enters the intestine. During gallbladder surgery, surgeons carefully check the bile ducts to ensure no gallstones are blocking them, as this can cause pain, infection, or jaundice.

Do I need a gallbladder if it's causing issues?

The gallbladder isn’t an essential organ, and people may function without it. The gallbladder stores bile, but without it, bile acids enter the small intestine directly. Most patients have no long-term dietary issues, although limiting fatty foods may reduce biliary pain or discomfort during recovery.

Some people develop frequent loose stools after gallbladder surgery, particularly after having caffeine or fatty food. If this occurs, it tends to resolve soon afterwards.

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 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, most patients can return home the same day or the next day. Some experience mild diarrhoea or loose stools as bile trickles steadily into the intestine, but this usually settles. Patients should follow a low-fat diet in the early weeks and gradually return to a normal diet.

Do I need a referral for gallbladder surgery?

You can arrange a consultation without a referral. However, a GP referral is generally recommended for gallbladder concerns as it allows access to Medicare rebates.

How quickly can I have gallbladder removal surgery?

Following your consultation, surgery may often be scheduled within a few weeks, with urgent cases, such as acute gallbladder inflammation, prioritised accordingly.

How long is the hospital stay?

Laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder surgery are often performed as a day procedure or with a single overnight stay. More complex cases, including open surgery, may require a longer admission.

How long will I be off work?

Most patients return to office-based work within one to two weeks of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, while physically demanding roles may require additional time. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will advise you based on your procedure and occupation.

When can I drive after surgery?

You should avoid driving until you can comfortably perform an emergency stop and are no longer taking strong pain medication. This is typically around one week for most patients, though it can vary.

What are the costs of gallbladder surgery in Melbourne?

Costs vary depending on your procedure, hospital, and level of health cover. After your consultation and assessment, our team may be able to discuss any out-of-pocket costs you may expect.

Where are you located?

We have clinics across Melbourne and regoinal Victoria including:

Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?

Experienced and FRACS-Qualified

Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a FRACS-qualified general surgeon, skilled in laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder surgery, aiming to provide patients with less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

Comprehensive, Local Care

From diagnosis to surgery and recovery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers complete care and clear communication at every step across multiple clinics in Melbourne and Regional Victoria, making care easier to access.

Perioperative Care

With over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has seen it all. Along with rapid access to support, he also offers comprehensive perioperative care for every patient, to help you feel informed, supported, and confident at every stage.

Our Clinic Locations

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.

As an experienced gallbladder surgeon in Melbourne, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam can discuss your symptoms and find out whether laparoscopic or robotic 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.