Gallbladder Removal Surgery Altona (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
Have you ever been jolted awake by pain in the upper right of your stomach, or a tight, squeezing feeling near your ribs? This could be what’s known as a ‘gallbladder attack’, a condition that can be quite uncomfortable and may require a visit to the emergency department.
Located beneath the liver, the gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that helps the body digest fats. If the bile contains too much cholesterol or certain pigments, or if the gallbladder doesn’t empty completely, crystals can form over time and develop into gallstones.
Gallbladder Disease
In Australia, gallstone disease is a leading reason for surgery. Surgeons, including Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam, provide care for patients with gallstones and other gallbladder-related concerns like acute or chronic cholecystitis, biliary colic, and gallstone pancreatitis.
Through prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, patients may experience ongoing relief and lower the chances of complications developing.
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
- Abdominal pain that flares up after consuming fatty foods
- Yellowing of the eyes and sometimes the skin (jaundice)
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Being on hormone replacement therapy
- Hereditary blood disorders
- Regularly eating rich or fatty foods
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.
When symptoms become severe or persistent, the usual treatment is gallbladder removal surgery, known as a cholecystectomy. This procedure helps stop recurring attacks and supports a return to everyday activities.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is a highly experienced general surgeon who has carried out many gallbladder surgeries across Altona. He utilises advanced laparoscopic methods to support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
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.
The approach taken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam focuses on:
- Detailed evaluation: Ensuring your symptoms are linked to gallstones while excluding other potential causes such as reflux or ulcers.
- Clear communication: Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.
- 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.
With a focus on evidence-based care, safety, and empathy, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures each patient is well-informed and cared for every step of the way.
Considering laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want guidance from a kind, knowledgeable surgeon near you?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Altona Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, made up of cholesterol, pigments, or a mix of both. Cholesterol stones are the most common, forming when bile contains excess cholesterol; pigment stones result from too much bilirubin, often due to genetic blood conditions; and mixed stones combine cholesterol and salts. They can be as small as sand grains or several centimetres in size.
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?
Following gallbladder surgery, many patients leave the hospital the same day or the next. Temporary loose stools or mild diarrhoea can occur as bile flows more freely into the intestine, but this usually resolves. It’s advised to eat a low-fat diet initially, then slowly reintroduce regular foods.
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 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.
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?
Williamstown 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
With every stage of your care, from diagnosis to recovery, managed locally, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam delivers comprehensive support and clear guidance throughout the process.
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 Altona
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
For those experiencing gallstones, biliary colic, or repeated abdominal pain, relief could be within reach. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery often provides a way to avoid future problems and enjoy daily life without persistent 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.