Gallbladder Removal Surgery Blackburn (Cholecystectomy)
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
In Australia, gallstone disease is among the leading causes for surgical procedures. Surgeons such as Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam support patients dealing with gallstones and related gallbladder conditions, including acute and chronic cholecystitis, biliary colic, gallstone pancreatitis, and occasionally, gallbladder cancer.
With timely diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, patients may be able to find long-term relief and avoid potentially serious 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:
- Sharp or persistent pain in the abdomen
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as 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)
- Genetic blood disorders
- Consuming foods high in fat
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 With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
With extensive experience in general surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has completed many gallbladder procedures throughout Blackburn, using modern laparoscopic techniques that aim to reduce recovery time and enhance patient results.
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.
The approach taken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam focuses on:
- Comprehensive assessment: Confirming that your initial symptoms are caused by gallstones and excluding other conditions, such as a peptic ulcer or acid reflux.
- Clear and open discussion: Going over the benefits, risks, and surgical consent form with you before your procedure.
- Comprehensive surgical care: Performing laparoscopic or open gallbladder surgery depending on each patient’s needs, ensuring the most suitable treatment path.
- After-surgery care: Supporting recovery with pain management, wound care, and nutritional advice like following a low-fat diet to help you get back to your routine.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follows an evidence-based and patient-centred approach, prioritising safety and compassion to provide reassurance and guidance throughout treatment.
Considering laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want guidance from a kind, knowledgeable surgeon near you?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Blackburn 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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are 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
Drawing on more than 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam supports patients dealing with gallbladder and bile duct conditions.
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.
Arrange an appointment with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam to talk through your symptoms and determine if laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is suitable for you. Whether you’re dealing with an inflamed gallbladder or exploring treatment options for gallbladder disease, he will develop a tailored plan for your needs.