Gallbladder Surgery Forest Hill (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
Waking up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in your upper abdomen or a squeezing ache across your ribs can be a sign of a ‘gallbladder attack’. It’s often described as severe, prompting many to seek medical attention right away.
Your gallbladder is a tiny organ that holds bile, a digestive fluid sent into the small intestine to process fats. When the bile becomes overly concentrated or the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, crystals may start to form and eventually turn 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, and gallstone pancreatitis.
When diagnosed in time and managed with the right treatment, many patients experience long-term comfort and prevent further health issues.
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
Gallstones can sometimes exist without causing any issues. When they’re small, they don’t block bile flow between the gallbladder and the small intestine. But larger gallstones may cause symptoms such as:
- Pain in the abdomen, which may be severe
- Pain that occurs after eating a fatty meal
- Jaundice, a yellow tint in the eyes or skin
- Fever that may accompany pain or infection
Causes of Gallstones
A number of factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- A significant drop in body weight over a short period
- Use of hormone replacement treatments
- Hereditary blood disorders
- Regularly eating rich or fatty foods
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.
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 Forest Hill. He utilises advanced laparoscopic methods to support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
Keyhole, or laparoscopic, surgery offers a minimally invasive method for gallbladder removal. It uses a few tiny incisions to insert instruments, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallbladder while reducing post-operative pain and recovery time.
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.
- Clear communication: Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.
- Modern surgical care: Providing laparoscopic gallbladder removal and, when necessary, open surgery to choose the best approach for every patient.
- 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.
Ready to enquire about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery with a compassionate, experienced, local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Forest Hill 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?
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?
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?
The bile duct carries bile from both the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, assisting in the digestion of fats. The main duct, called the common bile duct, collects bile from smaller ducts before it reaches the intestine. Surgeons carefully examine these ducts during gallbladder surgery to confirm they’re clear of stones that could cause pain or infection.
Do I need a gallbladder if it's causing issues?
Although the gallbladder helps store bile, it isn’t essential for healthy digestion. Once removed, bile simply travels directly to the small intestine. Most patients continue to eat normally long-term, though avoiding fatty foods early in recovery can help minimise discomfort. Some may experience brief bouts of loose stools after having caffeine or fatty meals, which typically resolve soon.
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 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 uses advanced laparoscopic techniques to help patients experience reduced pain and a quicker return to normal activities after surgery.
Comprehensive, Local Care
From your first consultation to post-surgery recovery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures seamless, locally based care and transparent communication at every stage.
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.
Book a consultation with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam today to discuss your symptoms and find out whether laparoscopic 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.