Gallbladder Removal Surgery Gisborne (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.
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 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.
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:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Jaundice, a yellow tint in the eyes or skin
- A high temperature or fever
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones may develop due to various factors such as:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- A significant drop in body weight over a short period
- Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- Blood disorders passed down through families
- Consuming foods high in fat
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.
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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has considerable experience performing gallbladder surgeries across Gisborne, applying the latest laparoscopic approaches that aim to help shorten recovery periods and optimise outcomes.
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 surgical approach involves:
- 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.
- Comprehensive surgical care: Performing laparoscopic or open gallbladder surgery depending on each patient’s needs, ensuring the most suitable treatment path.
- 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’s care is guided by evidence-based practice, patient safety, and compassion, ensuring that every patient feels informed and supported throughout their treatment.
Ready to enquire about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery with a compassionate, experienced, local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Gisborne 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?
Every surgical procedure carries some risks, though complications are rare. These may include bleeding, infection, bile duct injury, blood clots, or mild bruising and oozing near the incision area. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will explain these possibilities in detail before your operation.
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?
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
With over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to assisting patients with bile duct and gallbladder concerns.
Our Location near Gisborne
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.