Gallbladder Surgery Hampton (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.
The gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver, stores bile, a substance that helps digest fats. When bile becomes rich in cholesterol or pigments and isn’t released properly, small crystals can form, gradually building up 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, gallstone pancreatitis, and, in uncommon cases, 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
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:
- Sharp or persistent pain in the abdomen
- Pain that occurs after eating a fatty meal
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
- Fever that may accompany pain or infection
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones may develop due to various factors such as:
- High cholesterol levels in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Inherited blood conditions
- A diet that includes greasy or fatty meals
For some, gallstones cause no symptoms, but others may suffer from strong biliary pain, recurring flare-ups, or complications like gallbladder inflammation 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
As an experienced general surgeon, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has performed numerous gallbladder surgeries near Hampton. He uses the latest laparoscopic surgical techniques in an effort to minimise recovery time and improve patient outcomes.
Also known as keyhole surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive way to remove the gallbladder. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, several small cuts are made to insert instruments, enabling the gallbladder to be removed with generally less pain and faster recovery than open 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.
- Transparent communication: Discussing the potential risks and benefits and ensuring you understand the consent form before surgery.
- Advanced care: Delivering laparoscopic and, when needed, open gallbladder procedures to provide the most appropriate solution for each individual.
- 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.
Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to keeping patients safe, informed, and supported during their treatment journey.
Thinking about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want to speak with a caring, trusted local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Hampton 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?
Because many people with gallstones don’t experience any symptoms, it’s difficult to know the exact figures. Still, estimates suggest around 15% of Australians over the age of 50 are affected.
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?
The gallbladder’s main role is to store bile, but it isn’t necessary for normal digestion. After removal, bile flows continuously into the small intestine. Most people adapt well without lasting dietary problems, though a lower-fat diet can ease recovery. Some may notice temporary loose stools, especially after caffeine or fatty foods, but these symptoms generally fade over time.
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?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Experience in Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
With extensive experience in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam focuses on achieving a smoother recovery and minimising post-surgery pain for patients.
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.
Our Location near Hampton
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If you’ve been dealing with gallstones, biliary colic, or ongoing abdominal discomfort, you don’t have to keep living with it. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery could help stop future flare-ups and allow you to return to a more comfortable, active life.
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.