Gallbladder Surgery Highett (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, 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, 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
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, a yellow tint in the eyes or skin
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
There are several reasons gallstones can form, including:
- Too much cholesterol in the bile
- Rapid weight loss
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- 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.
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 is a highly experienced general surgeon who has carried out many gallbladder surgeries across Highett. He utilises advanced laparoscopic methods to support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Recovery support: Providing assistance with pain control, wound management, and dietary adjustments (including a low-fat plan) to promote a smooth return to normal activities.
Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to keeping patients safe, informed, and supported during their treatment journey.
Considering laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want guidance from a kind, knowledgeable surgeon near you?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Highett Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can be made of cholesterol stones (the most common type, formed when bile has too much cholesterol), pigment stones (small, dark stones caused by excess bilirubin, often linked to hereditary blood disorders), or mixed stones (a combination of cholesterol and salts). These stones may range in size from as small as a grain of sand to several centimetres in diameter.
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?
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?
Most people are able to go home within 24 hours of gallbladder removal. A few may notice mild diarrhoea or loose bowel movements due to bile flowing directly into the intestine, but this generally improves over time. A low-fat diet is recommended at first, with a gradual return to normal eating habits.
What is a bile duct, and what is its role in the gallbladder?
Bile flows through a network of ducts from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine to break down fats. The common bile duct serves as the main channel connecting the smaller ducts. During gallbladder surgery, surgeons inspect the ducts to ensure they’re not blocked by gallstones, which can lead to pain, infection, or jaundice.
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?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is 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
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 more than 15 years of experience in surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides care for patients experiencing bile duct and gallbladder problems.
Our Location near Highett
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If gallstones, biliary colic, or recurring abdominal pain are affecting your routine, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may offer the best solution to prevent further issues and support a quicker return to everyday comfort.
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.