Gallbladder Removal Surgery Highett (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.
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 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.
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 many cases, gallstones remain silent and cause no discomfort. Small stones often pass unnoticed as they don’t obstruct the bile duct or affect bile flow. However, when gallstones are larger, they can trigger symptoms, including:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as jaundice
- A high temperature or fever
Causes of Gallstones
A number of factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:
- When bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve
- Sudden or fast weight loss
- Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- Blood disorders passed down through families
- Eating certain 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.
Laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, is the most minimally invasive procedure for gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). A laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making a few small incisions to insert surgical instruments, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallbladder with typically less post-operative pain than traditional surgery.
His approach to gallbladder surgery includes:
- Detailed evaluation: Ensuring your symptoms are linked to gallstones while excluding other potential causes such as reflux or ulcers.
- Clear communication: Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.
- 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.
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 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?
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?
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?
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 isn’t vital for digestion, and the body can operate well without it. It serves mainly as a storage pouch for bile, which, after removal, flows straight into the small intestine. Most people experience little to no lasting dietary changes, though reducing fatty foods can ease discomfort during recovery. Occasionally, loose stools may occur after eating rich foods or caffeine, but this usually settles quickly.
Despite these potential side effects, it’s best not to avoid treatment. For anyone with gallstones or related gallbladder conditions, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is usually the most suitable option to avoid ongoing or serious 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
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
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
Backed by over 15 years in surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is dedicated to helping patients manage gallbladder and bile duct issues.
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.