Gallbladder Surgery Newport (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.
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.
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
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:
- Pain in the abdomen, which may be severe
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Fever
Causes of Gallstones
There are several reasons gallstones can form, including:
- An excess amount of cholesterol present 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.
In such situations, gallbladder surgery, also called a cholecystectomy, is often recommended to prevent further episodes and help patients resume their normal routine.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
With extensive experience in general surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has completed many gallbladder procedures throughout Newport, using modern laparoscopic techniques that aim to reduce recovery time and enhance patient results.
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.
His approach to gallbladder surgery includes:
- Comprehensive assessment: Confirming that your initial symptoms are caused by gallstones and excluding other conditions, such as a peptic ulcer or acid reflux.
- Open communication: Explaining the procedure, outlining possible risks and advantages, and reviewing the consent form in detail beforehand.
- 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.
Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to keeping patients safe, informed, and supported during their treatment journey.
Looking to learn more about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery from a supportive and experienced local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Newport 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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
Williamstown Specialist Centre 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
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 Newport
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.
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.