Gallbladder Surgery Ringwood (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 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:
- Sharp or persistent pain in the abdomen
- Pain that appears soon after eating oily or high-fat meals
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
A number of factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:
- An excess amount of cholesterol present in the bile
- Sudden or fast weight loss
- Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Hereditary blood disorders
- A diet that includes greasy or fatty meals
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.
The typical approach in these cases is gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), which is performed to stop future attacks and help patients get back to daily life.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
With extensive experience in general surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has completed many gallbladder procedures throughout Ringwood, 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.
The approach taken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam focuses on:
- Thorough assessment: Identifying whether gallstones are responsible for your symptoms and ruling out other possible issues like acid reflux or peptic 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.
- 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.
With a focus on evidence-based care, safety, and empathy, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam ensures each patient is well-informed and cared for every step of the way.
Ready to enquire about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery with a compassionate, experienced, local surgeon?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Ringwood 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?
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, patients typically go home within a day. Some may have mild diarrhoea or softer stools while the body adjusts to the constant bile flow, though this tends to settle. A low-fat diet is encouraged early on, with a gradual transition back to normal meals.
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.
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?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Experience in Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is skilled in laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, aiming to provide patients with less postoperative pain and faster recovery.
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.
Aiming to Help You Sleep Through the Night Without Pain
If you’re suffering from gallstones, biliary colic, or recurrent abdominal pain, help may be closer than you think. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may be the most appropriate way to prevent further attacks and complications, potentially helping you get back to daily life without pain.
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.