Gallbladder Surgery Vermont (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
This condition, called gallstone disease, is one of the most common reasons for surgery in Australia. General surgeons like Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam work with patients experiencing gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions, like acute or chronic cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder), biliary colic, gallstone pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, gallbladder cancer.
With timely diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment, patients may be able to find long-term relief and avoid potentially serious 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:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Discomfort or pain following a rich or fatty meal
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
There are several reasons gallstones can form, including:
- An excess amount of cholesterol present in the bile
- Losing weight too quickly
- Being on hormone replacement therapy
- Hereditary blood disorders
- Regularly eating rich or fatty foods
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 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
As an experienced general surgeon, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has performed numerous gallbladder surgeries near Vermont. 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.
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.
- Clear communication: Reviewing risks, benefits, and providing a complete surgery consent form before your operation.
- 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.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follows an evidence-based and patient-centred approach, prioritising safety and compassion to provide reassurance and guidance throughout treatment.
Considering laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and want guidance from a kind, knowledgeable surgeon near you?
Your Gallbladder Surgery Vermont 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?
The true rate of gallstones is uncertain, as many people remain symptom-free. However, research suggests that about 15% of Australians older than 50 are likely to 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?
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?
Bile ducts transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine to aid fat digestion. The common bile duct connects the smaller ducts into one main channel before bile flows into the intestine. During surgery, doctors check these ducts closely to make sure no stones are blocking them, which could lead to discomfort, infection, or jaundice.
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.
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?
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 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
With more than 15 years of experience in surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides care for patients experiencing bile duct and gallbladder problems.
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.
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.