Gallbladder Removal Surgery Woodend (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder Pain
If you’ve ever experienced sudden pain in the upper right of your abdomen or a squeezing sensation across your ribs, it might be what’s commonly called a ‘gallbladder attack’. Many people describe it as intense enough to send them to the hospital for relief.
Your gallbladder is a tiny organ that holds bile, a digestive fluid sent into the small intestine to process fats. When the bile becomes overly concentrated or the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, crystals may start to form and eventually turn 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.
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
Not all gallstones cause noticeable symptoms. Smaller stones usually don’t block the bile duct or hinder bile movement from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Once they become larger, though, they may result in symptoms like:
- Strong pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
- Abdominal pain that flares up after consuming fatty foods
- Yellow discolouration of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones can develop for a range of reasons, such as:
- When bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve
- Rapid weight loss
- Use of hormone replacement treatments
- Genetic blood disorders
- Consuming foods high in fat
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.
When symptoms become severe or persistent, the usual treatment is gallbladder removal surgery, known as a cholecystectomy. This procedure helps stop recurring attacks and supports a return to everyday activities.
Gallbladder Surgery With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
As an experienced general surgeon, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has performed numerous gallbladder surgeries near Woodend. He uses the latest laparoscopic surgical techniques in an effort to minimise recovery time and improve patient outcomes.
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 evaluation: Determining if gallstones are the source of your discomfort and checking for other conditions, including peptic ulcers or reflux.
- Clear and open discussion: Going over the benefits, risks, and surgical consent form with you before your procedure.
- Advanced surgical care: Offering both laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, if required, open gallbladder surgery, aiming to ensure the most appropriate option for each patient.
- Post-surgery care: Offering guidance on pain relief, wound healing, and diet (such as reducing fat intake) to ensure a comfortable and steady recovery.
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 Woodend Questions Answered
What are gallstones made of?
Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, made up of cholesterol, pigments, or a mix of both. Cholesterol stones are the most common, forming when bile contains excess cholesterol; pigment stones result from too much bilirubin, often due to genetic blood conditions; and mixed stones combine cholesterol and salts. They can be as small as sand grains or several centimetres in size.
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?
As with any operation, there are possible risks to consider. Though uncommon, complications may involve infection, bleeding, bile duct injury, blood clots, or slight bruising and oozing near the incision area. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will outline these risks with you before proceeding.
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?
The bile duct is the channel that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine, where it helps digest fats. The common bile duct is the main pathway that joins smaller ducts together before bile enters the intestine. During gallbladder surgery, surgeons carefully check the bile ducts to ensure no gallstones are blocking them, as this can cause 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.
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?
Vineyard 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
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 over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to assisting patients with bile duct and gallbladder concerns.
Our Location near Woodend
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.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam to review your symptoms and better understand your treatment options, including laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. From urgent gallbladder inflammation to ongoing gallbladder disease, he will work with you to create a treatment plan suited to you.