Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Surgery)

What are gallstones?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that stores bile made by the liver and is located beneath the right side of the liver. It provides bile to help you digest food, and in particular, fatty foods.

Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in your gallbladder, caused by a build up of sediment. Gallstones may block the duct from the gallbladder to the intestines and in some people gallstones can cause severe symptoms. Repeated attacks of severe abdominal pain is common. Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea or bloating after eating a fatty meal

• Abdominal pain (central or right upper area)

• Vomiting

• Indigestion

• Fevers and chills

• Jaundice

Gallstones are a common problem. They are more common in women, overweight people, people who have lost a significant amount of weight and those who have a family history of gallstones.

Why do I need Gallbladder Surgery? (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)

Removing your gallbladder through surgery can put an end to painful symptoms, such as repeated bouts of severe abdominal pain. Leaving painful gallstones untreated can put you at risk of other complications including gall bladder inflammation or infection, infection in the bile duct or inflammation of the pancreas.

If you are having symptoms associated with gallbladder problems, your GP may request an abdominal ultrasound to check if this discomfort is associated with gallstones, a duct blockage, or inflammation of the gallbladder wall.

Depending on these results and the severity of your symptoms, gallbladder surgery may be recommended as the only reliable way to treat problems associated with gallstones.

What is involved in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Surgery)?

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder. It’s performed under general anaesthetic and involves four small incisions through which a camera (laparoscope) and instruments are placed to perform the surgery. The gallbladder, with any associated stones, is removed through one of the incisions.

How long is the recovery after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)?

Laparascopic surgery is preferred to open abdominal surgery as patients experience less pain and a faster recovery. Patients may go home either on the same day or day after surgery, compared to a hospital stay of 3-7 days with the open surgical technique.

You should be able to return to work after 1 week, depending on your type of work.

Can I expect any further symptoms?

You should make a full recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and be able to return to normal activities and eat a normal, balanced diet.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr Ghadiri performs gallbladder surgery in Brisbane at Brisbane Private Hospital (Wickham Tce) and the Wesley Hospital. She also performs surgery in Ipswich at St Andrew’s Private Hospital.