Gallbladder Surgery

Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease. They occur when substances in bile harden to form small stones. These stones can block the exit of bile from the gallbladder, causing a build up of pressure and pain. 

If frequent attacks occur, the gallbladder can become infected with a condition known as cholecystitis. Other conditions that may affect the gallbladder include polyps, malignancy and functional issues (dyskinesia) which affect the emptying capacity of the gallbladder. All may be treated by gallbladder removal.

Risk factors for gallstones include

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Rapid weight loss

• Pregnancy

• Female gender

• Family history

• Haematological (blood related) conditions such as anemia, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease

These conditions either have a metabolic or hormone component which cause an imbalance between bile production and the storage capacity of the gallbladder. This can cause the bile to accumulate (stasis) and predispose to stones.

Symptoms may vary but commonly patients suffer from

• Upper abdominal pain after eating which may continue for several hours

• Nausea or vomiting

• Poor appetite

• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

• Back pain

• Low grade fever

Gallstones are usually discovered on a simple abdominal ultrasound. Dr Brown may recommend additional workup in your case such as blood tests or further scans.

Your individual circumstances will be carefully discussed and considered on a case by case basis. We know that non-operative treatment options can have a high readmission and recurrence rate- up to 50%.

Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgical procedures and can be performed using a minimally invasive technique (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) under general anaesthesia. This involves small incisions to accommodate a camera and working instruments to identify and remove the gallbladder. An on-table x-ray test with a special dye to view the bile ducts is also typically performed as part of the procedure to check the anatomy and for additional stones.

The major complication of gallbladder surgery is bile duct injury resulting in leakage of the bile inside the body requiring further procedures and/or surgery. Other risks include bleeding, infection or injury to surrounding bowel or blood vessels.

Depending on your general medical health and recovery, if your surgery occurs in the morning you may be able to go home the same day. Generally an overnight stay is required. Most people experience pain around the incisions or the shoulder tip which can be controlled well with painkillers. You will be able to eat shortly after surgery and should resume work and most normal activities (including work) within a week.

If uncomplicated, no further intervention will be required after your follow up visit. Occasionally, in cases where gallstones are also present inside the bile ducts, a follow up procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be required and will be discussed with you.