What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 1 hour. Your gallbladder specialist surgeon will make 4 small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will perform an X-ray during the operation. This is a valuable part of the procedure, to ensure no stones have been dislodged and ensure your biliary system is intact. If stones are found, this may require an additional procedure such as an ERCP.

Gallbladder Surgery Sydney – benefits

Removing the gallbladder during an attack will resolve the acute symptoms. If this is an emergency, this is usually associated with longer hospital stay. When performed electively, gallbladder surgery can prevent some of the serious consequences of gallstones, which include the stone becoming impacted in the gallbladder, gallstone pancreatitis or cholangitis, and potentially life-threatening conditions.

When is surgical intervention required for gallstones?

Gallstones may not cause any untoward symptoms. However, if symptoms of gallstones do appear, they are often very sudden and will be referred to as a gallbladder attack, or biliary colic. These symptoms include:

— Severe, sudden abdominal pain
— Nausea and vomiting
— Rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, or in the centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone
— Back pain between shoulder blades
— Intestinal colic or reflux
— Abdominal bloating and belching
— Pain in right shoulder

In the event of a gallbladder attack, gallbladder removal surgery is the most effective treatment.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the following day. You will resume your normal diet the day after surgery. You should be able to return to work after 1-2 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work. Small dressings over the surgical incisions can be removed roughly 1 week after your operation. You can return to driving roughly 1 week after your surgery, however, please check with your doctor prior to driving. You should avoid heavy lifting i.e. do not carry anything over 10kg for the first 4 weeks while you heal.

What happens to my gallbladder, and can I take my stones home?

After the operation, your gallbladder is placed in a special chemical and sent to the pathology lab for examination. The specimen is studied under the microscope and a specialised histopathology report from a pathologist is sent to your doctor. The findings of this report will be discussed with you at your follow-up visit and a copy of this report sent to your GP.

What causes problems with the gallbladder?

Gallbladder surgery may be required as a result of the development of gallstones, polyps, or a pancreatitis attack. Gallstones are the most common reason for a patient needing to undergo gallbladder removal surgery.

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can form in different parts of the body, including the gallbladder. Gallbladder polyps are growths that develop on the internal wall of the gallbladder. While most are benign and cause no symptoms, gallbladder polyps that cause symptoms or are at risk of malignancy will need to be removed through surgery.

Pancreatitis is a condition that refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic. Treatment for pancreatitis and pancreatitis attacks may include removing the gallbladder entirely (cholecystectomy).

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits of bile that form in your gallbladder. It is suggested that gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder – too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts within bile itself can cause gallstones to form. While gallstones are very common, some people may be more prone to developing the hardened deposits than others.

What complications can happen?

Specific complications of this operation:

— Bile leak
— Common bile duct injury
— Bleeding from the liver
— Damage to surrounding structures such as your bowel, liver, or blood vessels
— Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder, or blood vessels
— DVT – blood clots in your legs or lungs
— Wound infection

If any of these complications do occur, this may require further surgery and a prolonged hospital stay. Whilst complications are low, all surgery does carry a risk of complications. When you first engage a gallbladder surgeon in Sydney, it’s important to understand these complications and ask any questions to alleviate any concerns that you may have before the procedure.

Is it normal to have loose stools after my gallbladder surgery?

Yes. You may have loose stools for up to 6 weeks after your operation, however, this will return to your normal stool consistency. Continue to eat a low-fat diet while you recover from surgery.

Will I have pain after my gallbladder surgery?

All patients experience some degree of pain after an operation. Painkillers will be prescribed to manage the pain, however, some of these painkillers may result in constipation. Shoulder tip pain after any laparoscopic procedure is possible due to the CO² irritation of your diaphragm. This pain usually subsides within a few hours of surgery.