Gall Bladder Surgery Gold Coast
What Is the Gall Bladder?
The gall bladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just underneath the liver. Its job is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps the body break down and absorb fat. When you eat, particularly a meal containing fat, the gall bladder squeezes bile into the small intestine to help with digestion. The gall bladder is usually around 7 to 10 cm long and holds around 30 to 50 ml of bile.
Gallstones
The most common reason for gall bladder surgery is gallstones. Gallstones can block the outlet of the gall bladder and cause a lot of pain, usually felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, under the ribs, or in the upper middle of the abdomen. The pain can spread to the back or right shoulder blade, and is sometimes mistaken for heart pain.
It is not known exactly why gallstones form, but most are made of cholesterol. One explanation is that when the gall bladder concentrates bile, excess cholesterol in the bile forms crystals, which can then grow into stones.
Gallstones are more common in women than in men, particularly during the reproductive years, and become more common with age (review of gender and gallstone disease). Other risk factors include obesity, higher oestrogen levels (naturally, during pregnancy, or from the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy), some cholesterol-lowering medicines, diabetes and rapid weight loss. Keeping to a healthy weight, avoiding very rapid weight loss, staying active and eating a balanced diet may help lower the risk of gallstones.
Most people with gallstones, around 70 to 80 per cent, have no symptoms at all. Where gallstones cause repeated or severe pain, inflammation or infection of the gall bladder, or other complications, surgery is usually recommended. Gall bladder removal is one of the most common operations performed in Australia.
Gall Bladder Removal Surgery
In almost all cases, gall bladder surgery removes the whole gall bladder together with the stones inside it. This operation is called a cholecystectomy. Removing only the stones is not recommended, because of the risks involved and the high chance that new stones will form.
Most people manage well without a gall bladder. Bile then flows directly from the liver into the small intestine rather than being stored first. Some people notice looser bowel motions or discomfort after large, fatty meals, which usually settles over time.
Gall bladder surgery is usually performed as keyhole surgery, called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A few small cuts are made in the abdomen, and a thin camera and fine instruments are used to remove the gall bladder. Keyhole surgery usually allows a quicker recovery, but it is not always possible. For example, severe inflammation or infection, or other factors that make it difficult to see and operate on the gall bladder safely, may mean open surgery through a larger cut is needed. Dr Gault performs gall bladder surgery at Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa.
Recovery
After keyhole surgery, most people go home the same day or the next day, and many return to work within one to two weeks. After open surgery, a hospital stay of around three to five days is usual, followed by around four to six weeks before returning to normal activities. Recovery varies from person to person, and Dr Gault will give you advice for your own recovery.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions About Gall Bladder Surgery
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
The most common symptom is pain in the upper right or upper middle of the abdomen, often after eating. It can last from minutes to several hours and may spread to the back or right shoulder blade. Some people also have nausea or vomiting. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms at all.
When should I seek urgent medical care?
Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if you have severe abdominal pain that does not settle, pain with a fever or shivers, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or very dark urine. These can be signs of infection or a blocked bile duct, which need prompt treatment.
Do gallstones always need surgery?
No. Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need treatment. Surgery is generally recommended when gallstones cause repeated or severe pain, inflammation or infection of the gall bladder, or other complications. Dr Gault will explain whether surgery is right for you.
Can the stones be removed and the gall bladder kept?
This is generally not recommended. New stones are likely to form in a gall bladder that has already produced them, and removing individual stones carries its own risks. Medicines to dissolve gallstones are rarely effective. Removing the whole gall bladder is the standard treatment.
Can I live normally without a gall bladder?
Yes, most people manage well. Bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine instead of being stored. Some people notice looser bowel motions, bloating or discomfort after fatty meals, which usually settles over time.
Will my surgery be keyhole or open?
Most gall bladder surgery is performed as keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Sometimes open surgery is needed, either planned beforehand or decided during the operation, for example if there is severe inflammation or the anatomy is difficult to see safely. Dr Gault will discuss this with you before surgery.
How long is recovery?
After keyhole surgery, most people go home the same day or the next day and many return to work within one to two weeks. After open surgery, a hospital stay of around three to five days is usual, with around four to six weeks before returning to normal activities. Recovery varies from person to person.
What are the risks of gall bladder surgery?
Like any surgery, gall bladder surgery carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, bile leakage, a stone left in the bile duct, a hernia at a wound site, the need to change to open surgery and, rarely, injury to the bile duct or bowel. There are also risks associated with the anaesthetic. Dr Gault will explain the risks that apply to you before surgery.
Do I need to change my diet after surgery?
Most people can return to a normal, balanced diet. Some people find it helpful to eat smaller meals and limit very fatty foods for the first few weeks, then reintroduce foods gradually. Dr Gault will give you advice for your recovery.
How much does gall bladder surgery cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of surgery, the hospital and your level of health insurance cover. Please contact our rooms on (07) 5539 3999 to discuss the likely costs for your situation. You may also wish to check with your private health fund about your cover and any excess.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book by calling (07) 5539 3999 or by sending a message through the Quick Enquiry form on this page. A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is needed to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. Our rooms are at Suite 11, Pindara Place, 13 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4217.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.