Specialist Gallbladder Surgery in Perth
Common gallbladder conditions, treatment options, and what surgery typically looks like.
Gallbladder conditions are common and can range from mild, intermittent symptoms to severe pain requiring urgent treatment.
Most commonly caused by gallstones; inflammation, infection, and other disorders can also affect the gallbladder.
Mr Stein commonly performs laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) for patients across Perth. Using small incisions, this minimally invasive approach typically means less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.
Symptoms Requiring Assessment
Gallbladder surgery may be recommended when gallstones or gallbladder inflammation are causing ongoing symptoms or complications, including:
- Repeated upper abdominal pain, especially after eating.
- Gallstones confirmed on ultrasound.
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
- Persistent nausea, bloating, or indigestion linked to gallbladder disease.
How Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is Performed
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard operation for removing the gallbladder. It is performed under general anaesthetic through four small incisions. During surgery:
- The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and surrounding tissues.
- The bile duct anatomy is identified and protected.
- An intraoperative cholangiogram (x-ray dye study) may be used to check for stones in the bile ducts.
- Bile duct stones may be removed if they are found.
- The gallbladder is removed through the small incisions.
Risks of Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder surgery is commonly performed and generally very safe. However, as with any operation, complications can occur and may occasionally require further treatment.
- Bile duct injury, which is rare but can be serious.
- Bleeding or bruising around the surgical area.
- Infection at the incision sites or inside the abdomen.
- Bile leak after the gallbladder is removed.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery time varies, but most patients recover without difficulty after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
- Hospital stay — Most patients stay overnight and return home the following day.
- Daily activity — Light activities can usually be resumed within 1 to 2 weeks.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
- Less pain after surgery and reduced need for strong pain medication.
- Smaller scars due to the small incision sites.
- Faster recovery and an earlier return to normal activities.
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