When gallbladder surgery is recommended
Gallstones are common and often cause no trouble. Surgery is recommended when stones cause symptoms or complications, because once a gallbladder has caused pain it usually keeps doing so. Typical reasons for referral include:
- Biliary colic: episodes of pain in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone, often after meals and sometimes felt in the back or right shoulder
- Cholecystitis: inflammation or infection of the gallbladder
- Stones that have moved into the bile duct, causing jaundice or infection
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Some gallbladder polyps and other gallbladder conditions
If you have pain, nausea after fatty food, or an ultrasound showing gallstones, you can contact the rooms directly. A GP referral is welcome but not required.
What the operation involves
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the whole gallbladder through four small incisions using a camera and fine instruments. It is performed under general anaesthetic and both surgeons use keyhole techniques as the standard approach, which means smaller scars, less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery.
Stones in the bile duct
If stones have passed into the bile duct they can usually be cleared laparoscopically during the same operation, so the gallbladder and the bile duct are dealt with together in one anaesthetic rather than as separate procedures.
Between them, Dr Flint and Dr Kelly have performed more than 10,000 laparoscopic procedures. Both are FRACS-qualified and fellowship-trained at internationally renowned centres.
Recovery after gallbladder surgery
Most patients stay one night in hospital and are back to normal activities within about a week. You will be given clear written instructions about wound care, diet, activity and pain relief, and a direct line to the rooms if you have any concerns. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to drive and return to work, which for most people is within the first week or two.
Living without a gallbladder does not change how most people eat or digest food. Bile still flows from the liver to the bowel; it simply is no longer stored on the way.
Costs and insurance
Private gallbladder surgery is performed at St George's Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital. After your consultation the rooms will provide a written estimate of surgical, anaesthetic and hospital costs, which you can use for your insurer or for prior approval. Ask the rooms about your insurance when you book.
Where to start
Send a request through this page or call the rooms on 03 375 4949. Bring any ultrasound or blood test results you already have. If you have not yet had a scan, your surgeon can arrange it.
