Gall bladder surgery is among the more commonly performed surgical procedures at Central QLD Surgical Care.
Our surgeon will often perform this procedure laparoscopically, to avoid some of the risks and complications of “old fashioned” gall bladder surgeries that require much larger incisions to the abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive. Compared to other surgeries, you would experience minimal discomfort.
General anaesthetic is required and several tiny incisions to the abdomen are made. These incisions are used to insert the laparoscope, for access using small tools, and for insufflation—inflating the abdomen with gas to expand the space for visual and physical access.
The laparoscope is a thin telescopic tube. Attached to it is a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera. By this means, our surgeon can carefully perform procedures, including gall bladder removal.
When laparoscopic surgery is completed, you are usually able to go home and return to your usual activities far sooner than is possible following traditionally performed abdominal surgery.
Who Needs Gall Bladder Surgery?
The gall bladder is a small pear-shaped sac on the right side of the abdomen. It holds bile—a digestive juice produced by the liver, which is located just above it.
In the gall bladder, bile becomes more concentrated and the presence of fatty foods triggers the gall bladder to transfer its bile concentrate into the small intestine. This helps break down dietary fats.
Gallstones effect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and older. These small stones are a common disorder of the digestive system.
Made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, gallstones can form as a result of the crystallisation of excess cholesterol in the bile and the failure of the gall bladder to empty completely.
In many cases, gallstones are not a problem. However, when they block ducts and cause complications, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), prompt treatment would be needed.
Sometimes when gallstones, or gall bladder diseases, cause problems, the surgeons may remove the gall bladder (cholecystectomy). Many patients who have gallstones eventually have their gall bladders removed.
Surgical techniques include open surgery or laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) cholecystectomy. The gall bladder is not a vital organ, so your body can cope quite well without it.
Following a cholecystectomy, some digestive symptoms can persist until the body adjusts. After full healing, though, the symptoms disappear and, of course, gallstones are no longer a possibility.
Choosing Central QLD Surgical Care For Gall Bladder Surgery
The minimally invasive option of laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) gall bladder surgery is compelling. You would be a candidate for this option if you have not undergone previous surgery that has left your abdominal compromised by scarring, etc.
Assuming you undergo a laparoscopic procedure, you can look forward to caring and compassionate treatment at Central QLD Surgical Care. And you can also look forward to relatively quick recovery from the surgery.
Of course, the same caring and compassionate treatment is available at our Mackay surgery for each and every appointment.
We always work closely with you and your General Practitioner to achieve the optimal outcome for your ongoing good health.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are feeling anxious about any aspect of your upcoming procedure or if you’d like to learn more about our surgical services. We will be only too happy to reassure you and provide you with the information you’re seeking to promote successful healing after surgery.
Contact Information
Monday - Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
