Patient Info
for Gallbladder Surgery in Perth
Dr Laurence Webber
Gallbladder Surgeon Perth
The thought of gallbladder surgery can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can alleviate concerns and help decision-making. We’ve outlined what to anticipate, from the facts on gallbladder disease to the surgical options available and planning.
About Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones affect 15% of the total population, increasing with age.
80% of stones are related to genetics, diet and metabolism.
Rare pigment stones may be due to blood disorders and infections.
Consequences of gallstones include severe colicky pain, infection, jaundice and pancreatitis which can be severe or even fatal.
Gallbladder polyps are detected at an increasing rate due to ultrasound scan quality and some are pre-cancerous.
~7 % of patients have common bile duct stones at the time of surgery.
Removing stones with a basket / ERCP is possible ~70% of the time.
Keyhole surgery is standard of care and possible >99% of the time.
Robotic surgery is an option in select patients at present.
Surgical Options
Complete removal of the gallbladder and stones is required to treat the condition.
For suspicious polyps, an intra- operative ultrasound will be performed and in some cases a rim of liver tissue and lymph nodes may be taken for complete clearance.
If stones are found in the bile duct these will be removed with a flexible 3mm camera or with ERCP if deemed safe. In some cases a stent may be inserted to drain bile.
The risk of conversion to open surgery is <1/1000. In some cases a soft drain may be left overnight to collect fluid.
Most patients stay 1 night in hospital post procedure.
The gallbladder is sent to GI Pathology for analysis.
Aftercare and Follow Up
Before discharge we will book a follow up appointment date.
Wounds are closed with dissolving sutures and dressings. The dressings can be removed after 5 days (but it’s ok if they come off sooner). Showering is fine but avoid soaking/baths for a week.
Driving is legal 24h after anaesthesia once you are off opiate painkillers, generally it takes 3-5 days before you will want to be driving.
Light office work is OK after one week.
Normal activity can be resumed at two weeks post procedure.
At follow up we will review operative findings, pathology results and further management if required.
GP will be included on Pathology, Operation Report + Correspondence.
For any post-op issues please contact the rooms or your treating hospital.
Planning the Procedure
This is a guide only, individual cases may vary.
You will be seen at the rooms, or given a phone appointment for rural patients if deemed safe.
We will discuss the problem and the options for treatment.
If surgery is planned, you will be given a date and admission information.
We will discuss risks and benefits of surgery and sign a consent form together. This sheet is a guide only.
The anaesthetist will contact you for more information and you will be required to fill out an online form for admission.
Contact the rooms if your health changes, you start new medication or to make changes to your booking date.