Expert Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal by FRACS Surgeon Dr Devesh Kaushal
15+ Years Surgical Experience
Minimally Invasive Keyhole Surgery
Same-Day & Next-Day Procedures Available
Medicare Rebates & Private Health Fund Coverage
Operating at Liverpool, Campbelltown & The George Hospitals
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) typically takes 45-90 minutes to perform. Most patients:
Dr Devesh Kaushal performs minimally invasive keyhole surgery at Liverpool Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital, Campbelltown Public Hospital, The George Centre, and Sydney Southwest Private Hospital, serving patients across Liverpool and South Western Sydney.
Gallbladder surgery, medically known as cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures in Australia. Dr Devesh Kaushal specializes in laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder removal, a minimally invasive technique that results in faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with advanced training in upper-gastrointestinal surgery from the UK, Dr Kaushal has performed hundreds of successful gallbladder procedures. He utilizes advanced 3mm instruments for select cases, offering even smaller incisions and improved cosmetic outcomes. He consults from his Liverpool and Gregory Hills clinics, operating at Liverpool Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital, Campbelltown Public Hospital, The George Centre, and Sydney Southwest Private Hospital.
Dr Kaushal is also very active in gallbladder surgery research, with recent publications in leading American surgical journals including the Annals of Surgery, where he has contributed to advancing surgical safety and outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
You may require gallbladder surgery if you experience:
When to Seek Immediate Care: If you experience severe abdominal pain with fever, jaundice, or persistent vomiting, present to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Dr Kaushal performs minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the gold standard treatment for gallbladder disease, utilizing advanced 3mm instruments for select cases to minimize scarring.
Before the Procedure
During the Surgery (45-90 minutes)
Four tiny incisions (3-10mm depending on technique) are made in your abdomen. A laparoscope (tiny camera) provides high-definition vision inside your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gently inflates your abdomen for surgical access. Your gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and bile ducts, then removed through one of the small incisions. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.
After the Procedure
Why Laparoscopic Over Open Surgery?
Day of Surgery
Wake up in recovery room 1-2 hours after surgery with mild to moderate abdominal discomfort managed with pain relief. Shoulder tip pain from residual gas resolves in 24-48 hours. Light diet begins once fully awake with water, tea, and dry toast. Most patients are discharged the same day with pain medication.
First Week
Rest at home for 3-5 days. Walk regularly to prevent blood clots and aid recovery. Shower after 48 hours keeping wounds dry and covered. Avoid heavy lifting – nothing over 5kg. Start with bland, low-fat foods. Pain decreases daily, managed with paracetamol.
Week 2-3
Gradual return to normal activities. Drive when you can perform an emergency stop without pain (usually 7-10 days). Return to office work around 2 weeks. Light exercise includes walking and gentle swimming. Wounds healing well with stitches dissolving.
Week 4-6
Full recovery for most patients. Return to manual labour and heavy lifting. Resume all normal activities including gym. Scars fading and becoming less noticeable. Diet back to normal eating – your gallbladder is not needed for digestion.
Long-Term (6+ Weeks)
No dietary restrictions. Scars continue to fade over 6-12 months. Most people have no long-term effects. 10-15% may experience occasional loose stools, which are easily managed.
Life After Gallbladder Removal
Good News: Your body functions normally without a gallbladder. Bile flows directly from your liver to your small intestine instead of being stored.
Immediate Post-Op (Days 1-7):
Long-Term Eating:
Gallbladder Surgery Scars: What They Look Like
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal leaves four small scars:
Scar Healing Timeline:
The cost of gallbladder surgery varies depending on your insurance status and choice of hospital.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private hospital cover, Medicare rebates apply to surgeon and anaesthetist fees. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific insurance policy level, excess, and gap arrangements. Contact our office for a detailed quote based on your individual circumstances.
Medicare/Public System
Self-Funded (No Insurance)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Qualifications & Training
Areas of Expertise
Research & Publications
Dr Kaushal is very active in gallbladder surgery research, contributing to advances in surgical safety and technique. His work has been published in prestigious American surgical journals including:
His ongoing research ensures patients benefit from the latest evidence-based surgical techniques.
Is gallbladder removal painful?
You’ll be under general anaesthesia and feel nothing during surgery. Afterwards, expect mild to moderate discomfort for 3-5 days, easily managed with pain medication. Most patients describe it as less painful than the gallstone attacks they experienced before surgery.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes, absolutely. Your liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly to your intestine. Most people have no dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes after recovery. Your body adapts completely within 4-6 weeks.
How soon can I return to work after surgery?
Office workers typically return in 1-2 weeks. Manual labour or jobs requiring heavy lifting may need 4-6 weeks. Dr Kaushal will provide a medical certificate and personalized return-to-work guidance based on your job requirements.
Can gallstones come back after surgery?
No. Once your gallbladder is removed, you cannot develop gallstones in that organ again. Very rarely (less than 1%), stones can form in bile ducts, but this is uncommon and unrelated to the gallbladder removal.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Dr Devesh Kaushal offers expert, compassionate care for gallbladder surgery in Liverpool and South Western Sydney.
Call (02) 7906 8312 to Book Your Consultation
Liverpool Consulting Rooms
Phone: (02) 7906 8312
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Most patients experience complete relief from gallstone symptoms after surgery and return to normal life within 2-4 weeks.
