A Plain-Language Guide from a Macarthur Region Surgeon
General Information Only: This article provides general educational information about gallbladder surgery. It does not replace a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Every patient’s situation is different. Please see your GP for a referral and consult Dr Kaushal directly for advice specific to your circumstances. |
Gallbladder surgery — known medically as laparoscopic cholecystectomy — is one of the most commonly performed abdominal operations in Australia. Each year, thousands of Australians have their gallbladder removed for gallstone disease, and the vast majority go home the same day or the morning after their procedure.
If you are a Camden, Narellan, Mount Annan, or Macarthur region resident who has been told you need gallbladder surgery — or who is experiencing symptoms that may be related to the gallbladder — this guide is for you. It explains what the gallbladder does, why surgery may be recommended, how the operation is performed, and what recovery involves.
Dr Devesh Kaushal is an upper GI and general surgeon who consults at 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown — approximately 15 minutes from central Camden — and operates at nearby Campbelltown Public Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital, and Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool.
Nearest Rooms to Camden: 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560 Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability | Book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au | Call (02) 7906 8312 |
Gallbladder Surgery: Quick Facts
Procedure name | Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal) |
Operation time | 45 – 90 minutes |
Hospital stay | Day surgery or one overnight stay in most cases |
Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
Number of incisions | 3 – 4 small cuts of 5–10mm |
Return to desk work | Typically 1 – 2 weeks |
Return to full activity | 4 – 6 weeks |
Nearest hospital to Camden | Campbelltown Public or Campbelltown Private Hospital |
Appointments | Within 4–8 weeks depending on urgency |
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the upper abdomen. Its role is to store and concentrate bile — a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps the body break down fats in food.
When you eat a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile through the bile duct into the small intestine. Between meals, bile accumulates and is concentrated in the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is useful but not essential. After surgical removal, the liver continues to produce bile, which flows continuously and directly into the small intestine. Most people adapt well to life without a gallbladder, though some temporary dietary adjustments may be needed.
What Are Gallstones and How Do They Form?
Gallstones are solid deposits that form within the gallbladder when substances in bile — primarily cholesterol or bilirubin — crystallise and harden. They range in size from tiny grains of sand to several centimetres across. A person may have a single large stone, hundreds of small stones, or a mixture of both.
Types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol gallstones: The most common type — formed when bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve. Account for approximately 80% of gallstones.
- Pigment gallstones: Form when bile contains excess bilirubin — a chemical produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. More common in people with liver disease or certain blood conditions.
- Mixed gallstones: A combination of cholesterol and pigment components.
Risk factors for gallstone formation:
- Female sex — women are approximately twice as likely as men to develop gallstones
- Age — gallstones become more common with increasing age
- Obesity — excess cholesterol in bile increases stone formation risk
- Rapid weight loss — accelerates cholesterol release into bile
- Pregnancy — hormonal changes alter bile composition
- Family history — a genetic predisposition exists
- Certain medications — including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
- Diabetes and high triglyceride levels
Symptoms of Gallstone Disease
Many people have gallstones without ever knowing — they are found incidentally on ultrasound performed for another reason. Gallstones only cause symptoms when they move or obstruct the flow of bile.
Biliary colic — the most common presentation:
Biliary colic is episodic right upper abdominal pain that occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct (the outlet from the gallbladder). The pain typically:
- Starts 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating — especially after fatty meals
- Is located in the right upper abdomen or epigastrium (upper middle abdomen)
- May radiate to the right shoulder tip or between the shoulder blades
- Builds gradually to a steady, severe intensity — then eases
- Lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
- Is associated with nausea and sometimes vomiting
Complications of untreated gallstone disease:
- Acute cholecystitis: Infection and inflammation of the gallbladder caused by a stone obstructing the cystic duct. Causes severe, constant right upper abdominal pain with fever. Requires hospitalisation and often urgent surgery.
- Choledocholithiasis: A gallstone that passes from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile and causing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: A gallstone blocking the pancreatic duct, triggering inflammation of the pancreas. Causes severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and can be serious.
- Empyema: A collection of pus within the gallbladder — a serious infection requiring urgent surgical treatment.
⚠ Seek emergency care immediately if you experience: • Severe abdominal pain that is constant and worsening • High fever with abdominal pain • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) • Dark urine and pale stools with pain • Vomiting that will not settle These may indicate a serious complication. Present to Campbelltown Hospital Emergency or your nearest emergency department. |
How Gallstones Are Diagnosed
Gallstones are diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests, and imaging. Your GP will begin this process and then refer you to Dr Kaushal for surgical assessment.
- Abdominal ultrasound: The standard first-line investigation for gallstones. Ultrasound identifies gallstones with high accuracy, assesses gallbladder wall thickness (indicating inflammation), and checks for bile duct dilation. It is non-invasive, painless, and widely available in the Campbelltown and Camden area.
- Blood tests: Full blood count (looking for raised white cells indicating infection), liver function tests (LFTs), amylase and lipase (for pancreatitis), and bilirubin levels (for bile duct obstruction).
- CT scan: Occasionally used when complications are suspected or when the ultrasound is inconclusive. Not required in routine uncomplicated gallstone disease.
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): Detailed imaging of the bile ducts — recommended when stones in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis) are suspected on ultrasound or blood tests.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An endoscopic procedure that examines and treats the bile ducts — used when common bile duct stones are confirmed and need to be removed before or instead of surgery.
When Is Gallbladder Surgery Recommended?
Not every person with gallstones requires surgery. Dr Kaushal’s assessment of each patient considers the clinical picture — symptoms, stone characteristics, and the patient’s overall health — before recommending a management plan.
Surgery is generally recommended when:
- Gallstones are causing symptomatic biliary colic — recurring episodes of pain
- Acute cholecystitis has occurred — surgery is recommended either urgently or after initial settlement
- Common bile duct stones are present — surgery follows ERCP clearance of the duct
- Gallstone pancreatitis has occurred — cholecystectomy is performed on the same admission or within weeks
- Empyema or perforation has occurred — urgent surgery is required
- The gallbladder has stopped functioning (non-functioning gallbladder on scan)
- A porcelain gallbladder is present — calcification of the gallbladder wall that requires assessment
Watchful waiting may be considered when:
- Gallstones are present but completely asymptomatic — discovered incidentally on scan
- The patient has significant surgical risk factors that make elective surgery hazardous
- The patient understands the risk of future complications and prefers to monitor symptoms
Important: The decision to proceed with surgery is made following thorough clinical assessment and is always an individual decision made with the patient — not a blanket recommendation. Dr Kaushal will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery versus watchful waiting in the context of your specific situation at your consultation. |
The Operation: What Happens During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. Here is a plain-language explanation of what happens in the operating theatre:
1 ANAESTHESIA | You Are Asleep Throughout General anaesthesia is given through your IV line. You are completely asleep and feel nothing. The anaesthetic team monitors your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate continuously throughout the procedure. |
2 INCISIONS | Three to Four Small Cuts Dr Kaushal makes three to four small incisions — typically 5 to 10mm — in the abdomen. One is usually placed at or near the belly button. A laparoscope (thin tube with a high-definition camera) is inserted through one incision, and specialised instruments are inserted through the others. Carbon dioxide gas is gently introduced to inflate the abdomen and create space to work. |
3 IDENTIFICATION | Careful Anatomy Assessment Before touching the gallbladder, Dr Kaushal carefully identifies the critical anatomy — particularly the cystic duct (which connects the gallbladder to the bile duct) and the cystic artery (which supplies blood to the gallbladder). This careful anatomical identification is the most important step in preventing bile duct injury. An intraoperative cholangiogram (an X-ray of the bile ducts) may be performed at this stage to confirm anatomy and check for stones in the bile duct. |
4 CLIPPING AND DIVISION | The Gallbladder Is Disconnected Once the anatomy is clearly identified and confirmed, clips are applied to the cystic duct and cystic artery. These structures are then divided between the clips — safely disconnecting the gallbladder from the bile duct and blood supply. |
5 REMOVAL | The Gallbladder Is Extracted The gallbladder is dissected away from the liver surface using electrocautery. It is then placed in a small bag and extracted through one of the small incisions — usually the umbilical one. If the gallbladder is very inflamed or contains very large stones, this step may take longer. |
6 CLOSURE | Incisions Closed — Procedure Complete The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches beneath the skin and small dressings. No sutures need to be removed. The gas is released from the abdomen. Total procedure time is typically 45 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the case. |
When Open (Non-Keyhole) Surgery May Be Required
The large majority of cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically. However, in certain circumstances, conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery may be necessary during the procedure. This is not a complication — it is a sound surgical decision made to ensure patient safety.
Open surgery may be required when:
- The anatomy is unclear due to severe inflammation, scarring, or unusual structure — making safe laparoscopic dissection not possible
- There is significant bleeding that cannot be controlled laparoscopically
- The gallbladder is very severely inflamed and adherent to surrounding structures
- A bile duct injury has occurred and requires open repair
- Previous upper abdominal surgery has created dense scar tissue
Conversion to open surgery is always done with patient safety as the primary priority. If Dr Kaushal determines during your procedure that open surgery is the safer option, this decision will be made and explained to you after your operation. The decision to convert is never a failure — it is sound surgical judgment. |
Before Your Gallbladder Surgery: Preparation Guide
Preparation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is straightforward. Here is what to expect:
- Consultation: Dr Kaushal will review your ultrasound and blood test results, examine you, and confirm the surgical plan. Risks and benefits are discussed in full. Any questions you have are answered before you consent to surgery.
- Pre-operative blood tests: Routine blood tests — full blood count, liver function tests, coagulation screen, and sometimes an ECG — are arranged before your admission date.
- Medications: Blood thinning medications (Warfarin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis, Clopidogrel, Aspirin, Cartia) may need to be paused before surgery. Dr Kaushal will advise you specifically. Do not stop any medication without instruction.
- Fasting: You must fast from all food and drink (except water) for 6 hours before your procedure. Plain water may be taken up to 2 hours before. Do not eat or drink anything after the specified cutoff time.
- Smoking: Stopping smoking before surgery significantly reduces anaesthetic risk, wound infection risk, and recovery time. Even stopping for 2 to 4 weeks makes a meaningful difference.
- Transport: You must arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and remain with you overnight. You cannot drive or make legal decisions for 24 hours after general anaesthesia.
- Day of surgery: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Leave jewellery and valuables at home. Bring your Medicare card, health insurance card, and any medications you take regularly.
Recovery After Gallbladder Removal: What to Expect
In hospital (day of surgery and overnight if required):
- You wake in the recovery room with mild to moderate abdominal discomfort — well managed with oral pain medication
- Some shoulder tip or right shoulder pain is common for 1 to 2 days — caused by the gas used during the procedure irritating the diaphragm. This is normal and settles.
- Light fluids and then a light diet are introduced once you are fully awake and comfortable
- Most patients are discharged the same evening or the following morning
Week 1 at home:
- Rest for the first 2 to 3 days — light activity only
- Shower carefully after 48 hours — pat incisions dry. Do not immerse in a bath or swim until wounds are fully healed.
- Avoid lifting anything over 5kg for the first 2 weeks
- Walk gently — short, flat walks help recovery and reduce blood clot risk
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Most patients manage well with paracetamol by day 3 to 4.
- Eat small, low-fat meals initially — the digestive system is adjusting to the absence of the gallbladder
Weeks 1–2:
- Return to desk-based or office work at 1 to 2 weeks when you feel comfortable
- Driving resumes when you can perform an emergency stop comfortably without pain — typically 7 to 10 days
- Continue avoiding heavy lifting
Weeks 4–6:
- Return to manual work, gym, and strenuous physical activity — once cleared by Dr Kaushal
- Dietary tolerance typically normalises — most patients return to a regular diet without restrictions
- Scars will continue to fade over 6 to 12 months
Seek urgent medical attention after surgery if you experience: • Increasing rather than decreasing abdominal pain • Fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius • Jaundice — yellowing of skin or eyes — after surgery • Redness, swelling, or discharge at wound sites • Nausea and vomiting that will not settle Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 or present to Campbelltown Hospital Emergency. |
Diet After Gallbladder Removal
Most people are concerned about what they can eat after gallbladder surgery. The good news is that the majority of patients return to a normal, unrestricted diet within 4 to 6 weeks. Some adjustment in the early weeks is helpful while the digestive system adapts.
Phase | Dietary Guidance |
Day 1–2 (in hospital and at home) | Clear fluids, then light food — dry toast, crackers, soup. Small portions only. |
Week 1–2 | Low-fat diet. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, cream, and rich sauces. Eat small meals frequently rather than large ones. |
Weeks 2–4 | Gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods. Continue reducing very fatty foods. Most foods are tolerated. |
Weeks 4–6 onwards | Return to a normal, balanced diet in most cases. Some patients find that very fatty meals cause loose stools — this usually settles over 3 to 6 months. |
A small proportion of patients experience persistent loose stools or diarrhoea after gallbladder removal — a condition called post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea. This occurs because bile now flows continuously into the small intestine rather than being stored and released in response to meals. It typically improves over weeks to months. If it persists, Dr Kaushal can discuss management options at your follow-up.
Risks of Gallbladder Surgery: An Honest Overview
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and well-established procedure. As with all surgical operations, risks exist and every patient is entitled to understand them clearly before making a decision. Dr Kaushal discusses risks in full at your pre-operative consultation.
Common risks (affect a small proportion of patients):
- Wound infection — usually superficial and treated with antibiotics
- Bleeding — usually minor and managed during surgery
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting from anaesthesia
- Shoulder tip pain from residual gas — settles within 1 to 2 days
- Loose stools or diarrhoea — occurs in some patients and usually resolves over weeks to months
Less common but important risks:
- Bile duct injury — damage to the common bile duct during surgery. This is the most serious potential complication of cholecystectomy. It occurs in approximately 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 cases in experienced hands. Careful anatomical identification and intraoperative cholangiography reduce this risk. Dr Kaushal’s careful approach to critical view of safety during every procedure reflects the importance of this risk.
- Retained common bile duct stones — gallstones that were present in the bile duct but not detected before surgery. May cause symptoms weeks after surgery and require ERCP treatment.
- Conversion to open surgery — see above
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism — blood clots. Prevented with stockings, early walking, and blood thinning injections.
- Hernia at incision site — an uncommon late complication
Informed consent: Australian Medical Association (AMA) and AHPRA guidelines both emphasise that patients must be provided with clear, accurate information about risks, benefits, and alternatives before consenting to surgery. Dr Kaushal takes this responsibility seriously and allows time at your consultation to address every question — however large or small. |
Why Camden & Macarthur Region Patients Come to Dr Kaushal
- FRACS qualified — Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, specialist registration in surgery
- 15 or more years of experience performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Intraoperative cholangiogram routinely considered — to assess bile duct anatomy and safety during surgery
- Consulting rooms at Campbelltown — 15 minutes from Camden, accessible from Narellan, Mount Annan, and Oran Park
- Operating at Campbelltown Public Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital, and Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool
- Research published in the Annals of Surgery — including work on bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Public and private patients welcome — Medicare rebates and private health insurance accepted
- Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability
Frequently Asked Questions — Gallbladder Surgery Near Camden
Do I need to have my gallbladder removed if I have gallstones?
Not necessarily. Gallstones that are not causing symptoms are often managed by watchful waiting. However, once gallstones begin causing symptoms — particularly biliary colic, cholecystitis, or complications — surgery is generally recommended. The risk of leaving symptomatic gallstones untreated — including the risk of acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and bile duct obstruction — typically outweighs the risk of elective surgery. Dr Kaushal will discuss the appropriate approach for your specific situation at consultation.
Can I have gallbladder surgery near Camden without going to Sydney?
Yes. Dr Kaushal’s consulting rooms are at 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown — approximately 15 minutes from central Camden. Gallbladder surgery is performed at Campbelltown Public Hospital or Campbelltown Private Hospital, depending on your insurance status. You do not need to travel to a major Sydney hospital for gallbladder surgery.
How long will I be in hospital for gallbladder surgery?
Most patients having elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy go home the same day or the following morning. Patients with more complex presentations — including acute cholecystitis or bile duct complications — may require a longer admission. Your expected hospital stay will be discussed with you before your operation.
Is gallbladder surgery covered by Medicare and private health insurance?
Yes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy attracts a Medicare rebate with a valid GP or specialist referral. If you have private hospital cover, your insurer will also contribute to hospital fees. Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 for a clear outline of expected costs before your procedure.
What are the signs that I need urgent assessment for gallstones?
Seek urgent medical assessment — at Campbelltown Hospital Emergency or your nearest emergency department — if you experience: severe, constant right upper abdominal pain that is not settling; fever with abdominal pain; yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice); dark urine with pale stools and pain; or nausea and vomiting that will not resolve. These may indicate acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or gallstone pancreatitis.
How do I see a gallbladder surgeon near Camden?
Visit your Camden GP and request a referral to Dr Kaushal at his Campbelltown consulting rooms (4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560). Then call (02) 7906 8312 or book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au. Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, please call directly so the team can prioritise your booking.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Individual medical circumstances vary significantly. Always consult your GP and treating surgeon for advice specific to your situation. In a medical emergency, call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.
Book a Gallbladder Surgical Consultation Near Camden
If you have been told you have gallstones, have experienced symptoms that may be related to the gallbladder, or have been referred for surgical assessment — Dr Devesh Kaushal provides experienced gallbladder surgical care at his Campbelltown rooms, just 15 minutes from central Camden.
Ask your Camden GP for a referral, then contact the rooms to book. Both public and private patients are welcome.
Contact Dr Devesh Kaushal Nearest Rooms to Camden: 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560 Phone: (02) 7906 8312 Email: [email protected] Book Online: drdeveshkaushal.com.au Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Operating at: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public Hospital | Campbelltown Private Hospital | The George Hospital Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability | Book online 24/7 | Medicare & Private Health Insurance Accepted |
Gallbladder surgery is available close to Camden — no need to travel to central Sydney for experienced surgical care.