Gallbladder disease is a common digestive condition linked to gallstones. Many people live with gallstones without symptoms, though others may experience pain or complications that require medical attention. Recognising the warning signs early can make it easier to have symptoms assessed and discuss them with your GP before they worsen.
Dr Harald Puhalla, Bariatric and General Surgeonon the Gold Coast, regularly assesses patients with gallbladder conditions, including those referred for ongoing pain or suspected gallstones.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder sits beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats in food.
In some people, gallstones do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms can develop if a stone moves and blocks part of the bile duct system, usually triggering pain or discomfort and other digestive symptoms.
Gallstones vary in size from very small grains to larger stones. Some people may only experience occasional discomfort, but others develop more persistent gallbladder disease.
Common symptoms of gallbladder issues
Gallbladder disease often begins with mild or intermittent symptoms and may become more frequent or more severe. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating or indigestion after eating
- Episodes of intense abdominal pain known as biliary colic
Biliary colic occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct, causing sudden pain that may last from minutes to several hours.
Dr Harald Puhalla finds that many of his patients notice these symptoms after eating fatty, oily or heavier meals, when the gallbladder contracts more to release bile.
When symptoms should not be ignored
Most mild digestive discomfort can settle on its own, though certain symptoms should be assessed by a doctor, such as:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting
These signs may be linked to complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), infection of the bile ducts, or inflammation of the pancreas.
Your GP can assess these symptoms and arrange further tests or referral to Dr Harald Puhalla if specialist input is needed.
How gallbladder disease is diagnosed
If gallbladder disease is suspected, your GP may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition. Investigations typically include:
- Ultrasound imaging
- Blood tests
- CT or MRI scans in certain situations
These tests help identify gallstones, inflammation, or blockages within the bile ducts.
Patients are commonly referred to Dr Harald Puhalla with imaging results if specialist review is required and to discuss further treatment options.
Treatment options for gallstones
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how frequently they occur.
If gallstones are present without any symptoms, careful monitoring may be recommended. Ongoing pain or other complications may lead to a discussion about surgery to remove the gallbladder in a procedure that’s called a cholecystectomy. Around 80 percent of people with symptomatic gallstones eventually require surgery to prevent ongoing problems.
Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
A cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder so that gallstones can no longer form or cause symptoms. Most procedures are performed using laparoscopic, or keyhole, techniques.
During laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made in the abdomen. Your surgeon will use a camera and specialised instruments to remove the gallbladder.
This minimally invasive technique that Dr Puhalla performs can offer patients shorter hospital stays and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery methods.
Living without a gallbladder
Many people have questions about digestion after gallbladder removal surgery.
The body can still digest food without the gallbladder, as bile continues to flow directly from the liver into the small intestine. Some people may notice mild digestive changes early on, with these usually settling as the body adjusts.
Most individuals return to their usual daily activities within a couple of weeks after laparoscopic surgery, depending on their individual recovery and overall health.
Dr Harald Puhalla will always provide you with guidance on recovery, diet and follow-up care as part of the surgical process.
When to speak with a specialist
If you are experiencing recurring abdominal pain, digestive symptoms after meals or unexplained nausea, it is worth discussing these symptoms with your GP.
Your GP can review your symptoms and refer you to Dr Harald Puhalla for further evaluation and discussion of treatment options if it is needed.
Gold Coast Gallbladder Surgery
Dr Harald Puhalla is a bariatric and general surgeon based on the Gold Coast with more than 20 years of experience in general and gastrointestinal surgery, including gallbladder procedures.
Once referred, your consultation with Dr Puhalla will involve reviewing symptoms, imaging, and medical history before discussing if further monitoring or surgery may be suitable.
References
Better Health Channel. (2023). Gallbladder, gallstones and surgery. Victorian Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gallbladder-gallstones-and-surgery
National Library of Medicine (2020). Cholelithiasis: Epidemiology and natural history. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327522/
MSD Manual Professional Edition. (2023). Cholelithiasis (Gallstones). https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/gallbladder-and-bile-duct-disorders/cholelithiasis
PubMed Central (PMC). (2023). Current approaches to the management of symptomatic gallstone disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10004100/
Dr Harald Puhalla (MED0000976858) MD FRACS is a Specialist Bariatric and General Surgeon. This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. All surgery carries risks and individual results may vary. Healthcare decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.
