Cholecystectomy

Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder removal, called cholecystectomy, is a laparoscopic procedure to treat painful or complicated gallstones.

Cholecystectomy involves removing the entire gallbladder (and the stones within it), which prevents new stones from forming in the future. For stones that move into the main bile duct, endoscopic treatment (ERCP) can be used alongside surgery.

Because of the many years of practice and the wide range of services and treatments that we offer, if somebody comes into a high-volume tertiary referral practice, they are more likely to find a treatment that is individualised to their needs.

Do I need My Gallbladder?

Your liver produces almost a litre of bile a day.

This bile passes out of the liver and into the small intestine just beyond your stomach more or less continuously, and a small amount is stored in the gallbladder to be released when you have a meal. Bile helps emulsify fats for digestion. If someone doesn't have a gallbladder, or if it does not function well, there is less mixing of bile with food. While the majority of people who have had their gallbladder removed do not have to change their diet, a small number will notice that they become less tolerant to some fatty foods.

Who Can Benefit?

Biliary colic (recurrent right-upper abdominal pain)
Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis)
Jaundice or abnormal liver tests from a blocked bile duct
Gallstone pancreatitis, or when symptoms keep returning

Some people with asymptomatic gallstones may not need surgery; A/Prof Talbot will advise based on your symptoms, health and goals.

What To Expect

Most cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically through small incisions.

Many patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay and return to normal daily activities within a short period (timelines vary by individual). You’ll receive clear guidance on wound care, activity and diet as you recover.

Risks & Considerations

All surgery carries some risk, such as bleeding, infection or issues related to anaesthesia.

Specific risks can include bile leak, retained stones, or (rarely) bile duct injury, and in some complex cases, the operation may need to convert to an open approach. A/Prof Talbot will discuss personalised risks and benefits at your consultation.

Most of the diseases we treat - obesity, reflux, hiatus hernia, abdominal-wall hernia or gallstones - have multiple options. The work is assessing the person and choosing the therapy that truly fits.

After Bariatric Surgery and weight loss medications - The Link to Gallstones

Rapid weight loss, especially in the first year after bariatric surgery or after using weight loss medications, increases the chance of gallstone formation.

With specialist expertise across both bariatric and gallbladder surgery alongside advanced endoscopy, A/Prof Talbot provides coordinated care if gallstones arise before or after weight‑loss procedures.

Why Choose Upper GI Surgery?

Extensive experience - thousands of laparoscopic procedures performed, including complex and urgent gallbladder cases.
Dual skill set - as specialist Upper GI surgeons and interventional endoscopists, the team can manage bile duct stones (ERCP) and gallbladder removal within a coordinated plan.
Minimally invasive focus - laparoscopic techniques designed to reduce pain, shorten hospital stay and support a faster recovery.
Continuity of care - integrated pathways for bariatric patients and those with coexisting Upper GI conditions.