General Surgery › Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones, cholecystitis and gallbladder disease — minimally invasive with rapid recovery.
Overview
Gallbladder Surgery and Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) is one of the most commonly performed operations in Australia. It is the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones, acute and chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, and other gallbladder pathology. Dr. Nahm routinely performs laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic cholecystectomy with excellent outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallbladder removal. It uses small incisions, results in less pain and a shorter hospital stay, and most patients go home the same day or the day after surgery.
What are Gallstones?
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder. They are extremely common, affecting approximately 15–20% of adults. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms (silent stones); however, when stones obstruct the gallbladder outlet or bile duct, they can cause:
- Biliary colic — sudden, severe right upper quadrant or epigastric pain
- Acute cholecystitis — infection and inflammation of the gallbladder
- Choledocholithiasis — stones in the bile duct causing jaundice or pancreatitis
- Gallstone pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones
Indications for Cholecystectomy
- Symptomatic gallstones (biliary colic)
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones)
- Gallbladder polyps ≥1cm or growing
- Porcelain gallbladder
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia through 3–4 small (5–10mm) incisions. The gallbladder is clipped, divided from the bile duct and blood supply, and removed through one of the incisions. The operation takes approximately 30–60 minutes. Most patients are discharged home the same day and return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks.
Academic Interest
Dr. Nahm has a strong academic interest in gallbladder surgery, with ongoing research focused on improving surgical outcomes and understanding the best management strategies for complex gallbladder disease.