Gallstones
Gallstones are very common, but not all people who have gallstones will become symptomatic.
Gallstones form when the constituents of bile begin to crystallise. There are some known risk factors for this- including female gender, pregnancy, rapid weight loss or gain, obesity and certain blood disorders. However, they can also form in the absence of risk factors.
When patients begin to get symptoms from gallstones, it is generally abdominal pain or ‘biliary colic’. This is due to a stone obstructing the neck of the gallbladder. The classic time this presents is waking patients from sleep in the middle of the night. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting. Biliary colic should resolve spontaneously after a few hours, but it can be recurring.
If the biliary colic progresses, it can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, ‘cholecystitis’. Pain will often shift to the right under the ribs and it can also lead to fever.
Gallstones can also cause other issues:
Pancreatitis: when a stone passes down the bile duct and irritates the pancreatic duct. This leads to inflammation of the pancreas, a very serious disorder that can lead to a significant inflammatory response. Pain is felt in the upper midline of the abdomen, radiating to the back and associated with vomiting. If gallstones lead to pancreatitis, we will recommend removing the gallbladder and associated stones.
Cholangitis: when a stone passes down into the main bile duct, this can cause obstruction, stasis and infection. Pain is often described as central banding-like pain.
The treatment for gallstones and related diseases is usually removal of the gallbladder. We are unable to remove the stones in isolation, as the conditions that lead to them forming will continue. Most patients will lead completely normal lives following their gallbladder removal. Dr Gillespie will discuss with you what is normal following gallbladder removal.
Treatment,
tailored to you
Gallbladder surgery
Removal of the gallbladder- otherwise known as cholecystectomy- is almost always done via a laparoscopic, or keyhole, approach. This is usually performed electively either as day surgery or with a one-night stay in hospital.
Dr Gillespie specialises in the following procedures
Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair
There are many different types of abdominal wall hernia- but this can include umbilical (naval) and incisional hernias.
They are always repaired under a general anaesthetic.
Gastrectomy
A gastrectomy is performed for the surgical management of gastric (stomach) cancer. It involves the removal of the tumour with the stomach itself ensuring that the entire cancer is removed, along with removal of the lymph nodes that would typically be the first place that cancer would spread.
Fundoplication (Anti Reflux Surgery)
A fundoplication is a surgical procedure performed for people with proven gastro-oesophageal reflux that cannot be managed with medication alone. It is also performed as part of a hiatus hernia repair. It is usually performed laparoscopically.
Hiatus Hernia Repair
Most hiatus hernia surgery is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and involves returning the stomach to the abdominal cavity and then repairing the hernia itself.
Inguinal (groin) hernia repair
This is generally done via a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach under a general anaesthetic. There may be some circumstances where an open approach is preferable and Dr Gillespie will discuss the details specific to you when consenting for surgery.
Endoscopy (Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy)
Endoscopy is performed under either a sedation or general anaesthetic. It is a day procedure that occurs in hospital.
Oesophagectomy
An oesophagectomy is performed to remove a tumour of the oesophagus or the junction between the oesophagus and stomach, along with the lymph nodes to which this cancer tends to spread first.
Weight Loss Surgery
First of all, congratulations on making the first step towards a real lifestyle change. We know that most people will have already explored many options before enquiring about weight loss surgery.
Often, people are sick of the cycle of weight loss followed by weight regain. And many people will find that after working hard to lose weight, they can even put more back on. This process can be so disheartening. While weight loss surgery is by no means an "easy" way out, it can help break this cycle and empower you with the tools to have long lasting weight loss.
But more important than the number on the scales, bariatric surgery can help with obesity related complications and allow you to live a life without compromise.
