Gallstones

Not all gallstones need treatment. If you have symptoms or complications, surgery is usually the most effective long-term solution.

Gallstones are common and often treatable. When you do need an operation, what matters most is having a surgeon who can manage the full pathway—from diagnosis to surgery to bile duct clearance—without delays or repeated procedures.


  • KEY BENEFITS :

    • Same-episode care
    • ERCP expertise
    • Lower risk of repeat procedures

When should I seek urgent care?

If you have severe pain lasting more than 6 hours, fever, chills, yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent vomiting—seek urgent medical attention.

  • UNDERSTANDING GALLSTONES

    • Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can be silent (no symptoms) or cause intermittent pain when they temporarily block the outlet of the gallbladder.

    Common symptoms
    * Right upper abdominal pain (often after meals)
    * Pain radiating to the back or shoulder
    * Nausea or vomiting
    * Bloating or indigestion


    How gallstones are diagnosed
    * Ultrasound is the most common test
    * Blood tests check for infection or jaundice
    * MRI/CT may be used when ducts are involved


    Possible complications
    * Acute cholecystitis (infected/inflamed gallbladder)
    * Pancreatitis
    * Jaundice / bile duct obstruction
    * Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts)

  • TREATMENT OPTIONS

    • Treatment pathways

    Observation:  If stones are found incidentally and you have no symptoms, treatment may not be needed.
    Medical management:  Pain control and dietary adjustments can help temporary symptoms, but do not remove stones.
    Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery): The most common and definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones.
    Bile duct assessment and clearance:  If stones migrate into the bile duct, they must be removed to prevent jaundice, infection, and pancreatitis.

    What patients often don’t realise

    Gallbladder surgery is common, but the important question is: who can safely manage the rare complications?
    Unexpected bile duct stones or strictures can occur. Having the capability to diagnose and clear the duct promptly can reduce risk and avoid repeated procedures.

  • KEYHOLE GALLBLADDER SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT

    • Return to light activities:  3–7 days
    Return to work:  1–2 weeks
    Return to full activity:  2–4 weeks
    You may need additional bile duct treatment if:
    * Right upper abdominal pain (often after meals)
    * Pain radiating to the back or shoulder
    * Nausea or vomiting
    * Bloating or indigestion

  • ERCP: SPECIALISED BILE DUCT PROCEDURE

    • ERCP is a highly specialised endoscopic procedure used to clear bile duct stones and treat strictures. It is not performed by most gallbladder surgeons. When needed, access to ERCP can be the difference between a single definitive episode of care and multiple procedures.

  • WHY CHOOSE MR GEORGE KALOGEROPOULOS

    • George’s background in liver, pancreas and biliary surgery means he can manage the entire spectrum of gallstone disease—from routine cases to unexpected bile duct stones or strictures.
    He frequently manages complex gallstone and bile duct cases referred from Geelong and across  Western Victoria  due to his advanced biliary skillset and ERCP capability. Choosing a surgeon who can treat the gallbladder and bile duct in the same episode often means  a single anaesthetic,  quicker recovery,  and the safest path to definitive care.

    Trusted for complex referrals — Geelong & Western Victoria

    Patients are frequently referred for complex gallbladder and bile duct disease because the full pathway can be managed in one place—supporting a single anaesthetic, faster recovery, and the safest route to definitive treatment.

    A practical rule of thumb

    Before gallbladder surgery, ask:  “If a bile duct stone is found, can you clear it—promptly and safely?”
    Choosing a surgeon who can manage complications helps protect you from unnecessary risk.

  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Do gallstones go away on their own?

    Most gallstones do not dissolve naturally. Symptoms often recur, and surgery is the definitive treatment when stones cause pain or complications.

    Can I live without a gallbladder?

    Yes. The liver continues to produce bile. Most people have no long-term issues, though a small number may experience temporary changes in digestion.

    What is the risk of bile duct injury?

    Bile duct injury is rare, but serious. Risk is reduced through careful technique, appropriate imaging when needed, and having the expertise to recognise and manage problems early.

    When is ERCP needed?

    ERCP may be needed when stones are suspected in the bile duct, when jaundice occurs, or when infection (cholangitis) or pancreatitis develops.

    How quickly can surgery be arranged?

    Timing depends on your symptoms and any complications. For urgent cases, same-episode definitive care is often recommended to reduce recurrence and hospital re-presentations.

    What if a duct stone is found during surgery?

    This is where advanced biliary expertise matters. Options include intra-operative strategies, early post-operative bile duct clearance, and coordinated care to avoid unnecessary delays.

  • CTA

    • Need an expert opinion?
    If you have gallstone symptoms, recurrent attacks, jaundice, or pancreatitis, arrange an expert review. The goal is safe, definitive treatment with minimal risk and minimal delays.
    DISCLAIMER
    This page provides general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have severe pain, fever, jaundice or feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical care.