Phone
07 5564 6501
Phone
07 5564 6501
Most of us have experienced abdominal discomfort at some point, but if your pain is localised to the upper right side of your abdomen and tends to flare up after eating, especially fatty meals, it may be a sign of something more serious, like gallbladder disease.
At Surgery Gold Coast, we often see patients who’ve been dealing with gallbladder symptoms for weeks, months, or even years before seeking help. If left untreated, gallbladder issues can worsen and potentially lead to complications. Here’s what you need to know, and when surgery may be recommended.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just under your liver. Its main job is to store bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. When you eat, your gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine.
Problems arise when substances in bile, like cholesterol, harden and form gallstones. In many cases, gallstones don’t cause symptoms. But if they block the bile ducts or irritate the gallbladder lining, they can cause pain and inflammation, a condition known as cholecystitis.
Pain in the upper right or middle part of your abdomen
Pain that worsens after eating (particularly rich or greasy foods)
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating or indigestion
Fever or chills (in more serious cases)
This pain, sometimes called biliary colic, may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It can come and go, or become more persistent over time.
Not all gallstones or gallbladder issues require surgery. But if you’re experiencing recurrent pain, nausea, or complications like infections or inflammation, your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy — the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Some key reasons for surgery include:
Frequent or severe attacks of pain
Gallstones that have moved into the bile ducts
Infection or inflammation of the gallbladder (acute or chronic cholecystitis)
Pancreatitis related to gallstones
At Surgery Gold Coast, Dr Jason Free performs laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive approach that typically allows for:
Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
Reduced post-operative pain
Shorter hospital stays (often day surgery)
Faster recovery
Using small instruments and a camera (laparoscope), the surgeon removes the gallbladder through tiny incisions in the abdomen. Most patients can go home the same day and return to regular activities within a week or two.
The good news? You can live a healthy life without your gallbladder. Most patients feel relief from symptoms quite quickly. However, it’s normal to make a few adjustments after surgery, including:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Limiting high-fat foods, especially in the early recovery period
Staying well-hydrated
Resuming gentle physical activity when advised
If you’re dealing with ongoing abdominal pain, it’s important not to self-diagnose. While gallbladder issues are common, other digestive conditions can present with similar symptoms.
Dr Jason Free is a specialist in laparoscopic, general, and hepatobiliary surgery, offering personalised advice and evidence-based care to patients on the Gold Coast.
If you think your symptoms may be related to your gallbladder, reach out to our team. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent complications and help you get back to living well.
Dr Jason Free
MBBS BVSc (Hons) FRACS
Laparoscopic, General, Weight Loss & Hepatobiliary Surgeon
MED0000958006
📞 (07) 5564 6501 | 🌐 surgerygoldcoast.com.au | ✉️ info@surgerygoldcoast.com.au
All surgical procedures carry risks. A second opinion from a qualified health practitioner is recommended. Individual results vary. This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice.