Gallbladder & bile duct
Gallstones and gallbladder surgery in Leeds
Keyhole gallbladder removal and specialist assessment of complex gallbladder and bile duct problems, from a surgeon who sees patients from throughout Yorkshire for cancer and complex benign (non-cancerous) liver and biliary (bile duct) problems.
About gallstones
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder, a pouch beneath the liver that stores bile. They are very common and many people never know they have them. When they do cause trouble, it is usually because a stone has blocked the outlet of the gallbladder or passed into the bile duct.
Symptoms that bring people to clinic
- Episodes of pain in the upper right or centre of the abdomen, often after eating, that can last several hours (biliary colic)
- Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), with pain, fever and tenderness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or dark urine caused by a stone in the bile duct
- Gallstone pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone)
- Gallbladder polyps (small growths on the gallbladder lining) seen on an ultrasound scan
Seek urgent help if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, a high temperature with shivering, or severe pain that does not settle. Contact your GP, NHS 111, or attend A&E.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal)
Removing the gallbladder is the standard treatment for gallstones that cause symptoms, as stones tend to recur if the gallbladder is left in place. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic through small keyhole incisions.
At your consultation Mr Bell will review your scans and blood tests, explain whether surgery is the right step, and talk through the benefits and risks as they apply to you. If further imaging is needed, such as an MRI scan of the bile ducts (MRCP), this will be arranged before any decision about surgery.
Recovery
Most patients go home on the day of surgery or the next morning. Walking is encouraged straight away, and normal eating resumes quickly. Discomfort from the small wounds and shoulder-tip pain from the gas used during keyhole surgery typically settle within a few days. You will be given clear written advice and a direct contact number for the practice.
Complex gallbladder and bile duct problems
Some patients have had repeated attacks of inflammation, previous abdominal surgery, stones in the bile duct, or injuries and strictures (narrowing) of the bile ducts. These situations benefit from a hepatobiliary (liver, gallbladder and bile duct) specialist, and Mr Bell regularly receives referrals for them in his NHS practice. He is happy to see patients from anywhere in Yorkshire privately for assessment and a second opinion.
Common questions
How long does a laparoscopic cholecystectomy take?
The operation itself usually takes around an hour. Most people go home the same day or the following morning.
How soon can I return to work after gallbladder removal?
Many people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Heavier physical work usually needs two to four weeks. Mr Bell will give you advice specific to your job.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Bile continues to flow from the liver into the bowel. A small number of people notice looser bowel motions for a period after surgery, which usually settles.
Do all gallstones need an operation?
No. Gallstones found incidentally that cause no symptoms are usually left alone. Surgery is generally recommended when stones cause pain, inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis.
Is gallbladder surgery covered by private medical insurance?
In most cases, yes, subject to your policy. Contact your insurer for a pre-authorisation code before your consultation.