Gallstones

The gallbladder stores bile between meals. If the consituents of bile become unbalanced, gallstones can form. 

A gallstone can become stuck in the gallbladder causing pain (biliary colic), or inflammation (cholecystitis). If a gallstone escapes the gallbladder, it can cause a blockage of the liver ducts (cholangitis), or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). These complications  of gallstones can be severe and potentially dangerous. 

If you develop symptoms of your gallstones, or have signs suggesting they are causing problems, you will likely need your gallbladder removed. This is usually done laparoscopically with a short stay in hospital. 

Dr Morris will discuss the nature of the surgery with you, using diagrams, to make sure you understand the rationale, the risks, and the process.