Specialist surgical management of gallstones, biliary colic, and gallbladder disease. Laparoscopic (keyhole) approach with faster recovery and minimal scarring.
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile — a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When bile hardens into stones, or the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain and complications.
Gallstones affect approximately 10–15% of adults in Australia. While many people have no symptoms, gallstones that cause pain or complications typically require surgical evaluation.
Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block bile flow and cause severe pain, especially after fatty meals.
Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. Requires prompt evaluation.
Recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal pain caused by temporary gallstone obstruction. Often a precursor to more serious complications.
Stones that have migrated into the common bile duct, potentially causing jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis.
If you're experiencing any of the following, it's important to have a surgical assessment:
Important: If you have severe abdominal pain with fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek urgent medical attention at your nearest emergency department.
Our approach is minimally invasive wherever possible. Both of our surgeons are experienced in advanced laparoscopic techniques, meaning smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
The gold standard for gallbladder removal. Performed through 4 small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
When common bile duct (CBD) stones are known preoperatively or identified intraoperatively on cholangiogram, Dr Chiu Kang can perform laparoscopic transcystic choledochoscopy — a direct visual approach to remove CBD stones through the same keyhole incisions. This avoids the need for a second procedure (ERCP or open CBD exploration) and means stone clearance in a single operation.
Bulk-billed through Medicare. We'll review your symptoms, imaging, and discuss whether surgery is the right option for you.
Ultrasound and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan the procedure. Arranged through our practice.
Laparoscopic procedure under general anaesthetic. Typically 30–60 minutes. Same-day discharge for uncomplicated cases.
Most patients return to light activities within a few days and normal activities within 1–2 weeks. Follow-up at our clinic.
Book a bulk-billed consultation with our specialist general surgeons. No out-of-pocket cost for your initial assessment.