Private gallbladder surgery in Guildford

Gallstones and gallbladder symptoms

Mr Rob Walker sees private patients at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital for assessment and treatment of gallstones and gallbladder symptoms.

Gallstones are common and do not always need treatment. When they cause symptoms, they may lead to episodes of upper abdominal pain, often under the right ribs or in the centre of the upper abdomen. Some patients feel sick, vomit or notice attacks after meals.

When to seek assessment

You may benefit from surgical assessment if you have:

  • repeated attacks of upper abdominal pain;

  • pain after eating, especially fatty meals;

  • known gallstones on ultrasound;

  • previous gallbladder inflammation;

  • suspected biliary colic;

  • symptoms affecting work, sleep, travel or daily life.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe persistent pain, fever, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, vomiting or feel acutely unwell.

What happens at the first appointment?

Mr Walker will review your symptoms, medical history, medications and any previous scans or blood tests. If further investigation is needed, this may include blood tests, ultrasound, MRCP or other imaging depending on your symptoms.

The aim is to confirm whether the gallbladder is likely to be the cause of your symptoms and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate.

Treatment options

For symptomatic gallstones, gallbladder removal may be recommended. This is called a cholecystectomy and is usually performed using keyhole surgery. Some patients may need further tests before surgery, particularly if there is concern about stones in the bile duct.

Mr Walker will discuss the expected benefits, risks, alternatives and recovery before any operation is planned.