Gallstones & Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstone Treatment and Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) at Ross Hall Hospital
Specialist consultant-led assessment and treatment for gallstones and gallbladder symptoms, including laparoscopic gallbladder removal (keyhole cholecystectomy).
Led by Mr Donald McArthur MBChB FRCS, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon, with consultations and treatment available at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow.
Fixed price guide from £8,370
For laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Final pricing is confirmed in writing after consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
For laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Final pricing is confirmed in writing after consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
Consultant-led gallstone care at Ross Hall Hospital
Mr Donald McArthur FRCS is a specialist Consultant Upper GI Surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in the management of complex gallbladder disease in both surgical and endoscopic treatments.
Mr McArthur provides expert private assessment and gallbladder surgery at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow, with a focus on laparoscopic “keyhole” cholecystectomy, including cholangiography and bile duct exploration where appropriate.
At a glance
- Private gallstone assessment and treatment
- Laparoscopic keyhole gallbladder surgery
- No GP referral required
- Insured and self-pay patients welcome
- Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow
Understanding gallstones
Gallstones and Gallbladder Symptoms
Clear patient information about gallstones, symptoms, treatment options and recovery after gallbladder removal.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are a common condition that can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain, often without warning. While some people have no symptoms, others experience recurring attacks that interfere with daily life and may require surgery. Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder — a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile to help digest fats.
What problems can gallstones cause?
Gallstones may cause no symptoms at all, but they can also block bile ducts, trigger pain, or lead to complications such as infection or inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Gallstones
You may need specialist assessment if you experience:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper abdomen, often called biliary colic
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms after eating fatty foods
- Recurrent episodes of pain
When to seek urgent medical advice
You should seek urgent advice if symptoms are severe or suggest complications:
- Pain lasting more than a few hours
- Fever or chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems, so early assessment is important.
Treatment options
Gallstone Treatment Options
Not all gallstones require treatment. However, surgery is usually recommended when gallstones are causing symptoms or complications.
1. Monitoring if there are no symptoms
If gallstones are found incidentally and are not causing symptoms, treatment may not be required.
- Symptoms and risks can be reviewed during consultation
- Advice is tailored to your diagnosis and overall health
If symptoms develop, definitive treatment may be recommended.
2. Surgical Treatment — Gallbladder Removal
The most effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones is gallbladder removal, also known as cholecystectomy. In almost all cases this is performed as laparoscopic gallbladder removal, a minimally invasive keyhole procedure.
What this means for you:
- Small incisions using keyhole surgery
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Short hospital stay, often same day or overnight
The Procedure
The gallbladder is removed using a camera and specialised instruments. The bile duct system remains intact and digestion continues normally for most people.
This approach is designed to reduce recovery time while providing a definitive solution for symptomatic gallstones.
Typical Recovery Timeline
- Same day / next day discharge: many patients return home quickly
- Return to normal activities: within a few days
- Return to work: usually 1–2 weeks, depending on your job
After Surgery and Life Without a Gallbladder
Most people eat normally after gallbladder removal. Some may notice mild temporary digestive changes, but long-term lifestyle is usually unaffected.
- Digestion usually remains normal
- No long-term dietary restrictions are required for most patients
- Quality of life often improves significantly once pain is resolved
- Loose stools can occasionally occur but usually settle over several months
Why Choose Glasgow Surgery?
- Consultant-led care from an expert specialist Upper GI Surgeon
- Experience in high-volume laparoscopic procedures
- Rapid access to consultation and treatment
- Treatment at a leading private hospital in Glasgow
- A focus on safe, effective and minimally invasive surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all gallstones need surgery?
No. Only symptomatic gallstones usually require treatment.
Is gallbladder removal safe?
Yes. It is a routine and commonly performed procedure with a high success rate.
Will I need to change my diet?
Most people return to a normal diet after recovery.
How long will I be off work?
Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on your job.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing gallstone symptoms, early treatment can prevent complications and relieve pain quickly.
Contact Glasgow Surgery today to arrange a private consultation in Glasgow.
