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 “keyhole” gallbladder removal (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.

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 (ERCP) 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. The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile, which helps digest fats. Gallstones can vary in size from tiny grains to larger stones.

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.