What are Gallbladder Polyps?
Gallbladder polyps are growths or lesions that form on the inner lining of the gallbladder. While most gallbladder polyps are benign, some may be precancerous or cancerous, necessitating prompt evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing gallbladder polyps typically begins with a thorough medical history review and physical examination. However, imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to visualize the polyps accurately. In some cases, a specialized imaging technique called endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may be performed to obtain detailed images of the gallbladder lining.
Types of Gallbladder Polyps
Gallbladder polyps can be classified into different types based on their characteristics:
- Cholesterol Polyps: These are the most common type and are composed of cholesterol deposits.
- Inflammatory Polyps: These develop in response to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Adenomatous Polyps: These are precancerous polyps that have the potential to develop into gallbladder cancer.
Treatment Options
The treatment approach for gallbladder polyps depends on various factors, including the size, number, and characteristics of the polyps, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history. Treatment options may include:
- Observation: Small, asymptomatic gallbladder polyps may be monitored closely with regular imaging studies to detect any changes in size or appearance over time.
- Surgical Removal: : Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be recommended for larger polyps, polyps causing symptoms, or those with suspicious features indicating a risk of cancer Read more about gallbladder surgery here.
Surgical Approach
Dr Golani specialises in performing minimally invasive technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to open surgery. Read more about gallbladder surgery here.
Postoperative Care
You will be monitored in recovery for some time and will normally be able to go home within 24 hours. You may have some side effects from the general anaesthetic such as a headache, nausea or vomiting, which can be controlled with medicine.
You will have some pain in your abdomen after the operation, which can be controlled using pain relief. You may also have some pain in your shoulder from the gas used in the operation, which can be eased with walking.
You will have a drip in your arm at first, which will be removed after the anaesthetic wears off. You can take sips of water at first then slowly get back to eating and drinking normally.
Important points to remember:
- No driving for 5 days post-discharge from hospital
- Your dressings are waterproof so you can shower as normal
- Do not sit/soak in a bath for 10 days
- Leave your dressings in place for 7 days
- Use regular fibre supplement such a Metamucil will help avoid constipation
- Walking unrestricted is allowed post discharge
- Cycling/running/swimming is allowed 2 weeks post discharge
- Lifting weights may cause complications for your surgery. Limit lifting anything heavier than 8kgs for 4 weeks post-surgery. Additionally, you should not lift anything heavier than 15kgs for a further 4 weeks post-surgery
- No special diet post-surgery is required to be followed
- Make an appointment to see Dr Golani 4 weeks post-surgery
Quality of Life
Gallbladder polyps are common incidental findings on imaging studies, and while most are benign, some may require further evaluation and treatment. If you suspect you may have gallbladder polyps or have been diagnosed with them, please contact our team to request a consultation with Dr Golani.Your Consultation
Dr. Golani will provide further discussion regarding the specifics of your diagnosis during your consultation. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to select the hospital for your procedure and potentially set the date for your procedure.
The best surgical hospitals are available for your surgery:
- Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga - Sydney
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney - Sydney
- Norwest Private Hospital, Bella Vista - Sydney
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby - Sydney
For further information or to discuss treatment options, please contact our team for a consultation with Dr Golani. A GP referral will be required prior to your consultation.
Contact Us
To make an initial consultation booking, please contact our office on 02 8599 9819.
Click here to email usHornsby Clinic Address:
Madison BuildingSuite 7, 25-29 Hunter St,
Hornsby NSW 2077
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
HealthLink: drgolani
Fax: (02) 9012 0976Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Our Horsnby clinic is located conviniently next to Hornsby Westfield & Hornsby Station
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Mater Clinic Address:
Suite 13, Level 1 Mater ClinicMater Hospital
25 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
HealthLink: drgolani
Fax: (02) 9012 0976Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Our Mater clinic is located within Mater Hospital. Parking and Entry (convenient Pickup and Drop Zone) is via 5 Gillies St, Wollstonecraft.
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Norwest Clinic Address:
Suite 301C, Level 3Q Central Building
10 Norbrik Dr, Bella Vista NSW 2153
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
HealthLink: drgolani
Fax: (02) 9012 0976Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Our Norwest - Bella Vista clinic is located within Q Central Building - opposite Norwest Private Hospital. Free Limited Parking is available within the Q Central Building. There is a drop off zone outside of the building. Paid parking is available opposite at Norwest Private Hospital. Additionally there is parking at Woolworths Norwest Circa (5 minutes walk from the Clinic)
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What do I bring to my appointment?
- Referral letter
- X-Rays/Scans
- Test results relating to referral
- Health fund card
- Medicare card
Procedures
Dr Golani performs a variety of General Surgical and Colorectal Surgical Procedures. They treat a variety of symptoms, diseases and conditions.
Bowel Cancer
Dr. Golani consistently attains outstanding results when performing laparoscopic resections for both bowel and rectal cancers.
Hernia repair
Dr. Golani regularly performs various general surgical procedures, including laparoscopic surgery for inguinal, femoral, and umbilical hernias..
Gall Bladder Surgery
Dr. Golani performs minimally invasive gall bladder surgery, which entails minimal recovery time and a shorter hospital stay.
Colonoscopy
He has been trained in advanced endoscopic skills (certified by GESA) and can remove large polyps endoscopically.
Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Dr Golani's is highly skilled in performing Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse.
Anal Fistulas & Fissures
Dr. Golani is available to provide treatment for the management of painful anal fistulas and fissures.
Haemorrhoids
Dr Golani has extensive experience with both elective and emergency presentations of Haemorrhoids.
Gastroscopy & Endoscopy
He is accredited by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA).
