Treatment Overview
Gallbladder disease affects millions of people worldwide, with gallstones being the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring emergency surgery. While many patients manage with medications or lifestyle changes, symptomatic gallbladder conditions often require definitive surgical treatment to prevent serious complications and restore quality of life.
Mr. Ali Haque specialises in comprehensive gallbladder & biliary surgery, managing everything from acute cholecystitis (emergency gallbladder inflammation) to complex bile duct disease. With advanced training in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery at King’s College London and extensive experience performing both emergency and planned procedures, Mr. Haque delivers outcomes that consistently exceed national standards.
Using state-of-the-art laparoscopic techniques, Mr. Haque performs the vast majority of gallbladder procedures through just three to four small “keyhole” incisions. This minimally invasive approach means less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and rapid return to normal activities typically within 2-3 weeks compared to 6-8 weeks with traditional open surgery.
Key Treatments :
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Minimally invasive gallbladder removal through small incisions, suitable for most patients with gallstone disease or chronic cholecystitis.
Emergency Gallbladder Surgery
Rapid assessment and surgical intervention for acute cholecystitis and other acute biliary emergencies, often performed same-day or next-day.
Bile Duct Exploration
Advanced techniques to identify, locate, and treat bile duct stones or obstruction, preventing serious complications like pancreatitis and jaundice.
Complex Biliary Disease Management
Specialised expertise in difficult cases including recurrent gallstones, bile duct strictures, and post-surgical biliary complications.
Open Conversion
When laparoscopic approach isn't suitable, Mr. Haque performs open cholecystectomy with the same precision and commitment to patient outcomes.
Why Choose Mr. Ali Haque
Subspecialist Expertise
Mr. Haque isn’t a generalist surgeon he’s a dedicated Upper GI and HPB specialist with Fellowship training in hepato-pancreato-biliary disease. His credentials include FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons), specialist training at King’s College London, and membership in the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery. This specialised knowledge translates to superior diagnostic accuracy, better surgical decision-making, and consistently excellent patient outcomes.
Master of Minimally Invasive Techniques.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires precision and extensive experience. Mr. Haque has performed hundreds of laparoscopic gallbladder procedures, including complex cases requiring bile duct exploration. His mastery of advanced keyhole techniques means safer surgery, fewer complications, and faster recovery for patients. When conversion to open surgery is necessary, he makes that decision thoughtfully and performs the procedure with the same meticulous care.
Comprehensive Biliary Expertise.
Many surgeons stop at gallbladder removal. Mr. Haque goes further he's trained in bile duct exploration, management of bile duct stones, and complex biliary reconstruction. If your condition involves the bile ducts, you benefit from specialised training that fewer surgeons possess. This breadth of expertise is particularly valuable for patients with complicated presentations or previous failed interventions.
24/7 Emergency Biliary Care.
Acute cholecystitis and biliary emergencies don't follow office hours. Mr. Haque is available for urgent gallbladder surgery, providing rapid assessment and definitive treatment when you need it most. Early intervention prevents serious complications like perforation, pancreatitis, and sepsis. His experience managing high-risk emergency cases ensures you receive expert care during your most urgent moment.
Comprehensive Biliary Expertise.
Many surgeons stop at gallbladder removal. Mr. Haque goes further he's trained in bile duct exploration, management of bile duct stones, and complex biliary reconstruction. If your condition involves the bile ducts, you benefit from specialised training that fewer surgeons possess. This breadth of expertise is particularly valuable for patients with complicated presentations or previous failed interventions.
Patient-Centered Care Philosophy.
Mr. Haque believes surgery is a partnership. He invests time explaining your condition, discussing treatment options, answering concerns, and ensuring you understand what to expect. You'll know exactly why surgery is recommended, what will happen during the procedure, and what recovery involves. This transparency builds trust and empowers you to make confident decisions about your care.
Proven Results with Excellent Safety Record.
Evidence-based surgical practice combined with specialised expertise delivers consistently high success rates. Complication rates are well below national averages, and patient satisfaction is exceptionally high. Most patients experience complete symptom relief with no recurrence of gallstone disease after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The Benefits of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Minimal Tissue Trauma. Keyhole incisions (typically 5-10mm each) mean far less tissue damage compared to open surgery’s larger incision. Your body heals faster with less inflammation and reduced risk of post-operative complications.
Significantly Reduced Pain. Smaller incisions mean less post-operative pain and discomfort. Most patients require minimal pain medication and often none by day 3-4. This allows faster mobilisation, better healing, and improved overall recovery experience.
Shorter Hospital Stay. Many laparoscopic cholecystectomies are performed as day-case procedures—you go home the same day. Even when overnight admission is needed, discharge typically occurs within 24 hours. This contrasts sharply with open surgery, which often requires 3-5 days hospitalisation.
Rapid Return to Normal Activities. Most patients return to light activities within one week and full normal activity within 2-3 weeks. This fast recovery means less time away from work, family, and leisure activities you enjoy.
Lower Complication Rates. Smaller incisions mean reduced infection risk, less bleeding, minimal wound complications, and faster overall healing. Serious complications are uncommon (<2%) when performed by experienced specialists.
Complete Symptom Resolution. Successful gallbladder removal eliminates the source of gallstone disease, providing lasting relief from pain, nausea, and digestive symptoms that may have plagued you for years.
Cosmetic Advantage. The tiny scars from laparoscopic surgery are barely visible after healing, compared to the more prominent scar from open cholecystectomy. Many patients appreciate this cosmetic benefit.
Understanding Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease. During the procedure, Mr. Haque makes three to four small incisions in the abdomen. A tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one incision, allowing magnified visualisation of the gallbladder and surrounding structures. Specialised instruments inserted through the other incisions allow precise dissection and removal of the gallbladder.
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on complexity. Mr. Haque takes particular care to identify the bile duct, artery, and other critical structures before removing the gallbladder, ensuring safety. If gallstones are found in the bile duct during surgery, he can often remove them using advanced techniques, avoiding the need for additional procedures.
Most patients are discharged home the same day or after an overnight stay with clear post-operative instructions. Discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with standard pain medication. You’ll gradually increase activity over 2-3 weeks, with most patients returning to work and normal routines within that timeframe.
Emergency Gallbladder Surgery: When You Need Urgent Care
Acute cholecystitis (sudden gallbladder inflammation, usually from stones) is a medical emergency requiring rapid assessment and often urgent surgery. Mr. Haque understands the severity of acute biliary disease and the importance of timely intervention.
When you present with acute cholecystitis symptoms severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea Mr. Haque performs rapid assessment including ultrasound imaging and laboratory tests. Most patients benefit from prompt surgical intervention within 24-72 hours, before inflammation worsens and complications develop.
Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed by an experienced surgeon like Mr. Haque, is safe and effective even in acute settings. It prevents serious complications like gallbladder perforation, bile peritonitis, and sepsis, while offering the same minimally invasive benefits as planned surgery.
Bile Duct Exploration: Advanced Biliary Expertise
Some patients have gallstones that have migrated into the bile duct, or the bile duct becomes obstructed for other reasons. This can cause jaundice, elevated liver ensymes, pancreatitis, or cholangitis (bile duct infection). Historically, this required separate procedures before or after gallbladder surgery.
Mr. Haque’s advanced training allows him to often manage bile duct disease during the same laparoscopic procedure, using specialised techniques including cholangiography (imaging of the bile ducts), stone extraction, and bile duct clearance. This single-stage approach eliminates the need for additional procedures, reducing hospital stays and recovery time.
For complex bile duct disease beyond laparoscopic capability, Mr. Haque coordinates seamlessly with endoscopists and interventional radiologists to ensure you receive optimal care.
Are You a Candidate for Gallbladder Surgery?
You may benefit from gallbladder surgery if you have:
- Symptomatic gallstones (pain after eating fatty foods, nocturnal pain)
- Acute cholecystitis (emergency gallbladder inflammation)
- Biliary colic (sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen)
- Chronic cholecystitis (chronic inflammation causing symptoms)
- Bile duct stones or obstruction
- Gallbladder polyps with risk factors requiring removal
- Repeated episodes of pancreatitis related to gallstones
A consultation with Mr. Haque will determine the best treatment for your specific situation. Sometimes conservative management is appropriate; sometimes surgery offers definitive relief. Either way, you’ll have clear, honest guidance based on evidence and expertise.