Precise diagnostics & surgical treatment at the Surgery & Endoscopy Centre 1160
Expertise
Gallstones and other conditions of the gallbladder are among the most common causes of pain in the upper right abdomen. If symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, pressure or colicky pain occur, a targeted examination and, if necessary, gallbladder surgery may be required.
At the Surgery & Endoscopy Centre 1160, you are in experienced hands with Dr Bernd Weiner. As a specialist in surgery, I offer modern and gentle gallbladder surgery techniques, tailored individually to your symptoms and state of health.
With Dr Bernd Weiner, you benefit from individual care, prompt appointments, modern diagnostics and seamless aftercare.
What conditions & operations affect the gallbladder?
The most common condition is the formation of gallstones, which develop in the gallbladder or bile duct. These stones usually consist of cholesterol or bile pigments and can remain unnoticed for a long time – or trigger acute symptoms.
Typical conditions and surgical treatment options include:
- Symptomatic gallstones causing pain, nausea or inflammation
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) caused by trapped stones
- Biliary colic – sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Gallbladder polyps or changes to the gallbladder wall with a risk of malignant transformation
- Gallbladder dysfunction that repeatedly causes symptoms
The most common treatment is gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) – in most cases the gallbladder is removed laparoscopically, using gentle “keyhole” technique.
When does gallbladder surgery make sense?
Gallbladder surgery is particularly necessary when gallstones cause symptoms or complications are threatening. Typical reasons for surgery include:
- Recurrent biliary colic
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Fever, nausea or jaundice caused by bile duct obstruction
- Abnormal findings on ultrasound or MRI (e.g. polyps)
- Preventive surgery in cases of an increased risk of gallbladder cancer
In the worst case, untreated gallstones can lead to inflammation of the pancreas or serious infections. For this reason, gallbladder surgery should be considered in good time if symptoms persist.
Why choose gallbladder surgery with Dr Weiner at the Surgery & Endoscopy Centre 1160?
As an experienced surgeon, I have been performing gallbladder operations using state-of-the-art technique for many years – preferably minimally invasive. Your benefits with us:
- Precise diagnostics & individual treatment planning
- Gentle gallbladder removal using keyhole technique (laparoscopic)
- Personal care from the initial consultation through to aftercare
- Close follow-up care for a fast, safe recovery
Depending on the diagnosis and findings, we decide together on inpatient or outpatient treatment, taking into account any underlying conditions and your personal situation.
What causes gallstones?
Gallstones usually develop due to an imbalance in the bile – for example, from excess cholesterol, inflammation or a genetic predisposition. A very high-fat diet, being overweight or hormonal changes can also encourage their formation.
Do gallstones always need to be operated on?
Not necessarily. As long as gallstones are not causing any symptoms, a wait-and-see approach can be taken. However, if pain, inflammation or other symptoms occur, gallbladder surgery is usually the best and most lasting solution.
What happens during gallbladder removal?
During gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), the gallbladder is removed along with any gallstones. The operation is usually performed laparoscopically, meaning through small incisions with the aid of a camera – this results in less pain, smaller scars and a faster recovery.
How long does recovery take after the operation?
After minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, you are often back on your feet within just a few days. Most patients can return to work after a week. With open surgery or complications, recovery can take longer.
What are the effects of gallbladder removal?
The gallbladder serves as a storage organ – after its removal, bile flows directly into the small intestine. As a rule, this has no negative effects. In some cases, temporary digestive issues can occur, which usually settle down after a short time.
Consultant Dr Bernd Weiner, MBA
Specialist in General and Visceral Surgery
Dr Bernd Weiner studied medicine at the Medical University of Vienna and completed his specialist training at the Surgical Department of the Göttlicher Heiland Hospital in Vienna under Head of Department Dr Viktor Grablowitz. Further stages of his career took him to the University Clinics for Surgery in Heidelberg and at the AKH Vienna, before he spent many years as a Senior Consultant at Krankenhaus Göttlicher Heiland Wien, where he headed the hernia and reflux surgery department. Today, he is the founder and director of the Surgery & Endoscopy Centre 1160 Vienna, specialising in hernia, reflux, visceral, and endoscopic surgery.
Member of the Austrian Society of Surgery (ÖGCH), the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH), the German Hernia Society (DHG), and the German Hernia Care Society (DHCH).
