No. Stones found by chance on an ultrasound in someone with no symptoms usually do not need an operation. Surgery is advised when stones cause pain, infection, jaundice or pancreatitis, and in certain higher risk situations such as a very large stone or a calcified gallbladder wall. You will be told which group you are in.

Yes, in almost all cases. The gallbladder stores bile rather than producing it, so the liver continues to supply bile directly into the intestine. Some people notice looser stools with very fatty meals for a few weeks. Long term dietary restriction is not usually necessary.

It removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder and the bile duct, then rebuilds the digestive tract with three new joins. The rebuilding is what takes the time, and the quality of those joins determines the recovery. It should only be done where hepatobiliary expertise and the right theatre and ward support exist.

Often, yes. The liver regenerates, which is what makes resection possible. Whether it is safe depends on where the tumour sits relative to the hepatic veins and how well the remaining liver is functioning. Both are assessed before the operation with scans and blood tests, not discovered during it.

For a straightforward gallbladder, commonly two to four weeks: consultation, investigations, then a date. For liver and pancreatic disease it takes longer, because staging scans, correction of jaundice and nutrition, and anaesthetic assessment all have to be completed first. Emergencies are treated on the day.

Yes, and it is reasonable to want one before major surgery. Bring your scans on disc, all blood results, any biopsy report and your prescription list. A second opinion may confirm the original plan, and that in itself is useful information.

Every previous report, scan, prescription and discharge summary you have, including old ones you think are irrelevant. Bring imaging on disc where possible rather than only the printed report. Bring a family member if a serious diagnosis is being discussed.

His government post is Associate Professor of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Rajshahi Medical College, where public patients are seen through the hospital outpatient department. Private consultations are at Aalok Healthcare and Hospital, Mirpur 10, Dhaka. Call to confirm the day before travelling.