Recovering From Gallbladder Surgery

The gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped non-vital gland, is located on the right side of the abdomen near the liver. Its role in the digestive process is to store bile produced by the liver until it is released to the small intestine to help with the breakdown fatty foods. When bile is trapped in the gallbladder, it may be surgically removed. During a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the gallbladder is removed through several small abdominal incisions. The more invasive open cholecystectomy, during which the gallbladder is removed through one large incision, is necessary should there be complications.

Hospital Stay

• Open gallbladder surgery patients will remain hospitalized for an initial recovery period that lasts several days while laparoscopic patients are typically released the same day as the surgery. The first goal after gallbladder surgery is for the patient to get out of bed and walk with the assistance of the hospital staff. After monitoring to ensure they are beginning the healing process properly, open cholecystectomy patients begin a clear liquid diet during their stay in the hospital. Laparoscopic patients are send home on a clear liquid diet with instructions to begin eating light meals as soon as they are comfortable doing so.

Pain Management

• Some pain is normal after both types of gallbladder surgery. Individuals will, of course, tolerate pain differently. Health care providers will monitor pain on a comparative pain management scale where zero indicates no pain and ten indicates the most severe pain. Pain medications are supplied to address as needed, ranging from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for little pain and narcotic pain relievers for the most severe. Health care providers should be contacted if pain does not begin to subside after several days, or should it begin to worsen.

Wound Care

• Whether you have had a laparoscopic or an open cholecystectomy, you will have an incision to close the wound. Incisions are typically closed with surgical staples, stitches or steri-strip adhesive. You will need to return to your doctor for a follow up visit approximately one week after surgery to remove any staples or stitches. In the meantime, the incision site needs to be kept dry and clean. Change bandages as directed, monitoring any changes in the normal drainage that may indicate the presence of an infection. Loose-fitting clothing that does not rub against the site of the incision will minimize discomfort during the healing process.

Diet

• Gallbladder patients are not limited to their pre-op high-fiber low-fat diet after surgery. However, following a high-fiber low-fat diet is will help to maintain overall good health. Learn to listen to your body's signals as to whether or not the food you are eating agrees with you. Nausea after a meal may mean that your body is not ready for that type of food. It is also important to consume eight to ten full 8-ounce glasses of water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages each day.

Bowel Habits

• Diarrhea is a common side effect after gallbladder surgery. The frequency and urge to move your bowels may not be more than prior to your surgery, but stools tend to be more watery in nature than prior to your surgery. Contact your health care provider if diarrhea continues for more than three consecutive days. Constipation may be an issue if you have been prescribed narcotic pain relievers. Try increasing fiber and water intake and switch to a non-narcotic pain reliever to address constipation. You should contact your health care provider if you have not experienced a bowel movement for three consecutive days after your surgery.