Gallbladder Removal Problems

The gallbladder is a non-essential organ that sits under your liver on the right side of your abdomen. The organ is shaped like a pear and contains digestive fluid called bile that's discharged into your small intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, gallstones are solid deposits of digestive fluid that can develop in your gallbladder. People who experience symptoms of gallstones must have their gallbladder taken out. Sometimes there are complications related to gallbladder removal surgery.

Gallstones

• Gallstones are a relatively common ailment in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Health gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most frequently performed surgeries.

  If gallstones are not bothersome they don't usually require treatment. However, if you experience frequent gallbladder attacks, your doctor will most likely recommend that you undergo a cholecystectomy.

Surgery

• The vast majority of cholecystectomies are minimally invasive procedures performed with laparoscopy (very small incisions).

  If tests indicate the gallbladder has acute inflammation or scarring from previous surgeries, the surgeon may decide to perform open surgery to remove the gallbladder. An open surgery requires an approximately six-inch incision in the upper right section of your abdomen.

  According to the National Institute of Health, open surgery is needed in only 5 percent of gallbladder operations.

  During the approximately one-hour operation you will be under general anesthesia.

Anesthesia Risks

• The NIH says the risks associated with anesthesia include breathing difficulties, an irregular heartbeat, pneumonia and blood clots. Blots clots are most likely to occur in the legs or in the lungs.

  Side effects may also include nausea, vomiting and delirium (temporary mental confusion). In rare cases heart attack and stroke can result from general anesthesia.

Recovery

• Patients usually remain in the hospital for one day following laparoscopy and two to six days after open gallbladder removal.

  During your recovery you may be asked to wear pressure stockings on your legs to help prevent blood clots from forming. Pressure stockings also encourage your blood to circulate properly.

  If you are experiencing excessive bleeding, are in severe pain or have a fever, your hospital stay may be longer.

Possible Problems

• The potential problems associated with gallbladder removal surgery are bleeding, infection and possible injury to the small intestine or the common bile duct. The common bile duct carries bile from the gallbladder and liver into the upper are of the small intestine.

  According the National Digestive Disease Information Clearing House, injury to the common bile duct is the most frequent complication of gallbladder surgery. It can result in a potentially dangerous and painful infection. When the injury is minor it may be treated non-surgically. If the injury is severe additional surgery may be necessary.