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Complications of Cholecystectomy Surgery

For patients with gallstones or other infections related to the gallbladder, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery) may be recommended. This is one of the most common general surgery procedures, with an estimated 500,000 Americans undergoing this type of surgery each year, according to The Doe Report. There are several approaches to cholecystectomy, including an open surgical approach or a minimally invasive approach, which utilizes smaller incisions to reach the gallbladder. Whatever the method used, there are risks and complications associated with gallbladder surgery.

  1. Bile Duct Injury

    • According to The Doe Report, the most common complication associated with gallbladder surgery is perforation of the bile ducts. An injured bile duct can lead to leakage into the body's systems, causing infection and pain. If the duct injury is only mild, surgery is not required; however, if the injury is more serious, surgery to repair the duct may be required.

    Infection

    • As with any surgery that requires incisions to reach the body's internal organs, infection in the internal structures or in the surgical site may occur. While patients are often prescribed antibiotics to prevent any bacterial infection, infections can occur. A patient should prevent infection to the surgical site by keeping the area dry and clean. If bleeding, swelling, redness or warmth occur at the surgical site, medical attention should be sought.

    Bleeding/Vessel Injury

    • Either cholecystectomy surgical approach requires the insertion of instrumentation into the body, which can cause perforation of small blood vessels. This can cause internal bleeding, some of which may be detected in the surgery itself, and a surgeon can cauterize blood vessels in order to prevent further bleeding. However, some additional bleeding can occur, but should heal without additional treatment in a timely fashion.

    Intestinal Damage

    • Just as surgical instruments can harm blood vessels, the instruments used to access the gallbladder can also potentially injure the intestines. These perforations can cause bleeding or potential bile leakage. If a patient begins to experience severe cramping or nausea, he or she should seek medical attention.

    Complication Symptoms

    • According to the Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, complication rates for cholecystectomy are very rare and no difference in complication rates exist between open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. However, a patient should seek medical treatment if he or she experiences the following symptoms, which may be a sign of surgical complications: fever, bleeding, abdominal swelling, pain, chills, cough, drainage from the surgical site or inability to keep food down.

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