Stomach Pain After Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery can be performed laparoscopically, via four small incisions over the abdomen, or through an open procedure where there is one larger incision. The laparoscopic technique is typically preferred because there are few days spent in the hospital and recovery time is significantly shorter. For most patients, it is a same-day surgery and they go home that night.

After the srugery

• Pain is expected after any surgery and gallbladder surgery is no different. Pain varies from patient to patient based on individual tolerance. While in the hospital, the surgical staff will work with you to manage your pain effectively.

Types of pain relievers

• Before you go home, the surgeon will usually prescribe narcotic pain relievers or high doses of over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin. It is important to note that narcotic pain relievers can cause constipation (www.facs.org).

Pain after surgery

• According to the American College of Surgeons, it is normal to have pain a few days to a full week after your surgery. It is recommended that you stay on top of the pain, keeping your pain medication doses on schedule so as to not let your pain get out of control.

Extreme pain

• You should call your doctor if you have severe pain, a fever, swelling or oozing from the incision sites, diarrhea that does not go away after three days or constipation that lasts longer than three days.

Warning

• When taking your choice of pain reliever, note the side effects, especially whether or not it makes you drowsy or has specific restrictions.