Gallbladder Surgery Options

Your gallbladder is located next to your liver. It is responsible for collecting and releasing bile for digestion. Your doctor may recommend removing your gallbladder if it does not function properly or if you have gallstones that cause symptoms and complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, gallstones that do not cause symptoms should not require treatment. You may be able to take medications to dissolve gallstones, however this may require years of treatment. A more likely option is surgery.

Surgical Procedures

• There are two main types of gallbladder surgery. The removal of your gallbladder can be done laparoscopically or in an open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is generally considered to be the preferred option, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. This type of surgery only uses four smaller incisions, rather than one large incision (five to seven inches). As a result, you'll have a quicker recovery time with less pain. However, you may not be a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery, in which case your surgeon will recommend an open surgery. It may be unsafe for you to have laparoscopic surgery if you are obese, have pancreatitis, severe liver problems or if you have a history of abdominal surgery with scar tissue. If, during laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon notices bleeding problems, she may opt for an open surgery instead. In both of these procedures, you'll be under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain.

Preparation

• Proper preparation for a surgery is important. Your surgeon will discuss in detail any actions you'll need to take prior to the surgery. In general, you'll need to stop taking any medications or supplements that interfere with blood-clotting (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, warfarin and vitamin E). You may need to follow a special, high-fiber diet to cleanse your digestive system. Your surgeon will also have you take some medications on the morning of your surgery. You'll also be provided with a cut-off time, after which you will not be able to drink or eat until after the surgery. Before the surgery, arrange to have someone drive you to and from the hospital. Try to arrange your home beforehand to make it easier for you to recover with maximum bed rest.

Recovery

• Recovering from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery will generally take a week. Even after you resume your normal activities, however, try to rest as often as possible until you feel fully recovered. If you undergo an open gallbladder surgery, you'll need more recovery time. You'll likely be able to participate in normal activities within four to six weeks. Following either procedure, you may experience nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor if you experience severe side effects, such as jaundice, fever, fluid draining from the incision and persistent abdominal pain.