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Side Effects of Gall Bladder Surgery

The gallbladder is an organ that holds bile, which aids in the digestion of food. If a person suspects gallstones and experiences severe abdominal pain, he should schedule an appointment with his doctor.

  1. Identification

    • Your doctor can verify gallstones through an abdominal ultrasound or by taking a blood test to see if the white blood cell count is higher than normal, which indicates an infection.

    Treatment

    • Your doctor may remove the gallbladder laparoscopically through four small incisions made in the abdomen. The other option is open surgery and the gallbladder is removed through a large incision made in the abdomen.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects people may experience after gallbladder surgery include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Some people experience chronic diarrhea after surgery.

    Causes

    • Some experts believe that diarrhea is caused by an increase in bile, which can act as a laxative. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile from the liver and after it is removed, the bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine and could be more potent.

    Considerations

    • According to Mayo Clinic, if you experience chronic diarrhea, you may want to consider taking anti-diarrheal medications or your doctor may prescribe something to that impairs the absorption of bile acids. You can also make changes to your diet and avoid anything that worsens diarrhea.

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