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Aftereffects of Gallbladder Surgery

According to Surgical Services International, there are several reasons to have gallbladder surgery, including infection, cancer or the presence of gallstones. Common aftereffects are expected following gallbladder surgery. Complications may occur with any surgery, and aftereffects vary from patient to patient.

  1. Common Aftereffects

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), pain and fatigue occur following any abdominal surgery. Nausea and vomiting can occur and can be controlled by prescription medications.

    Complications

    • According to UMMC, injury to the bile duct is a serious complication that can lead liver damage. UMMC also states that gallstones can be missed during surgery, leading to abscesses, fistulas or obstruction, requiring more surgery.

    Controlling or Healing Aftereffects

    • According to UMMC, light activity for two days and staying home from work for one week after surgery should help with the pain and fatigue. UMMC surgeons recommend injections of metoclopramide and an anti-nausea medication to relieve or prevent nausea and vomiting. Careful selection of a surgeon with experience reduces complications, according to UMMC.

    Statistics

    • According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), 500,000 Americans undergo gallbladder surgery each year and typically receive a 5- to 8-inch incision. The NDDIC cites that 5 percent of laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries result in complications.

    Aftereffects Requiring Medical Attention

    • The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) cites the following as reasons to call your doctor or surgeon: persistent fever higher than 101 degrees F, bleeding, increased abdominal swelling, persistent cough, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, redness or pus from the incision, and an inability to eat or drink.

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