Post Gallbladder Surgery Symptoms

The removal of the gallbladder is referred to as a cholecystectomy. A cholecystectomy is often necessary when gallstones form within the gallbladder and cause pain and inflammation. A cholecystectomy is relatively safe and usually requires only a short recovery period; however, recovery may be longer if an open surgery is required. Also, some patients experience complications or lingering effects after having their gallbladder removed.

Benefits

• The removal of the gallbladder may be beneficial to you if you have gallstones that have blocked the bile's flow from the gallbladder. Gallstone blockages can be very painful. Removal of the gallbladder is often the best treatment for gallstone pain. Other conditions that may warrant the removal of the gallbladder are gallbladder inflammation and pancreas inflammation.

Laparoscopic Surgery Recovery

• Most cholecystectomies are performed using a laparoscopic procedure which involves making three or four small incisions through which surgical instruments and video cameras are maneuvered. After a laparoscopic cholecytectomy, you will experience moderate incision pain, which will probably be treated with mild narcotic pain medications for a few days.

  During a laparoscopic cholectectomy, air is blown into the abdominal cavity to make it easier for the surgeon to get to gallbladder. After the procedure, excess air may linger in the abdominal cavity for a day or two. This excess air can cause pain in the abdominal area that radiates to the shoulders.

  You may be able to go home the same day as a laparoscopic surgery or the following day at the latest. Expect mild to moderate discomfort for about a week following the surgery. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within one to two weeks after surgery.

Open Surgery Recovery

• Sometimes an open cholecytectomy is necessary. An open surgery may be required if the gallbladders has ruptured or if it is about the rupture. An open surgery may also be required is complications arise during a laparscopic surgery. Open cholecytectomies are performed by making one, long vertical incision on the abdomen. Following the surgery, you may experience moderate or severe pain. Narcotic pain medications will be needed to treat post-surgery pain. This type of surgery will require a 2-day hospital stay and about 4 weeks of recovery time.

Effects

• A cholecystectomy will relieve pain associated with gallstones and prevent the formation of further gallstones.

  Some patients experience diarrhea for awhile after a cholecystectomy. Diarrhea symptoms should subside within a few months, but in some cases the problem persists longer.

Complications

• In some cases a gallstone may become lodged in the bile duct following a cholecystectomy. If this happens, gallstone pain will persist after the surgery. In this case a follow-up procedure may be required to remove the gallstone.

  Other possible complications include internal bleeding, bile duct injury, liver injury, intestinal injury and infection.