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Complications From Gallbladder Surgery

Also known as a cholecystectomy, surgery to remove the gallbladder often is recommended when a patient experiences painful gallstones or another infection related to the gallbladder. The procedure can be performed via a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach or an open surgical procedure, which requires a longer incision. As with any surgery, there is potential for complication, making it important for a patient to understand the surgical risks.

  1. Bleeding

    • When a surgeon inserts surgical instruments to access the gallbladder, other arteries or blood vessels may be perforated in the process. Such lesions can especially occur on the cystic artery, which supplies blood to the gallbladder. This perforation can cause internal bleeding, which may heal itself or can cause more serious symptoms, such as a blood clot.

    Wound Infection

    • Exposing the inner organs to the air as well as inserting foreign instruments into the body all raise the possibility for infection. For this reason, antibiotics are often given intravenously during surgery and a patient may be prescribed antibiotics in order to prevent further infection. If symptoms, such as redness, swelling, fever or pus at the surgical site occur, a patient may be experiencing an infection.

    Bile Duct Injury

    • Just as instruments can perforate the blood vessels, they also can harm the bile duct. This tube drains bile from the liver, and even a nick in the duct can cause bile leakage, which can reach the abdomen. This complication can cause symptoms, such as breathing difficulty and pain.

    Chronic Diarrhea

    • Researchers theorize that when the gallbladder is removed, this can cause an increase in bile in the large intestine. This influx of bile works like a laxative, causing chronic diarrhea, according to Michael Picco, M.D., who is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic. If chronic diarrhea does occur following surgery, a physician can prescribe medications that may help to reduce symptoms.

    Other Complications

    • Additional complications related to gallbladder removal include pneumonia and heart problems. Generally speaking, if a patient experiences the following symptoms, medical treatment should be sought to investigate potential complications: fever that is over 101 degree F, abdominal swelling, nausea or vomiting lasting a few days, chills, shortness of breath, pus drainage or the inability to keep food down.

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