Gallbladder removal
, a cholecystectomy, may be performed laparoscopically with several small incisions or through a more invasive open surgery during which the gallbladder is removed through one 5- to 8-inch incision. In the laparoscopic method, a small, thin video camera called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions while the gallbladder is removed through one of the other openings. Either type of surgery can result in complications.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting are a common post-operative occurrence due to general anesthetic or one of the other pain medications that have been prescribed during the recovery process. Gallbladder surgery patients are on a clear liquid diet immediately after surgery. Some patients do not tolerate clear liquids well, leading to stomach upset or vomiting.
Blood Clots
Blood clots may unexpectedly occur after any surgical procedure. They result from poor circulation due to confinement in one position for a prolonged period of time. If you are required to undergo a hospital stay for part of your recovery, hospital staff will supply you with pressure stockings to prevent blood from pooling in your legs, thus reducing the risk of blood clots. Symptoms of clots include redness, swelling, pain and warmth in the affected area. A clot is usually treated with over-the-counter pain medication and warm compresses at the site of the clot.
Pain
Pain may be experienced at the incision site. There also may be abdominal pain from the gallbladder surgery itself. Pain at the site of the incision is usually accompanied by pain and swelling. It is treated with over-the-counter medications and topical analgesic ointments. Abdominal pain typically results from air that entered your body during surgery or from the body adjusting to the difference in the way bile is released into the small intestine.
Infection
The surgical incision is typically closed with stitches, surgical staples or steri-strip adhesive. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled within a week to 10 days following surgery to remove the staples or stitches, or to check progress of the steri-strips. The incision needs to be kept clean and dry until these are removed and the wound is fully closed. Change your bandages as directed by your health care providers, monitoring the drainage.
Contact your physician immediately should the normal drainage change to a yellow, thickened discharge. This may be indicative of an infection. You may want to wear loose-fitting clothing that will not rub against the incision to minimize discomfort while the incision heals.
Diarrhea and Constipation
Diarrhea and constipation are common complaints following gallbladder removal. This is caused by the unregulated release of bile into the intestines. Increasing fiber and water intake usually relieves this problem. Over-the-counter products or prescription medications can also slow the absorption of bile acids and help regulate your system.
Bile Duct Injury and Pancreatitis
A common complication resulting from gallbladder surgery is a bile duct injury. This potentially causes a bile leak that can lead to a serious and painful infection. Bile duct injury treatment is dependent on the location and nature of the injury. Gallbladder removal also carries a small risk of developing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis treatment involves restoring the body's electrolyte and fluid balance as well as managing the related pain.
