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· 11 Mar 2022

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What to watch for after Gallbladder surgery

A gallbladder is an organ under our liver situated on the upper right side of our abdomen. The main function of a gallbladder is to store a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver.

One might need to go through surgery to remove the gallbladder which is called Cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy is done by two methods

Open or traditional method:

A cut of about 4 to 6 inches is made in the upper right-hand side of the belly to find the gallbladder and take it out through the incision.

Laparoscopic method:
3 or 4 small incisions are made and a long, tine tube called a laparoscope with a tiny video camera and a surgical tool is sent inside through one of the incisions. The camera shows the insides of the belly on a TV monitor and the doctor extracts the gallbladder through one of the incisions.
Most people prefer getting laparoscopy done as there is less bleeding and the recovery time is shorter than the traditional method. If the doctor feels that the gallbladder is diseased or has some other major issue he may suggest an open surgery to remove the gallbladder safely.

Not everyone has to go through Cholecystectomy. People who have gallstones, people with an infection in the gallbladder, or has cancer may need to go through surgery to remove it.

Some of the problems you might feel if there is an issue with the gallbladder are:
•    Pain on the right side or in the middle of the upper belly
•    Pain increases right after a heavy meal
•    May feel full all the time
•    Pain in the back and the tip of the right shoulder blade
•    Nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills

Risks that come with Cholecystectomy

Just like other surgeries, some risks come with Cholecystectomy.
•    Excessive bleeding
•    Infection
•    An injury to the bile duct that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine
•    Liver injury
•    Numb feeling at the incision site
•    Hernia at the incision site
•    Injury by the surgical tools that are sent inside the belly

How is Cholecystectomy done?

You can have the operation as an outpatient or by being admitted to the hospital. This will depend on the condition and suggestions given by your doctor. The procedure is done while the patient is in deep sleep under general anesthesia.

Tips on getting ready for a Cholecystectomy
•    Talk to your doctor in detail about the procedure
•    Read the consent form carefully before signing it
•    Answer the doctor’s questions precisely about your past medical history
•    Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the operation
•    Let the doctor know if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
•    Tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medicines and let them know of any medicines you take for other diseases including vitamins, herbs, or other supplements.
•    Have someone drive you home after the procedure if you are opting for an outpatient procedure.
•    Follow the doctor’s instructions to the T

What to watch for after gallbladder surgery
•    Keep the incision clean and dry once you are at home
•    You may feel a little pain for a few days from any carbon dioxide gas in your belly but it gets better.
•    Take pain reliever prescribed by the doctor if needed.
•    Do not indulge in strenuous activity but continue to walk
•    Talk to your doctor before going back to work after the operation
When should you call a doctor after the surgery?
•    If you have a fever or chills
•    If you see redness, swelling, bleeding, or any drainage from the incision site
•    If you have pain around the incision site
•    If your skin or the whites of your eyes seem yellow
•    No bowel movement or gas for 3 days
•    If you feel pain behind the breastbone
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