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Recovery After A Gallbladder Removal Procedure: What (and What Not) To Expect

1st September, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Every individual experiences a different type of recovery after a gallbladder removal procedure.

Unfortunately, some patients who think they’re going to feel better than they did before their surgery don’t get their wish – at least not for a while.

Doctors call this phenomenon “postcholecystectomy syndrome.” Cholecystectomy is the word medical personnel use for a gallbladder removal operation.

According to some recent studies, postcholecystectomy syndrome may happen to 40 percent of those who have had a cholecystectomy. This occurs because the bile duct, which has not been removed, still accumulates bile. The job of the bile duct is to carry bile between the liver and the gallbladder.

There are certain things almost everyone experiences after gallbladder removal surgery, regardless of whether they have postcholecystectomy syndrome or not. These include the following.

The area around the location of the surgery will become somewhat swollen, and bruising will appear. This is not surprising when you think about it.

You’re also likely to feel some minor pain from the air that was pumped into your abdomen during the procedure. Inserting air into the surgical area is done to open up space for the surgeon to manipulate his or her instruments. If this causes distress after your surgery, you doctor will probably be happy to recommend some pain-killing medications.

Keep in mind that it’s probably going to be uncomfortable moving around, especially sitting down or getting up from a sitting position. You probably won’t find using the bathroom to be comfortable for several days. Muscles in the abdominal area will be pretty sore.

Speaking of bathrooms, there’s a possibility you’re going to have to deal with some diarrhea, gas and bloating for a while. Some patients get constipation instead of diarrhea. This doesn’t happen too often, so there’s no reason to be concerned if it happens to you. If bowel movements become somewhat distressing, check with your doctor to see what he or she can recommend to help.

Your digestive system may be unpredictable for a while. This is normal. You’ll probably do well eating low fat or fat-free, light foods only. Low cholesterol foods and cholesterol-free foods are usually recommended.

It’s also a good idea to eat small meals rather than big ones. But make sure you get enough to eat because your body needs the fuel that comes from food to help with post-surgical recovery.

You can test some heavier foods. It’s probably best to use a trial-and-error approach.

Getting some exercise is generally good, but be careful. It’s important not to do too much too soon. Keep in mind that you have stitches, and exercising too much and soon would not be good for them. Follow your doctor’s recommendations closely on this.

Check with your doctor about baths and showers. Most stitches don’t do well with wetness.

Most of the time, your doctor will want to do a follow up appointment in about one week. He or she will probably want to see you a month or so after that.

Would you like additional information on having a gallbladder removal operation and related topics? Click on After A Gallbladder Removal Procedure. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio talk show host with a special interest in medical topics. You can read more of his articles at http://www.gallbladderhealth.info.