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What you need to know about having your gallbladder removed?
As with all surgeries, there are some risks involved with a cholecystectomy, such as infection, bleeding, a blood clot, and problems related to anesthesia. Other problems specific to a cholecystectomy include abdominal bleeding or scarring, damage to organs around the gallbladder, and bile leaking into your abdomen.
What do I need to know about laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder. It helps people when gallstones cause inflammation, pain or infection. The surgery involves a few small incisions, and most people go home the same day and soon return to normal activities.
What precautions should be taken after cholecystectomy?
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- Go easy on the fat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery.
- Increase the fiber in your diet. This can help normalize bowel movements.
- Eat smaller, more-frequent meals. This may ensure a better mix with available bile.
What are the side effects of cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy carries a small risk of complications including:
- Bile leak.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Injury to nearby structures, such as the bile duct, liver and small intestine.
- Risks of general anesthesia, such as blood clots and pneumonia.
Is cholecystectomy a major surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery is known as a cholecystectomy. This isn’t a surgery that most doctors will rush into. While it’s a common surgery, it’s still major surgery with some serious risks and complications. However, in most cases, you’ll go home the same day as you’ve had the surgery.
How long is the recovery from gallbladder surgery?
After open surgery, you’ll usually have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days, and your recovery time will be longer. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job.
How long is a cholecystectomy procedure?
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes one or two hours. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy isn’t appropriate for everyone. In some cases your surgeon may begin with a laparoscopic approach and find it necessary to make a larger incision because of scar tissue from previous operations or complications.
How painful is gallbladder surgery?
Expected Pain Even though every surgical procedure comes with some degree of pain, the discomfort with gallbladder removal (especially when done laparoscopically) is typically minimal. The doctor may prescribe a pain medication or recommend that you take an over the counter option such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Is a cholecystectomy major surgery?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common but major surgery. It carries a few risks and potential complications and may not be the best solution in particular situations.
What to expect after a cholecystectomy?
Pain. Of course,there is little pain associated with cholecystectomy since anesthesia is used during the operation.
What should I know about a cholecystectomy?
Bile leak
Fatigue and pain are very common side effects of cholecystectomy. However, it is important to note that these side effects can vary according to the method used in the removal of the gallbladder and the health of the patient.
What is the purpose of cholecystectomy?
Gallstones. An abnormal condition called cholelithiasis (or gallstones) is one of the most common reasons for having a cholecystectomy.