Treatment depends on the size and location of the gallstones, but may include: dietary modifications — such as limiting or eliminating fatty foods and dairy products lithotripsy — a special machine generates soundwaves to shatter the gallstones. This treatment is used in certain centres only, for the minority of people with small and soft stones medications — some medications can dissolve gallstones, but this treatment is only rarely given, due to side effects and a variable success rate surgery.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder or gallstones Around 80 per cent of people with gallstone symptoms will need surgery. The surgeon makes a number of small incisions cuts through the skin, allowing access for a range of instruments. The surgeon removes the gallbladder through one of the incisions open surgery laparotomy — the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a wider abdominal incision. You might need open surgery if you have scarring from prior operations or a bleeding disorder.
Medical factors to consider before cholecystectomy Before the operation, you need to discuss some things with your doctor or surgeon, including: your medical history, since some pre-existing conditions may influence decisions on surgery and anaesthetic any medications you take on a regular basis, including over-the-counter preparations any bad reactions or side effects from any medications.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy The general procedure includes: The surgeon makes a number of small incisions into your abdomen, so that slender instruments can reach into the abdominal cavity. A tube blowing a gentle stream of carbon dioxide gas is inserted. This separates the abdominal wall from the underlying organs. The surgeon views the gallbladder on a TV monitor by using a tiny camera attached to the laparoscope.
Special x-rays cholangiograms during the operation can check for gallstones wedged in the bile ducts. The ducts and artery that service the gallbladder are clipped shut. These clips are permanent. The gallbladder is cut free using either laser or electrocautery The gallbladder, along with its load of gallstones, is pulled out of the body through one of the abdominal incisions.
The instruments and the carbon dioxide gas are removed from the abdominal cavity. The incisions are sutured closed up and covered with dressings. Open gallbladder surgery The general procedure is the same as for laparoscopic surgery, except that the surgeon reaches the gallbladder through a large, single incision in the abdominal wall. Immediately after gallbladder surgery After a gallbladder operation, you can expect to: feel mild pain in your shoulder from the carbon dioxide gas receive pain-relieving medications be encouraged to cough regularly to clear your lungs from the general anaesthetic be encouraged to walk around as soon as you feel able stay overnight in hospital, if you had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy stay up to eight days in hospital, if you had open surgery.
Complications after gallbladder surgery All surgery carries some degree of risk. Possible complications of cholecystectomy include: internal bleeding infection injury to nearby digestive organs injury to the bile duct leakage of bile into the abdominal cavity injury to blood vessels.
Self-care after gallbladder surgery Be guided by your doctor, but general self-care suggestions include: Rest as much as you can for around three to five days. Avoid heavy lifting and physical exertion. Expect your digestive system to take a few days to settle down. Common short-term problems include bloating, abdominal pains and changes to toilet habits. Most people recover within one week of laparoscopic surgery. Long-term outlook after gall bladder surgery You will need to see your doctor between seven and 10 days after surgery to make sure all is well.
Treatment options include surgery and shattering the stones with soundwaves. More information here. Berkow, M. Beers, A. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. Injuries to the liver, intestines, or major blood vessels in the belly. Blood clots or pneumonia related to the longer recovery period after open surgery. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome After gallbladder surgery cholecystectomy , a few people have ongoing symptoms, such as belly pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
What are the risks of NOT having the gallbladder removed? The risks of not treating gallstones may include: Unpredictable attacks of gallstone pain. Episodes of inflammation or serious infection of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas. Jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the common bile duct. If you decide against surgery, what can you do to prevent another attack? You may be able to prevent gallstone attacks if you: Stay close to a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Avoid rapid weight loss. When you lose weight by dieting and then you gain weight back again, you increase your risk of gallstones, especially if you are a woman. If you need to lose weight, do it slowly and sensibly.
Why might your doctor recommend gallbladder surgery? Your doctor may recommend surgery if: You have repeated gallstone attacks. The pain from the attacks is severe. You have complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder or the pancreas. You have an impaired immune system. Compare your options.
Compare Option 1 Have gallbladder surgery Don't have surgery. Compare Option 2 Have gallbladder surgery Don't have surgery. Have gallbladder surgery Have gallbladder surgery You are asleep during surgery. You may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for a day or two. If you have open surgery, your hospital stay will be longer. You can return to your normal activities within a week to 10 days. If you have open surgery, it will take 4 to 6 weeks.
Surgery gets rid of the gallstones and usually keeps them from coming back. The surgery is safe and is very common. All surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. Your age and your health also can affect your risk. Risk from laparoscopic surgery is very low. Possible problems include injury to the common bile duct or the small intestine. After surgery, a few people have ongoing symptoms, called post-cholecystectomy syndrome.
Don't have surgery Don't have surgery You try to prevent another attack by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to stay close to a healthy weight. You avoid losing weight too quickly.
You may have more gallstone attacks. You may have episodes of inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas. You may have jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the common bile duct.
Personal stories about gallbladder surgery for gallstones These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have gallbladder surgery Reasons not to have gallbladder surgery. The pain from my gallstone attacks is very bad. I want to avoid surgery if I possibly can. I'm never too far away from medical treatment.
My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Having gallbladder surgery NOT having gallbladder surgery. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. True You're right. It's okay not to have surgery if you feel you can manage mild and infrequent attacks and if your doctor thinks you're not likely to have serious problems.
False Sorry, that's not right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. True That's right. The surgery is safe and widely done. False Sorry, that's wrong. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read the "Compare Your Options" chart. True No, that's wrong. False Correct. Decide what's next. Yes No. I'm ready to take action.
I want to discuss the options with others. I want to learn more about my options. Skip Navigation. I Want To I Want to Find Research Faculty Enter the last name, specialty or keyword for your search below. Apply for Admission M. Gallbladder Removal Is Common. But Is It Necessary? Seventy percent of patients who kept their gallbladders despite biliary pancreatitis had no recurrence four years later. Release Date: April 3, Share Fast Facts Hopkins study: are we removing too many gallbladders?
For the Media Contacts: Patrick Smith psmith88 jhmi. Jania Matthews. Find Physicians Specializing In Gastroenterology Gastrointestinal Diseases Pancreatitis.
Related Services Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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