Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstones are very common, and many people never know they have them. When they do cause symptoms, the usual treatment is keyhole removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy).
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Symptoms
- biliary colic: attacks of pain in the upper abdomen or under the right ribs, often after meals and lasting minutes to hours
- nausea or vomiting with the pain
- fever with pain (an inflamed or infected gallbladder)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools (can be caused by a gallstone in the bile duct)
- severe upper abdominal pain going through to the back (can be caused by gallstone pancreatitis)
Tests
An ultrasound usually confirms gallstones, and blood tests check the liver and pancreas. If a stone in the bile duct is suspected, you may need an MRI scan of the bile ducts (MRCP).
Do I Need Surgery?
Gallstones found by chance that aren't causing symptoms often don't need treatment. Once they cause attacks, further attacks and complications are common, so surgery is usually recommended. Gallstones can't be reliably dissolved or passed, and you can live normally without a gallbladder.
The Operation
The gallbladder is removed through small cuts using a camera. Many people go home the following day. An X-ray of the bile ducts may be taken during the operation to check for stones.
Recovery
Most people are back to light activity within a week and to normal activity within two weeks, although strenuous exercise or physically demanding work may take longer. You will receive written instructions on wound care, eating, driving and returning to work.
Risks
Risks include wound infection, bleeding, a bile leak, a stone left in the bile duct and, rarely, injury to the bile duct. Occasionally the operation needs to be converted to open surgery. Dr Lourensz will go through your own risks with you.
When to Get Help Urgently
Pain with a fever, yellowing of the skin, or pain that doesn't settle needs urgent review. Please go to your nearest emergency department.
Reviewed by Dr Kaleb Lourensz