Genetic News Weblog

Not everyone recovers in the same fashion after a gallbladder removal operation.

But in general, many people who have their gallbladder removed are surprised when they experience many of the same symptoms they had before their operation.

Medical professionals have a name for this phenomenon. They call it “postcholecystectomy syndrome.” Cholecystectomy is medical terminology for a gallbladder removal operation.

Medical researchers have found that approximately 40 percent of those who have had gallbladder removal surgery experience postcholecystectomy syndrome after their operation. This occurs because the bile duct (a tube which transports bile between the liver and the gallbladder) has not been removed. So bile continues to accumulate there.

As for the first few days after gallbladder surgery, here’s what to expect.

Swelling and bruising will occur around the surgical area. This is easy to understand. No matter what type of surgery you have, there is some trauma to the body, and it will react with bruising and swelling.

Shortly after your surgery, you may also experience some discomfort caused by the air that was inserted into your abdomen during the operation. Inserting air into the surgical area is done to open up space for the surgeon to manipulate his or her instruments. Certain pain medications prescribed by your doctor will help ease any discomfort this causes.

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. Your abdominal muscles will need some time to recover - several days at least.

On the subject of bathrooms: be prepared to deal with some bloating, gas and diarrhea temporarily. Some patients get constipation instead of diarrhea. This happens infrequently, so there’s no reason to be worried if it happens to you. Of course, your doctor may be able to prescribe or recommend something to help with this.

Keep in mind, it’s completely normal for your digestive system to be somewhat unpredictable. For this reason, it’s a good idea to follow your doctor’s dietary instructions. Low cholesterol foods and cholesterol-free foods are usually recommended.

Most patients also do better if they forego large meals for a while and concentrate oin eating smaller ones that are easier for the digestive system to handle. But be sure not to skip meals. Your body needs good nutrition to speed along your recovery.

You can start testing your digestion in the weeks after your operation to see if it can handle some heavier foods.

Exercise can be helpful, but guard against doing too much too soon. If you were an enthusiastic exerciser before your procedure, you may be eager to get going again. Be careful. Be mindful of your stitches. Follow your doctor’s recommendations closely on this.

Furthermore, be careful taking baths of showers until your stitches have been removed. Generally, it’s best to keep stitches dry.

Your first follow up visit to your doctor will probably take place in 7-10 days. Your second follow up appointment will probably take place in 4-5 weeks.

Would you like additional information on having your gallbladder removed and related topics? Click on What Happens After A Gallbladder Removal Operation. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and TV talk show host with a special interest in kidney health and wellness. You can read more of his articles at http://www.gallbladderhealth.info.

Tags: Genetics //