Why is this procedure done?
The doctor takes out your gallbladder with this procedure. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is just behind your liver. Your liver makes bile which helps break down food. The gallbladder stores bile until it is needed. You may need to have your gallbladder taken out if: ‚
- You have small stones that block the bile from leaving the gallbladder. These are called gallstones.
- You have an infection in your gallbladder.
- Your gallbladder is not working normally.
- You have problems with your pancreas.
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What will the results be?
- Relieve the pain in your belly
- Treat infection
- Gallstones will be removed
- Foods that made you sick before the surgery may be able to be eaten again
- Relieve upset stomach and throwing up
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to empty out your stomach and bowel before the procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They may also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery.
- Your doctor will make a cut about 6 inches long in your belly. Then, your gallbladder will be removed. You may have special x-rays to look for more gallstones. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages. This procedure may take up to 2 hours.
- Your doctor may leave a tube in your belly. This will drain any fluid left inside your belly. This will be removed in 2 to 4 weeks. An x-ray of your belly may be done before the tube is taken out. The doctor will give you instructions for the care of the drain before you leave the hospital.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe. You may have a sore throat afterwards. You may keep the tube in your nose for a few days. It will come out when the doctor starts to hear gurgling sounds from your belly. Then, you will be able to start drinking clear liquids.
- Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Walking around will help prevent blood clots from forming. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You will get drugs to help with your pain.
- You may go home 3 to 5 days after the surgery if you have no problems.
- If you are going home with a drain tube in your belly, you will learn how to take care of it.
- Use a pillow to hold against your cut site when you cough and take deep breaths.
- Special stockings may be on your legs to pump the blood in your legs after surgery. This helps to prevent blood clots.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Soften stools if you are taking drugs for pain control
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor about your diet and bowel movements. ‚
- Eat foods such as jello, broth, popsicles, yogurt, and toast until you are sure that you are not feeling sick to your stomach. Add to your diet as you are able. Call your doctor if you are not able to keep food and liquids down. Your doctor may order drugs to help an upset stomach.
- Bowel movements may be runny after eating for a couple of months. Call your doctor if your bowel movements are preventing you from going to work or are getting in the way of your daily activities.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Injury to small bowel
Where can I learn more?
American College of Surgeons ‚
http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/cholesys.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚