Question 1

is a gallbladder removal simple?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Usually an outpatient procedure of laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder. Is commonly a one hour or shorter surgery with 1-4 small incisions and minimal discomfort after surgery.

Question 2

how common is gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Very common.: Approximately 500, 000 gallbladder surgeries or cholecystectomies are performed each year in the United States. The most common reason for cholecystectomies is gallbladder pain (biliary colic) due to blockage of the cystic or bile duct by gallstones. Approximately 20 million adults in the U.S. Have gallstones and an estimated one million people are newly diagnosed with gallstones each year.

Question 3

is gallbladder removal hederitary ?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Gallstones can be hereditary but the cause is unknown . But usually gallstones and gallbladder disease are related to being overweight or losing weight quickly as well.

Question 4

what is a gallbladder removal like?

Accepted Answer

Usually: A fairly minor outpatient surgical procedure under general anesthsis. Usually done all laparoscopic now with 1-4 small incisions. Usually go home same day of surgery, mild discomfort for a few days, no heavy work for 2-4 weeks. Eat smaller light foods early after surgery.

Question 5

what to expect for gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Surgery these days: Is laparoscopic, so you should have little pain.  You should take off from work for a few days, depending on how physical your work is, up to a week.  You might get some intermittent food related pain for few weeks, up to two months.  But after that you should be near 100% normal.  More importantly, you will get no further gallstone attacks.

Question 6

how long is recovery from a gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

"Days": Following laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, most people go home the same day; narcotic pain medication is typically used for 2-3 days; most people may return to a desk-job in 7-10 days and full activity in 2-3 weeks.

Question 7

what are the complications of gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea, etc.: App. 20% of people may develop diarrhea after gallbladder removal, esp. After eating fatty foods. This will resolve in most people within weeks after the surgery.  If it doesn't, it can be treated with medication.  Of course, like any operation, there are very low risks of bleeding, infection, blood clots, etc.  A unique risk of this surgery is a bile leak, which can require further surgery.

Question 8

what are the pros and cons of gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: In the aoporpiate setting of abdominal symptoms from gallstones, the "pros" of surgery would be pain relief ; eating normally again. The "cons" of surgery would be the usually low risks of bleeding, infection, or needing to perform a larger open surgery instead of laparoscopic. Also risk of not feeling better or having more digestion problems after gallbladder surgery if there is a different issue.

Question 9

what warning symptoms go with gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Concerns: After gallbladder surgery may be repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal pain, recurrent fevers, yellow jaundice, signs of wound infection with wound redness. Call your surgeon if you have questions or concerns.

Question 10

what changes need people make after a gallbladder removal?

Accepted Answer

Often none: Most people can eat a normal diet after gallbladder surgery. Some people find diarrhea more often. Some find fatty or greasy food causes gas or diarrhea. Try various foods and watch your symptoms.

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Gallbladder removal

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Is a gallbladder removal simple?

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How common is gallbladder removal?

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Is gallbladder removal hederitary ?

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What is a gallbladder removal like?

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What to expect for gallbladder removal?

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How long is recovery from a gallbladder removal?

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What are the complications of gallbladder removal?

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What are the pros and cons of gallbladder removal?

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What warning symptoms go with gallbladder removal?

A member asked:

What changes need people make after a gallbladder removal?

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