What problems can happen after gallbladder removal?

Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is considered a relatively safe procedure, but like all operations there’s a small risk of complications.

  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Bile leakage.
  • Injury to the bile duct.
  • Injury to the intestine, bowel and blood vessels.
  • Deep vein thrombosis.
  • Risks from general anaesthetic.

Can you join the military with no gallbladder?

Liver or Hepatic-Biliary Tract Problems Current or history of symptomatic cholecystitis, acute or chronic, with or without cholelithiasis, postcholecystectomy syndrome, or other disorders of the gallbladder and biliary system are disqualifying.

What is the most common complication of cholecystectomy?

The most common complication is iatrogenic perforation of the gallbladder with spilt gallstones with an incidence of 10-30% [8]. Injuries during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be prevented by precise operative technique, clear visualisation of anatomical landmarks, and careful dissection of tissues.

How does the body adjust after gallbladder surgery?

In the first few weeks after your surgery, your doctor probably will recommend that you eat a mostly low-fat diet while your body adjusts to living without a gallbladder. After that, “ninety percent of people go back to eating the way they did before,” says Brugge.

Can you have problems years after gallbladder removal?

The symptoms include fatty food intolerance, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, jaundice, and intermittent episodes of abdominal pain. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome can present early, typically in the post-operative period, but can also manifest months to years after surgery.

Why do I still have pain years after gallbladder removal?

Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of abdominal symptoms after a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). Symptoms occur in about 5 to 40 percent of patients who undergo cholecystectomy, and can be transient, persistent or lifelong.

What is the most feared complication of cholecystectomy?

Bile duct injury is perhaps the most feared complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The focus of this study was on the immediate and short-term outcome of patients who have undergone repair of major bile duct injuries with respect to hospital stay, perioperative interventions, and reoperations.

How long does post cholecystectomy syndrome last?

ABDOMINAL PAIN from gallbladder disease drives more than 500,000 Americans to undergo cholecystectomy annually. Although most patients recover uneventfully, about 10% of them develop postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCES) weeks to months later.

Why do I have pain where my gallbladder was removed?

During gallbladder removal, it’s rare but possible for a surgeon to damage the intestines. This may result in cramping. Some pain is normal following any surgery, but if it continues beyond a few days or gets worse instead of better, speak to your doctor.