When stones form in the gall bladder it often causes pain. If stones escape from the gall bladder they can block the bile duct causing further pain, fever and yellow jaundice. Your surgeon has recommended you have an operation to remove your gallbladder.
What does the operation involve?
• Four tiny slits are made in the abdomen.
• Tubes are passed into the abdomen through these slits.
• The abdomen is filled with air through these tubes, which carry surgical instruments and a camera which relay pictures onto TV screens.
• The surgeon can then remove the gall bladder through the tubes while watching the picture on the TV screen.
• The wounds are closed with stitches or metal clips.
Very occasionally (in one or two per cent of patients) it is not possible to remove the gall bladder by this procedure. The open method is then carried out under the same anaesthetic there and then.
The Operation will relieve your symptoms.
Complications are rare and seldom serious, but as with all operations there are risks that need to be considered:
• Bile duct injuries (0.3 - 0.5%).
• Wound infection.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Allergic reaction to drugs or anaesthetic.
• Scarring.
• Chest infection.
• Bile leak (a collection of bile forms under the liver).
The likelihood of complication increases in the following patients:
• People over 60.
• People who are overweight, smokers or drink heavily.
• People taking certain drugs.
• Clearance of stones from the bile duct once they have passed out of the gallbladder is effective treatment, but may be complicated by pancreatitis, bleeding, or perforation in up to 10% of cases. This treatment cannot work for stones that are still inside the gallbladder and the only effective treatment is removal of the whole gallbladder.
Recovery times differ from person to person. This operation is usually carried out as a day case. In this instance you should be able to leave hospital approximately 6 hours after the operation. If you are over 80 years old or have a complicated medical history, it is likely that you will need to stay in hospital overnight.
Very occasionally people need a drain in their abdomen after the operation. This is usually removed before you go home, but your surgeon will discuss this with you if it is required.
• Take light exercise increasing as you feel able.
• If you have clips / stitches which need to be removed, this will be done by the District / Practice Nurse 7 - 10 days after your operation. Usually, the stitches are dissolvable or steri strips are used. These will dissolve or peel off on their own.
• You can return to work approximately 1 - 2 weeks after your operation dependent upon your job. You will be given a sick note whilst in hospital advising you of the time you should be off work.
• Avoid lifting for 2 - 3 weeks.
• You can drive when you are able to perform an emergency stop without causing any pain. If you have any concerns regarding your operation, please feel free to contact the Nurse Practitioners who will be happy to advise you.
Tel No - 01253 955603
