Gallbaldder Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

Pain

Following laparoscopic surgery, you may feel some discomfort in your upper abdomen, right shoulder, and at the incision sites (especially the one near your belly button). You may also feel bloated.  It is not uncommon to require pain medication frequently for the first 48 hours.  You will be given a prescription for oxycontin for the pain: 1 tablet every 4 hours. You should try acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) first. The majority of your pain is muscle related and anti-inflammatory medicines are better than narcotics.  If the pain is still severe then you can take the oxycontin. Oxycontin is not mixed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) do you can take it in addition to the other medicines if needed. You should avoid driving while taking oxycontin because it can make you drowsy. Once pain improves or if the pain is not so severe, you may substitute oxycontin with acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).

The intermittent use of an ice pack on the wound for the first 3 days will help to reduce pain and prevent swelling. All the aches and pains associated with a hernia repair will take several weeks to fully resolve, but you should see a gradual improvement daily.

Incision

All incisions are closed with sutures under the skin that dissolve with tissue glue as a bandage. This tissue glue will wear off in 10-21 days. Do not place any antibiotic ointments or creams on the new scar after the glue comes off.

During the first few days, you may notice some swelling or discoloration around the incision site, which is normal. Some fluid (yellow to light red to orange) may ooze or leak from the incisions. This is generally normal. However, if the fluid is foul smelling, thick, or does not decrease in amount, call our office.

Showering/Bathing

You may shower at any time but no bathing until 2 weeks after surgery. When you shower, you can get the tissue glue wet.

Physical Activity

When you return home, your body will tell you how much and what kind of activity you are able to do.  Keep from lifting more than 15 pounds for two weeks after surgery. When you start experiencing soreness or pain, it’s time to slow down or stop what you are doing. Relax – you are not going to break, twist, or pull apart anything inside of you when you experience pain or soreness. Remember – it is important to walk as much as possible for the first week after surgery. Try to return to your normal daily activities as much as possible after surgery.

Recovery

Depending on the reason for gallbladder removal, you may go home the same day or the next day after surgery. Patients generally return to work an average of 3 to 7 days after surgery, depending on their pain and level of discomfort.

Can I live a normal life after my gallbladder is removed?

Yes, gallbladder surgery is one of the most frequent operations performed in the United States. People who have their gallbladders removed do not have a higher chance of developing disease or cancer.

I have read that I may have diarrhea and other stomach issues may result after the removal of my gallbladder?

Some people may develop new abdominal symptoms after removal of their gallbladder. However, this is incredibly rare.

Removal of the gallbladder is generally not associated with the onset of new abdominal symptoms. If certain abdominal symptoms do not resolve after your surgery, they may not have been related to your gallbladder in the first place.

Some people have two abdominal processes occurring at the same time. Gallbladder removal may only remove part of the symptoms. The other symptoms may be related to another process all together.

Diet

No restrictions, although the general anesthesia may make you nauseated the first night. If this occurs, try clear liquids (broth, flat soda, water, juice) and gradually ease into a normal diet. Stay away from spicy or fried foods for the first two weeks and follow the low fat diet for gallbladder stated below. It is common to get full quickly when eating, have some loose stools, and occasionally feel bloated after surgery. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, and you will find that many foods will no longer bother you. Both the anesthesia and pain medications can cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement within 48 hours of surgery, you may take one ounce of milk of magnesia.

Low Fat Diet for Gallbladder

The gallbladder diet focuses on lean meats, low fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. Because fat cannot be digested normally, it is important to include plenty of fiber in the diet. A person with gallstones should add starchy foods to the diet, such as bread, to ensure adequate fiber consumption. This diet should be used until gallbladder surgery and maintained for two weeks after surgery.

Essentially, the gallbladder diet follows a typical food pyramid, with vegetables, fruits, and grains making up the bulk of the diet, supplemented by low fat dairy products and lean meats in moderation, and with fats and sweets relegated to “sparing” usage.

Foods to Avoid

For many who suffer from gallbladder disease or stones, a low fat diet is recommended to prevent complications. Foods to avoid include:

  • Alcohol
  • Animal fats
  • Eggs
  • Fried foods
  • Greasy foods
  • Pickles
  • Processed and denatured foods
  • Products made with sugar
  • Products made with coffee
  • Products made with spices
  • Red meat
  • Refined carbohydrates
  • Whole or 2% Milk
  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Mayonnaise

Follow Up

You should follow-up in the office in two weeks for your post-operative visit.

When to Contact the Office

Please call the office if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent fever over 101° F
  • Increasing abdominal swelling
  • Pain that is not relieved by your medications
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Chills
  • Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
  • Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
  • Inability to eat or drink liquids