Cholecystectomy: Understanding Potential Side Effects & Recovery

A cholecystectomy is a operation that is performed when the gallbladder is infected or inflamed. During a cholecystectomy, the gallbladder is completely removed from the body. It is a relatively safe surgery with mild side effects in most cases.

Pain

• Pain will be felt following a cholecystectomy for several days or a few weeks. If pain persists longer or becomes more severe, you should contact your doctor.

Diarrhea

• While your gallbladder is not a necessary part of the digestive system, removing it may trigger episodes of diarrhea. Diarrhea may persist for a week or longer in some cases. The Mayo Clinic advises that a few people may experience chronic diarrhea for years following the procedure.

Upset Stomach

• Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting for a time following gallbladder surgery.

Complications

• Possible complications following a cholecystectomy include bleeding, blood clots, infection, pancreatitis and pneumonia. These complications will likely require a longer hospital stay and aggressive medical treatment.

Side Effect Treatment

• Nausea and vomiting may be treated with anti-nausea medications. Diarrhea may be treated with anti-diarrheal medications.