Gallbladder Removal: What to Expect & Recovery

A cholecystectomy is a surgery to remove the gallbladder. It is often performed when gallstones that cause nausea and pain form in the gallbladder. Gallbladder removal surgery is usually done as a laparoscopy, in which small incisions are made. In some cases, an open cholecystectomy must be performed. Larger incisions are made, and recovery time is longer.

Bile

• After removal of the gallbladder, the bile that would have been stored in the gallbladder will drip directly from the liver into the small intestine.

Diarrhea

• After gallbladder removal, some people experience frequent diarrhea, especially after eating high-fat foods.

Diet

• Diet should be modified after gallbladder removal, but it varies by person. Variations of recommended diets include six smaller meals daily and low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein menus.

Safety

• Gallbladder removal is considered safe for most patients. The safest, least invasive and most preferred method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Risks

• Like all surgeries, gallbladder removal does carry certain risks. Some risks are injury to the small intestine or bile ducts, infection from the incision, internal bleeding or complications from the general anesthesia.