Side Effects of Gallbladder Removal

Have you or someone you know been told the gallbladder needs to be removed? Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is what happens next? And how does life after gallbladder surgery really look? In India, nearly 5 - 6% of adults are estimated to have gallstones, which is the main reason why doctors suggest gallbladder removal. The surgery is usually performed to improve the quality of life, but some people experience digestive problems afterward. So, can you manage these side effects? And what is the right diet after gallbladder removal surgery? Let’s find out!

How Does Gallbladder Removal Affect The Body?

The gall bladder is a small organ that is directly attached to the liver and other digestive organs through a system of bile ducts. This organ has the primary role of storing liver bile before it is passed into the small intestine through the biliary tract. Bile helps your body in digesting food and breaking down fat. The most common types of gallbladder disease are caused by an excess of cholesterol or bilirubin, which is a pigment found in the liver, in the bile. This leads to:

• Gallstones
• Acute or chronic inflammation due to gallstones.
• Bile duct stones

In case the symptoms are too painful or disrupt your health, your doctors can recommend open or laparoscopic removal of your gallbladder. You will have a healthy life after gallbladder removal, and the procedure of removing it is not very complicated. In the absence of a gallbladder, the bile will flow directly through your liver to your intestines to help you digest food.

Also Read: Diet to cure Gallbaldder Stones

Gallbladder Surgery Side Effects

Every surgery can be associated with possible complications, such as incision bleeding, pain, or infection with or without a fever. And the same goes for cholecystectomy. However, there is a very small percentage of people who have long-term effects of gallbladder removal. The most common ones are as follows:

Bloating and Gas

Bloating or increased gas may occur if the gallbladder's regulated release of bile is disrupted, especially after consuming heavy or fatty meals. It leads to digestive problems because the streams of bile may not be sufficient to fully digest or process the fats in your meal. Temporary bloating may be caused by gas during laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, doctors always suggest limiting your intake of foods that contain high amounts of fat.

Diarrhea 

The removal of the gallbladder eliminates the stored bile, and it flows into the small intestine in a constant stream. This breaks the normal chain through which bile acids should flow out of the liver into the small intestines and back to the liver. Due to this fact, the bile overfills the intestines and is not reabsorbed, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The excess bile attracts the abnormally high levels of water and salts in the blood to the intestine, leading to bile acid diarrhea. Fortunately, for the majority of individuals, the diarrhea will gradually resolve over time.

Constipation

Constipation after gallbladder removal may be caused due to several reasons, such as changes in bile secretion, side effects of medications, and lifestyle and dietary modifications. Digestive problems after gallbladder removal, particularly constipation, may worsen if you remain dehydrated. Therefore, stay hydrated, get regular exercise, and incorporate fiber-rich foods into your diet.

Jaundice 

After gallbladder removal, bile flow may sometimes be disturbed. This can cause a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which can result in jaundice. The first sign is usually yellowing of the eyes, followed by the skin. Therefore, always watch for even small changes in skin or eye color, as jaundice can signal liver strain or a bile duct problem.

Infection

You can get an internal infection or an incision site infection post-surgery. Symptoms of an infected wound include increased pain at the location, swelling, redness, and pus leaking through the wound. In order to cure an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In rare cases, you will require surgery to remove fluid or pus from the infected site.

Bulging of an Organ or Tissue (Hernia)

Hernias, or bulging of organs or tissues, can occur months or years following gallbladder removal surgery. It takes place when a surgical incision point on the abdominal wall fails to close tightly, resulting in a weak area. This gap is then pushed by tissues or organs. This may also occur due to an overstretched abdomen, getting back to strenuous activity soon after surgery, or some underlying conditions such as infection, obesity. Although rare, hernias require additional surgery to repair.

When To See A Doctor

After surgery, it is common to experience certain side effects; however, if you experience any of the following, get in touch with your doctor immediately:

• Abdominal pain or pain that worsens with time, or pain that does not go away.
• Severe vomiting or nausea.
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes.
• No gas or bowel movement for over three days after surgery.
• Diarrhoea that persists for three days or longer after surgery.

How to Prevent Side Effects of Gall Bladder Removal?

If you are scheduled for gallbladder removal surgery, you may be concerned about the post-operative pain and other side effects. Here are some preparation tips that will accelerate the healing process and minimise the side effects: 

1. Follow A Low-fat Diet

Among the most important things you can do is to pay attention to your diet after gallbladder removal surgery. The bile, produced by your gallbladder, helps your body break down fats. Without a gallbladder, you will not be able to digest high-fat foods. Therefore, reduce the amount of food rich in fats, including fatty meat items, cheese, butter, and fried food. Instead, emphasise consuming healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat proteins.

2. Stay Hydrated

Consumption of a lot of water after undergoing gallbladder removal surgery is recommended to aid in removing all the toxins and enhancing the healing process. Take at least eight glasses or more water daily. Do not consume alcohol and high-sugar beverages because they will lead to dehydration of your body.

3. Move Around

You need to move around to prevent blood clots after surgery and ensure a faster recovery, even though you may be tempted to lie and rest in bed. Gradually increase the amount and the distance of your walks around the house as you get accustomed to walking. Until your doctor gives you permission, avoid vigorous activity, e.g., carrying heavy items, jogging, etc.

4. Take Pain Medication As Prescribed

After the surgery, certain discomfort and pain may appear. Physicians may prescribe drugs to suppress the pain. Nevertheless, to prevent complications and properly manage the pain, you have to take the drug in the manner in which it is recommended. In case you experience any side effects of the medication, e.g., dizziness, nausea, etc., please inform your physician.

5. Listen To Your Body

Once your gallbladder has been removed, it is critical that you do not overwork yourself. If you're exhausted or in pain, take a pause and rest. Don't try doing too much too early; this will prolong your gallbladder removal recovery time. Instead, focus on getting enough rest and following aftercare guidelines to ensure a quick recovery.

Gallbladder Removal with Expert Care for Quick Recovery!

Although gallbladder removal is a common treatment, life after gallbladder surgery is always filled with the possibility of some negative effects. It might be easier if you know how to identify and reduce symptoms, adverse effects, and complications both before and after surgery. If you're worried about complications that may occur after gallbladder removal, you must have a team of experts whom you trust. The gastrointestinal experts of Apollo Spectra are at the forefront of helping you undertake gallbladder removal with minimal side effects. They will determine the possible causes and tailor your treatment individualised in order to recover at a fast rate. Call us and get rid of gallbladder complications today!