Post Op Recovery

Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Post operative recovery may vary based on individual factors and the type of procedure performed (laparoscopic vs. open surgery).

Recovering from Gallbladder Surgery

• Immediately After Surgery: Patients are typically monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before discharge.
• First Few Days: Patients may experience discomfort or pain, which should be manageable with prescribed pain medication. Light activity, such as walking, is often encouraged.
• First Few Weeks: The small surgical wounds should heal within a week or two. Dietary adjustments may be necessary if the patient experiences bloating or diarrhoea. Gradual increase in activity level is encouraged.
• Six Weeks Post Surgery: By this time, most people have fully recovered and can return to normal activities, including work and exercise.

Common Side Effects and Complications

Common side effects after gallbladder surgery can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements. These typically resolve within a few weeks.

Although rare, complications can occur, including bile leakage, bile duct injury, bleeding, infection, deep vein thrombosis, or a reaction to anaesthesia.

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent vomiting, a high fever, or if their surgical wounds become red, swollen, or start discharging.

Post Op Care Plan

Following gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), a post operative care plan can help guide recovery and ensure optimal healing.

Medications

•  Patients may need to avoid certain medications that can upset the stomach, such as aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pain Management

• Pain is common after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used, but your surgeon may also prescribe a stronger pain medication.
• Some discomfort can also come from the gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery. Walking can help relieve this discomfort.

Wound Care

• Keep the wound clean and dry. You can shower the day after surgery, but avoid soaking the wound (e.g., in a bathtub or swimming pool).
• Look for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound.
• If stitches or clips were used, they'd typically be removed at a follow-up appointment.

Diet

• Resume your normal diet gradually. Start with light, easily digestible food and gradually include more as your body tolerates.
• Some people experience changes in bowel habits or food tolerance after gallbladder removal. If this occurs, a diet low in fat can often help.

Physical Activity

• Rest is important, but you should also move around. Walking is often encouraged starting the day of or the day after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting (usually over 10 pounds) for several weeks after surgery.
• Depending on your job, you can resume normal activities, including work, within one to three weeks.

Follow-up Appointments

• It's important to attend all follow-up appointments to check your recovery progress.
• Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment within a few weeks of surgery to assess your recovery.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience fever, increasing pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or signs of infection at the wound site.

Remember, this is a general care plan. You should follow your surgeon or healthcare provider's specific instructions, as they know your situation best. Always contact your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions during your recovery.