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What Are The Side Effects After Gall Bladder Removal?

Posted on Fri, 20 Mar 2015

Question: Am supposed to be having gall bladder surgery here in the next few weeks or so. Shouldn't be online reading what other people write because it is so depressing. It seems everyone has problems afterwards. I know it is typically the people having problems are the ones posting online and those who have no ill effects don't take the time to get online and write about it. My questions is, do most people who have this surgery recover with minimal side effects? My husband had his out and has had no problems. Can eat and drink whatever he wants. Is he the exception or the norm?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
He is the norm and not the exception!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these disturbing thoughts that you have gathered online. At least 99% of persons who undergo this surgery recover with no complication. This is a commonly done procedure and it is very safe. Feel free and relaxed about it. Your husband is a living testimony and you should not be worried about it. What you found online is biased publication as you rightly described about those with worries posting online and not necessarily representative of all those who have undergone bladder surgery.

In all, complications are possible but rare. Full recovery is the norm and not the exception. I wish you well.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 minutes later)

Thank you for your comforting response. it just seems that everyone has problem with diarrhea and not being able to eat their normal diet (eventually....I know you have to take it easy with the fats for a few weeks. But the postings online seem to indicate that it's years later and they are still having problems!). It just is very scary to keep reading about. I have no stones, but HIDA scan shows gallbladder EF at 14%. Is there a chance the surgeon will suggest not having the surgery for a while longer? What am I risking by waiting to do the surgery?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do you have any symptoms?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Let the surgery be guided by your symptoms. If you are feeling well ad there is no risk of cancer, then there is no reason to take stones out for the pleasure of doing so. Ask your doctor directly what the consequences of not doing surgery right now are as he may have some more information that I cannot lay hands on right now.

Thanks and keep me posted about this.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (11 minutes later)

I have no stones...just the EF at 14% per HIDA scan. I had a bad episode a couple weeks ago of allover abdominal pain that lasted for hours. I do have some pain right side, around to my back and into shoulder blade. I wouldnt be having it removed due to stones, but because it is not working effeciently, I guess.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please, ask the doctor what the exact reason is!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The EF is not the lone reason without any major indications. I think there is lack of proper communication. Ask direct question to your doctor about this decision to remove the gal bladder. Also, ask him what if it is not removed to weigh both options.

Keep me posted with this discussion

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar