Surgeries
What occurs after gallbladder surgery depends a great deal on the type of surgery that is performed. There are two types of gallbladder surgery: open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In open cholecystectomy, an incision, usually 6-8 inches in length, will be made in your abdomen beneath the rib cage. The gall bladder is then removed manually by the surgeon. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, four small incisions are made and laparoscopes (small tubes that can hold cameras or tools) are inserted. The gallbladder is removed using the laparoscopes. In both cases, the patient is taken to a recovery room for observation. Nausea and vomiting are common after both procedures. Beyond that point, the situation is very different for the two procedures
Open Cholecystectomy
After the open cholecystectomy procedure, a hospital stay of up to six days is standard. Movement is restricted to avoid tearing open the incision. Oxygen will be administered at times. Deep breathing and coughing on an hourly basis (while awake) is used to help keep the lungs clear and avoid respiratory infection. Low-impact leg exercise (while lying in bed) will help to avoid blood clots. Catheters and T tubes (a tube to drain excess bile) are used. These will be removed when regular urination and bile production return. Pain and nausea medication are usually prescribed. After being released, antibiotics, pain and nausea medication may be prescribed. There will be restrictions on lifting for up to two months. Dietary changes are common after a cholecystectomy and the doctor will likely offer a food plan to help with this.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most patients return home the following day and some return home the same day. Similar lifting and dietary restriction may apply when the laparoscopic procedure is done, though, generally patients resume normal activity within about two weeks of the surgery. Pain, nausea and antibiotics are often prescribed.
Post-Operative Risks
All surgeries have some post-operative risks. The most common risk is infection. There may be some complications that require consultation with a physician. In the event of a fever, signs of infection around incisions (red, swollen, or oozing pus), bleeding at the incision or abnormally colored stool or urine, contact a physician. In the case of chest pain or difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Tags: open cholecystectomy, Cholecystectomy After, common after, gallbladder surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, nausea medication, Pain nausea