How does gallbladder removal affect daily life. What are the long-term implications of living without a gallbladder. Can you lead a normal life after gallbladder surgery. How long does recovery from gallbladder removal typically take. What dietary changes are necessary after gallbladder removal.

The Gallbladder Removal Procedure: What to Expect

Gallbladder removal, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure performed to alleviate issues related to gallstones or other gallbladder problems. There are two main approaches to this surgery:

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
• Open surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method due to its minimally invasive nature. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen, typically 2-3cm near the belly button and 1-3 smaller incisions on the right side of the abdomen. The surgeon uses a laparoscope and specialized instruments to remove the gallbladder.

Open surgery, on the other hand, requires a larger incision (10-20cm) and is usually recommended when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible or if complications arise during the keyhole procedure.

Recovery Time Comparison

The recovery period varies depending on the type of surgery performed:

• Laparoscopic surgery: Patients can usually go home on the same day and return to normal activities within 2 weeks.
• Open surgery: Hospital stay is typically 3-5 days, with a recovery period of 6-8 weeks.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care and Precautions

After gallbladder removal surgery, proper care is crucial for a smooth recovery. What should patients expect in the immediate aftermath of the procedure? Here are some key points to consider:

1. Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital and stay with you for at least 24 hours post-surgery.
2. Be prepared for temporary side effects such as pain, swelling, and nausea.
3. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding pain management and wound care.
4. Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your healthcare provider.

Adapting to Life Without a Gallbladder: Dietary Considerations

While it’s possible to live normally without a gallbladder, some dietary adjustments may be necessary. How does the absence of a gallbladder affect digestion? The gallbladder stores and releases bile to aid in fat digestion. Without it, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine, which can lead to some digestive changes.

To ease the transition, consider the following dietary guidelines:

• Gradually reintroduce fatty foods to your diet
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals
• Increase fiber intake to help normalize bowel movements
• Stay hydrated to support digestion

Long-Term Health Implications of Gallbladder Removal

Many patients wonder about the long-term effects of living without a gallbladder. Are there any significant health risks or concerns? Generally, most people adapt well to life without a gallbladder. However, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term implications:

• Increased risk of vitamin deficiencies, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Potential for developing diarrhea or other digestive issues
• Slight increase in the risk of colon cancer (though this link is still being studied)

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor and address any emerging concerns.

Managing Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome

Some patients may experience ongoing symptoms after gallbladder removal, a condition known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome. What are the symptoms of this syndrome and how can it be managed?

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Management strategies may include:

1. Dietary modifications
2. Over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms
3. Prescription medications in some cases
4. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and regular exercise

Exercise and Physical Activity After Gallbladder Removal

Resuming physical activity after gallbladder surgery is an important part of the recovery process. How soon can patients return to exercise, and what precautions should they take? Here’s a general timeline:

• Week 1-2: Light walking and gentle stretching
• Week 3-4: Gradually increase activity level, avoiding heavy lifting
• Week 5-6: Return to most normal activities, including moderate exercise
• Week 7+: Resume full exercise routine, including strength training

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen post-surgery.

Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Gallbladder Removal

The physical aspects of gallbladder removal are well-documented, but what about the emotional and psychological impact? Some patients may experience anxiety or depression following surgery, particularly if they encounter ongoing digestive issues or lifestyle changes.

Coping strategies may include:

• Joining support groups or online forums for gallbladder removal patients
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Seeking professional counseling if needed
• Educating yourself about the surgery and recovery process to alleviate fears

Nutrition Supplements and Gallbladder Removal

Given the potential for nutrient malabsorption after gallbladder removal, some patients may benefit from nutritional supplements. Which supplements are most commonly recommended for post-cholecystectomy patients?

• Omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health and reduce inflammation
• Probiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion
• Vitamin D and calcium for bone health
• Bile salts to assist with fat digestion (in some cases)

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Monitoring Long-Term Health After Gallbladder Removal

While gallbladder removal is generally safe and effective, it’s important to monitor your health in the long term. What should patients and healthcare providers watch for in the years following surgery?

• Changes in bowel habits or persistent digestive issues
• Signs of nutritional deficiencies
• Liver function and overall metabolic health
• Potential development of related conditions such as fatty liver disease

Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to maintaining optimal health post-gallbladder removal.

Technological Advancements in Gallbladder Surgery

The field of gallbladder surgery continues to evolve with technological advancements. What are some of the latest innovations in cholecystectomy procedures?

• Robotic-assisted surgery for enhanced precision
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for reduced scarring
• 3D imaging technologies for improved surgical planning
• Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for faster recuperation

These advancements aim to improve surgical outcomes, reduce recovery time, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Alternative Treatments for Gallbladder Issues

While gallbladder removal is often the recommended treatment for severe gallbladder problems, are there alternative options for those seeking to avoid surgery? Some alternative approaches include:

• Dietary modifications to reduce gallstone formation
• Medications to dissolve small gallstones
• Lithotripsy (shock wave therapy) for certain types of gallstones
• Acupuncture and herbal remedies (though evidence for their effectiveness is limited)

It’s crucial to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for individual cases.

The Future of Gallbladder Health and Treatment

As medical research continues to advance, what does the future hold for gallbladder health and treatment? Some areas of ongoing research and development include:

• Gene therapy to prevent gallstone formation
• Improved diagnostic tools for early detection of gallbladder issues
• Development of less invasive surgical techniques
• Personalized medicine approaches to gallbladder treatment

These advancements may lead to more targeted and effective treatments for gallbladder disorders in the coming years.

Living without a gallbladder requires some adjustment, but with proper care and attention to lifestyle factors, most people can lead healthy, normal lives post-surgery. By staying informed about potential challenges and working closely with healthcare providers, patients can navigate the recovery process and maintain long-term well-being. As research continues to advance our understanding of gallbladder health and treatment options, the outlook for those facing gallbladder issues continues to improve.

Gallbladder removal – What happens

You’ll need to have a preoperative assessment in hospital during the weeks leading up to your gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy).

During this appointment:

• you may have some blood tests and a general health check to make sure you’re fit for surgery and determine whether a keyhole or open procedure is most suitable for you
• you can discuss any concerns or ask any questions about your operation
• you’ll be advised about things you can do to reduce your risk of problems after surgery, such as stopping smoking
• you’ll be told about when you need to stop eating and drinking before your operation – this will usually be from the night before

Find out more about having an operation

Get advice about going into hospital

There are 2 main ways gallbladder removal surgery can be performed:

• laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery – small cuts (incisions) are made in your tummy (abdomen) to access and remove your gallbladder
• open surgery – a single larger incision is made in your tummy to access and remove your gallbladder

Both procedures are performed under general anaesthetic (where you’re asleep) and both are equally effective.

But keyhole surgery tends to be carried out whenever possible because you can leave hospital sooner, recover faster and are left with smaller scars.

Keyhole surgery

During keyhole gallbladder removal surgery:

• a small incision (about 2 to 3cm) is made by your belly button and 2 or 3 smaller incisions (about 1cm or less) are made on the right side of your tummy (sometimes just 1 incision may be made)
• a small tube is inserted into 1 of the incisions and carbon dioxide gas is pumped into your tummy, inflating the abdomen to make it easier for your surgeon to access your gallbladder
• a laparoscope (a long, thin telescope with a light and camera at the end) is inserted through the larger incision, which allows your surgeon to see inside your tummy on a monitor
• special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions and are used to remove your gallbladder
• the gas is released from your tummy, and the incisions are closed with stitches and covered with dressings

You can usually go home later the same day. Recovery typically takes about 2 weeks.

Find out more about recovering from gallbladder removal surgery

Open surgery

An open procedure may be recommended if you can’t have keyhole surgery – for example, because you have a lot of scar tissue from previous surgery on your tummy.

It’s also sometimes necessary to turn a keyhole procedure into an open one during the operation if your surgeon is unable to see your gallbladder clearly or remove it safely.

Your surgeon can explain why they feel an open procedure is best for you. If you’re due to have keyhole surgery, the risk of it becoming an open procedure should be discussed beforehand.

During open gallbladder removal surgery:

• a larger incision (about 10 to 20cm) is made in your tummy, underneath your ribs
• surgical instruments are used to remove your gallbladder
• the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing

You’ll usually need to stay in hospital for a few days afterwards.

Recovery typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Page last reviewed: 08 December 2021
Next review due: 08 December 2024

Gallbladder removal – Recovery – NHS

How long it takes to recover from gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) depends on whether you had a laparoscopic (keyhole) or open procedure.

Most people who have keyhole surgery are able to leave hospital on the same day as the operation.

It’ll usually take around 2 weeks to return to your normal activities if you have a desk job, and longer if you have a more manual job.

After open surgery, you’ll usually have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days, and your recovery time will be longer.

It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job.

In either case, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.

Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours if you go home the same day as your operation, as you may still be feeling the effects of the anaesthetic.

Possible side effects of surgery

You can live perfectly normally without a gallbladder, so there aren’t usually any long-term effects from gallbladder removal surgery.

Temporary side effects can include:

• swollen, bruised and painful wounds – this should start to improve within a few days; regular painkillers such as paracetamol may help reduce the discomfort
• feeling sick – you may feel sick as a result of the anaesthetic or painkillers you have been given, but this should pass quickly
• pain in your tummy and shoulders – this is a result of the gas used to inflate your tummy and should pass after a couple of days; painkillers can be taken to relieve the discomfort
• bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea – this can last a few weeks; eating high-fibre food such as fruit, vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal bread can help to firm up your stools, and your GP may also be able to prescribe medication to help

These side effects are completely normal and not usually a cause for concern.  

You only need to contact your GP, the hospital or NHS 111 for advice if they’re particularly severe or persistent.

Looking after your wounds

In many cases, dissolvable stitches will be used to close your wounds. These should start to disappear by themselves within a week or two.

If non-dissolvable stitches were used, you’ll usually need to have them removed by a nurse at your GP surgery after 7 to 10 days. You’ll be given an appointment for this before you leave hospital.

You’ll be told about how to look after your wound and stitches, including how long any dressings need to stay on, when they should be replaced and when you can start having showers or baths.

Find out how to care for your stitches

There will be scars where the cuts were made in your tummy. These will probably be red and obvious at first, but should fade over time.

Getting back to normal

Your surgeon can give you specific advice about when you can return to your normal activities. 

Generally speaking, after keyhole surgery you can:

• eat a normal diet straight away – you can return to a normal diet even if you were advised to avoid certain foods before your operation, although you should try to have a generally healthy and balanced diet
• do gentle exercises, such as walking – but be careful not to push yourself too hard, too soon and ask your surgeon or GP for advice about returning to more strenuous exercise
• drive again after a week or so – but first make sure you can wear a seatbelt and practise an emergency stop without feeling any discomfort
• have sex as soon as you feel up to it – but try not to place weight on your wounds until they have healed
• return to work after 7 to 14 days, depending on what your job involves

It can take a bit longer to return to these activities after open gallbladder removal surgery.

For example, you may not be able to drive or return to work for around 6 to 8 weeks.

When to get medical advice

Contact your GP, the hospital or NHS 111 for advice if you experience:

• a return of your original symptoms
• severe, excessive or increasing pain
• a high temperature (fever)
• persistently feeling sick or vomiting
• increasing swelling, redness or discharge from a wound
• yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• dark urine and pale stools

These problems could be a sign of a complication of gallbladder removal surgery.

Page last reviewed: 08 December 2021
Next review due: 08 December 2024

Life without a gallbladder

The human body is an ecosystem well thought out by nature and evolution, for the proper functioning of which the coordinated work of all internal organs is required.

But what if one of the elements of the ecosystem was removed? Will the body be able to cope with the loss and continue to function as it should?

Let’s look at this using the example of the gallbladder. The gastroenterologist of the medical center “Medlux” Olga Anatolyevna Lyannaya talks in detail about whether it is worth panicking about the removal of this organ and what should be changed in your life to cope with the current situation.

What is the gallbladder for?

The gallbladder is a small muscular sac located in the region of the liver and shaped like an egg. The bile produced by the liver enters this sac and is concentrated there.

The secretion of bile is a very important process of digestion, and it begins at the moment when food passes from the stomach into the duodenum. Why is this necessary at all?

First, bile neutralizes hydrochloric acid, which passes into the intestine with food. This is necessary in order to activate the enzymes of the pancreas and intestines.

Secondly, bile starts the process of emulsification (the breakdown of fats in the intestines). All the fats that we eat are broken down by bile into small molecules, after which pancreatic enzymes act on these small components, and the fats are broken down in the intestines.

Thirdly, bile increases the contractions of our intestines. It also has bactericidal properties, prevents the occurrence of putrefactive processes in the intestines, so that pathogenic bacteria do not appear in the intestines.

Roughly speaking, the traditional idea of ​​the gallbladder as a passive reservoir of bile is already a thing of the past. Its function does not end with the accumulation of bile and its concentration between meals. It has long been proven that the gallbladder is the link between the liver and intestines.

What if the gallbladder is removed?

At the very least, this is not a reason to panic. You just need to make some adjustments in your life.

What has changed in the body after the removal of the gallbladder? Bile continues to be produced by the liver cells, but is less concentrated than in the gallbladder.

In addition, bile continuously leaks into the small intestine, thereby causing irritation of the wall, which in turn can cause diarrhea. After cholecystectomy (surgery to remove the gallbladder), a special diet is not indicated. But this does not mean that you need to eat everything without restrictions.

Therefore, as the main recommendations, one should take into account the change or, if you like, the modification of the diet:

– Eat 5-6 times a day. This will reduce the amount of free bile in the intestine, and it will participate in digestion;

– limit your fat intake. They should be no more than 30% of the daily caloric content;

– Eliminate trans fats as much as possible. Give preference to fat-free foods;

– increase the amount of fiber. It binds and removes bile, which means it reduces the risk of diarrhea. These are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains.

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cost, life after cholecystitis, complications, diet

Ekaterina Bakushina

lives without a gallbladder disciplines .

It was 2008: tomorrow I have my final exam at school, and today I am rolling on the floor with severe pain in my stomach. No pills help. They don’t even have time to digest – I feel sick and vomit acid.

It’s good that there are doctors in the family: they gave me an injection with painkillers, the next day I was like a cucumber. The exam went well, but the pain returned again a day later.

With a new attack, I went to the hospital. The doctor on duty, seeing how I doubled over with a gray face, sent me for an ultrasound. There it turned out: I have acute cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder.

I’ll tell you how he was first treated with conservative methods, how then my gallbladder was removed and how I now live without it.

See a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we give recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

What is acute cholecystitis and why does it occur?

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that5% of cases develop due to the fact that the organ duct is clogged with a stone. Such cholecystitis is called calculous.

Acute Cholecystitis – MSD Manual

The gallbladder is the reservoir for bile secreted by the liver. There it acquires the necessary concentration, and at each meal it is released into the duodenum, where it breaks down the fats that come with food.

Acute cholecystitis – NHS

If the gallbladder duct is blocked by a stone, bile cannot be expelled. Because of this, there is an acute pain in the right hypochondrium, which is called hepatic colic, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes the temperature rises. An ultrasound in the gallbladder will show stones, as well as signs of an inflammatory process.

Cholecystitis – Mayo Clinic

In such cases, cholecystectomy, that is, removal of the gallbladder, is often prescribed. Without treatment, its wall may rupture over time, leading to a life-threatening condition – peritonitis, when inflammation spreads to the entire abdominal cavity.

Acalculous cholecystitis is rare, its causes are, for example, damage to the gallbladder during trauma or surgery, sepsis, that is, blood poisoning. Usually people with this disease are already in the intensive care unit.

/list/gastroenterologia/

15 important questions for gastroenterologist Alexey Golovenko

The gallbladder is located under the liver and collects bile from this organ

When is surgery needed for calculous cholecystitis

Andrey Farber

900 02 Gastroenterologist, PhD, GMS Clinic

The choice of a method of treatment – conservative or surgical, determination of indications and contraindications for surgery for cholelithiasis – is the surgeon’s prerogative.

As a rule, acute calculous cholecystitis is an unconditional indication for surgical intervention. Then the surgeon decides on the timing of the operation.

There are situations when active anti-inflammatory therapy is first carried out to stop acute inflammation in the gallbladder, and after a certain time – surgical intervention.

If the inflammation in the gallbladder is insignificant, and the pain syndrome is pronounced, then the operation is most often performed immediately.

Why stones appear in the gallbladder

I had an ultrasound in the hospital and they found a stone that caused the seizures. It is believed that this happens when the composition of bile changes – for example, it becomes more concentrated.

Gallbladder Stones – NHS

Main risk factors: female gender, age over 40 years, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, dietary problems such as excess fatty foods and lack of fiber, rapid weight loss, intake of certain drugs, liver disease.

Gallstones – Mayo Clinic

There is also evidence that there is a genetic predisposition to the formation of gallstones.

Gallbladder Stones: Risk Factors – Uptodate

The doctor at the hospital listed the reasons why young people can form stones, in particular, unhealthy diet and sudden weight loss.

It was about me. For example, during the last years at school, preparing for exams and running from one tutor to another, I constantly ate on the go, often only sandwiches and chocolates. Also, my grandmother had stones in the gallbladder, perhaps the hereditary factor also played a role.

The appointment was based on compulsory health insurance, so all the procedures turned out to be free.

What to do with asymptomatic gallbladder stones

Andrey Farber

gastroenterologist, MD, GMS Clinic

Asymptomatic stone carriers usually use observational tactics with diet. This approach is explained by the minimum probability – 1-2% of cases per year – that an acute surgical situation will arise, that is, there will be indications for surgery.

Patients with asymptomatic stone carriers are under the supervision of a surgeon or gastroenterologist. They periodically undergo a scheduled examination, which includes:

1. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. With its help, the dynamics of the state of the gallbladder itself and the stones located in its lumen are assessed – their size and quantity, as well as the state of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas.
2. Blood tests – they make a conclusion about the functional state of the liver and pancreas.

Based on the results of the examination, the issue of further tactics and the effectiveness of conservative treatment is decided.

How I treated calculous cholecystitis without surgery

Since I had one and rather small stone, up to a centimeter in size, my parents and I, on the advice of doctors, decided to do with conservative treatment.

Approaches to the treatment of gallbladder stones – Uptodate

International recommendations for the treatment of hepatic colic advise the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. If there is severe inflammation of the gallbladder, antibiotics are used.

Non-surgical treatment of gallstones – Uptodate

Ursodeoxycholic acid may be prescribed to dissolve gallstones: it changes the viscosity of bile and helps to get rid of gallstones. True, in order for the stones to disappear, a long-term medication is usually required – up to two years.

Treatment of acute cholecystitis with stones – Uptodate

I was prescribed Ursosan to dissolve the stone – it just contains ursodeoxycholic acid. In addition, they prescribed No-shpu to relieve pain attacks: it is a drug that relieves spasms of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system. Due to the lack of research, it is used only in Russia, a number of countries in Eastern Europe and Asia.

I was also prescribed “Festal” and “Mezim” – these enzyme preparations are used for violations of the pancreas. Such conditions can be combined with cholecystitis.

I was treated not in the hospital, but at home. For two months, while she was taking Ursosan, she also experimented with folk cholagogues, the recipes of which she found on the Internet. I insisted juices from carrots and celery, made decoctions from beets and chamomile.

I also tried to eat right. After a while, all symptoms disappeared. For almost ten years I didn’t think about my gallbladder, until I again had a similar attack of pain and vomiting. Most likely, he was provoked by a stormy feast.

/healthy-food/

How much does healthy food cost for a family of four

And it all happened again: the same symptoms, an ambulance call, an examination at a public hospital, an ultrasound scan and recommendations for surgery. At my stories about attempts to dissolve the stone with a decoction of herbs, the gastroenterologist smiled indulgently. He said: “It is impossible to cure gallstone disease with traditional medicine. There is only one correct solution: surgery.”

How effective is conservative therapy for dissolving gallstones

Andrey Farber

gastroenterologist, MD, GMS Clinic

Unfortunately, conservative therapy to dissolve gallstones is not suitable for all patients with gallstone disease.

Very careful selection of patients for this treatment must be made. The size and number of stones, their density characteristics, the preservation of the contractile function of the gallbladder, the functional state of the liver and pancreas are taken into account.

In addition, the age and weight of patients, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases, are taken into account. Treatment in this case is handled by a gastroenterologist, therapist or general practitioner.

How I had an operation to remove my gallbladder

I really did not want to have an attack somewhere on a trip abroad or at an important event. And there were all the prerequisites for this: my stone not only did not dissolve, but also increased by another six millimeters.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy – Uptodate

Open cholecystectomy – Uptodate

Another argument in favor of the operation was the desire to give birth in the future. Doctors convinced: during pregnancy, everything changes a lot in a woman’s body, and no one knows how the gallbladder will behave. I didn’t need extra problems, and I decided.

It is not possible to remove only stones from the gallbladder: the entire organ is removed. This can be done through open surgery or through laparoscopy – when the gallbladder is removed through small punctures.

Four punctures are made in total, through which the camera and instruments are then inserted. This is exactly the kind of surgery I was given.

/plastika-oms/

How to perform an expensive operation under CHI

Despite the fact that I lived in Moscow, I decided to do the operation in my homeland, in Lipetsk. I chose a local surgeon on the advice of relatives. She signed up for the operation about a month after hospitalization. All procedures before, after and during the intervention were free of charge, according to compulsory health insurance.

Before hospitalization, I passed the necessary tests, underwent fluorography and ECG. A few days later, already in the hospital, the anesthesiologist talked to me. It was the first operation in my life, and it was scary: how the anesthesia would work, whether I would feel anything, whether I would wake up at all. The anesthesiologist explained everything in an accessible way, reassured me and clarified whether I was allergic to drugs. Then he warned that from six o’clock in the evening nothing could be eaten.

Early the next morning, I was taken to the operating room. It was cold and scary. I was told to undress completely and lie down on the operating table. The nurse began to administer drugs, the anesthesiologist put a mask on me, and after a few seconds I felt a pleasant weakness in my whole body and suddenly fell into a dream.

I began to come to my senses from a strange feeling in my throat: there, as I understood later, there was a tube from a ventilator. Patients are connected to it during long-term operations. As soon as the doctor realized that I was regaining consciousness, the tube was removed and I was asked to lie down on a gurney on my own. I vaguely remember how I ended up in the ward, but two hours later I woke up completely.

Over time, I began to feel pain. It seemed that I had been cut not a couple of hours ago, but right now. I asked the nurse to give me an anesthetic injection, after which I felt better. Later, I found a stone wrapped in a bag on my bedside table.

/istoriya-bolezni-cholecystitis/

“It seemed that an Alien was coming out of me”: how I spent 75,000 R because of gallstones

It’s good that I managed to take a picture of him, because after a few minutes I squeezed him with such an effort that he could not stand it and crumbled. It was insulting to tears: I thought that it could still be dissolved without removing the entire organ.

In the evening, a surgeon visited me and answered my worries like this: crushing gallbladder stones with a laser or ultrasound is a dangerous way that can clog the bile ducts or damage the gallbladder itself. The safest option is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and rehabilitation after it is quite easy and fast.

I spent about three days in the hospital, and on the fourth day I was discharged. In the hospital, they gave injections of painkillers and antibiotics, bandaged the puncture sites. The sutures were removed a week later at the polyclinic at the place of residence.

The next day after the operation, I was bandaged, and I saw the work of the surgeon: the sutures were neat and miniature. Five years later, they are almost invisible. Such a pebble was taken out of my gallbladder. The extract from the hospital describes in detail the history of my illness, the treatment that I was given there, as well as recommendations for the postoperative period. Among them is a special diet

How was the recovery after removal of the gallbladder

Intense physical activity and weight lifting are contraindicated for the first month after the operation. Also, the first week at home, I sat on baby food: liquid cereals, kissels, yogurts. The second time I made friends with a double boiler.

Diet after gallbladder removal – Mayo Clinic

My whole diet for the next two months became boiled and steamed. Nothing greasy: I even drained the first water when I cooked chicken broth. Apples – only in steam processing and without peel. Nothing spicy, smoked, rich, soda, alcohol, coffee and chocolate are prohibited. I was so afraid of going to the hospital again that I adhered to the diet strictly. It was very sad, but when I saw minus three kilograms on the scales, I perked up. It was nice to lose weight.

The first time after the operation, on the advice of my parents, also doctors, I took Trimedat and Creon. The antispasmodic and enzyme eliminated abdominal discomfort and helped digestion. I spent about 1,000 rubles on medicines.

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12 important questions to nutritionist Elena Motova

Now I don’t go on a special diet: in general, I try to eat right, but I can afford both fast food and alcohol.

Do I need a special diet after gallbladder removal

Andrey Farber

Gastroenterologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, GMS Clinic

After laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder, if there are no complications and the postoperative period is typical, it is necessary to strictly follow the diet for a week after the operation. Then the diet is gradually expanded over the next month.

In the future, in most cases, diet is not required, the person lives a normal life and eats as usual.

In some patients, after removal of the gallbladder, pain or discomfort in the abdominal cavity, flatulence, and various stool disorders persist. Then it is better to switch to frequent fractional meals in small portions at regular intervals with the restriction of products that provoke such situations.

These patients are recommended lean meats and fish, steamed, boiled or in a culinary sleeve with a minimum amount of fat, fermented milk products, and some fruits and vegetables, depending on their tolerance.

As a rule, gradually, patients themselves form an individual list of products and methods of their preparation, which allows them not to experience discomfort when eating.

How do I live after gallbladder removal and what complications did I face

Five years have passed since the operation, and things are far from going smoothly for me. In the morning I often wake up not from an alarm clock, but from a sharp burning sensation in the solar plexus. This condition happens for several days every three to four months.

Bile reflux – Mayo Clinic

One day I decided to find out what it was. To make it faster, I turned to a private clinic. There I underwent fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy, that is, they examined the stomach and duodenum using a special apparatus, and diagnosed me with duodeno-gastric reflux.

In this condition, bile from the duodenum is thrown into the stomach. The doctor explained that after the removal of the gallbladder, this happens. I paid 4,000 rubles for the procedure and consultation.

The doctor recommended taking No-Shpa in case of discomfort, drinking enzymes, eating more often, without taking long breaks between meals, and not going to bed for the first 20 minutes after eating.

/what-is-pancreatitis/

How much does it cost to cure pancreatitis

Burning does not happen every day, but from time to time. In addition to medicines, an infusion of flax seeds, drunk on an empty stomach, helps me from it. It pleasantly envelops the stomach. One bag of ground plant, which is enough for me for a very long time, costs about 200 R. My grandmother advised me this recipe.

At the same time I cook breakfast. When I have time, I cook porridge. In a hurry, I manage with ready-made cereals with milk. In general, I try to have a hearty breakfast and not take long breaks in eating. Otherwise hello, burning.

An infusion of flax seeds is easy to prepare: pour a teaspoon of ground seeds into a glass of warm water and stir thoroughly for 5-7 minutes My breakfast, when there is time for it Results of EGD

I have no regrets about the fact that I had a cholecystectomy according to OMS. There is no guarantee that the operation will be better and without consequences in a private clinic. The human factor is always there. For a fee, such an operation in Moscow will cost an average of 60,000 R, in Lipetsk – 30,000 R.

My expenses started after the operation. First of all, I spend on enzymes, anti-nausea and antispasmodics. I want to live and eat fully, so this first aid kit is always with me – in case of emergency.

Also, as a routine diagnostic, on my own initiative, I do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity once a year to understand what is happening there. This year I did it for a fee, gave 1800 R.

1800 R

I paid for abdominal ultrasound

Life without a gallbladder costs me about R 3300 per year

Abdominal ultrasound

1800 P

Enzymes and other medications

1500 R

Remember

1. Inflammation of the gallbladder most often develops due to blockage of the bile ducts by stones. This is due to changes in the composition of bile, the main risk factors are: female gender, age over 40, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, excess fatty foods in the diet, rapid weight loss, taking certain medications, liver disease.