What are gallstones?

Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in your gallbladder. They are common and can run in families. The risk of developing gallstones increases as you get older and if you eat a diet rich in fat.

For some people gallstones can cause severe symptoms, with repeated attacks of abdominal pain being the most common.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that gallstones can cause.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

The gallstones can be left alone but this may lead to complications later. Surgery is suggested as it is the only dependable way to cure the condition.

It is possible to dissolve the stones or even shatter them into small pieces but these techniques involve unpleasant drugs that have side effects and a high failure rate, so they are rarely recommended.

Antibiotics can be used to treat any infection of your gallbladder. Eating a diet low in fat may help to prevent attacks of pain.

What will happen if I decide not to have the operation or the operation is delayed?

Your gallstones may not cause any symptoms. If you have already had symptoms, it is likely that these will continue from time to time. There is a small risk of life-threatening complications.

If you develop any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare team.

• Jaundice (yellow discolouration of the whites of the eyes, pale stools and dark urine).
• Constant, severe abdominal pain that does not get better after several hours.
• High temperature.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut on your upper abdomen, either a vertical cut on your midline or, more commonly, a cut just under your right ribcage.

Your surgeon will separate your gallbladder from your liver, and remove it.

How can I prepare myself for the operation?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you might need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials, medication or dye
• developing a hernia in the scar
• blood clot in your leg
• blood clot in your lung
• chest infection

Specific complications of this operation

• leaking of bile or stones
• retained stones in your common bile duct
• continued pain
• needing to go to the toilet more often
• inflammation of the lining of your abdomen
• bile duct injury
• bowel injury
• continued bowel paralysis (ileus), where your bowel stops working for more than a few days
• pancreatitis, if a stone moves into your common bile duct
• serious damage to your liver or its associated blood vessels
• tissues can join together in an abnormal way

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of the skin

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after 2 to 4 days.

You should be able to return to work after about 6 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

You should make a full recovery and be able to return to normal activities and eat a normal diet.

Summary

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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