Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder stores liquid called bile. Bile helps your body digest fat. After surgery, your bile ducts will widen to hold the bile once held by your gallbladder. During the surgery, small incisions are made in your abdomen. Surgical tools and a small scope are inserted through the incisions. A scope is a flexible tube with a light and camera on the end.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider, surgeon, or gastroenterologist 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, or as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

What to eat:

Begin with clear liquids and slowly return to a normal diet as tolerated. Most people are able to eat a normal diet the day after surgery. Waste will pass through the bowel faster after surgery, so you may have diarrhea. Follow a low-fat diet for 4 to 6 weeks while your body learns to digest fat without a gallbladder. Eat lots of foods that are high in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Ask your primary healthcare provider how much liquid you should drink each day.

Return to work and other activities:

You may return to work or other activities as soon as your pain is controlled and you feel comfortable. For many people, this is 5 to 7 days after surgery.

Wound care:

Care for your surgical wounds as directed. Keep the wounds clean and dry. Ask when you can take a bath or shower.

Contact your primary healthcare provider, surgeon, or gastroenterologist if:

• You have a fever over 101°F (38°C) or chills.
  
  
• You have pain or nausea that is not relieved by medicine.
  
  
• You have redness and swelling around your incisions, or blood or pus coming from your incisions.
  
  
• You are constipated or have diarrhea.
  
  
• Your skin or eyes are yellow, or you have pale-colored bowel movements.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery, condition, or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You are not able to eat or drink, or you are urinating less or not at all.
  
  
• You cannot stop vomiting.
  
  
• Your vomit has blood or bile (yellowish-brown or green fluid) in it, or your bowel movements are dark.
  
  
• You have pain in your abdomen and it is swollen or hard.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.