Procedure:
Removal of the gall bladder through a cut on the
right side of the abdomen.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which include:
(a) Deep bleeding in the abdominal cavity could
occur and this may need fluid replacement or
further surgery.
(b) Some stones may be found outside the gall
bladder in the ducts, which may need further
surgical treatment.
(c) Damage may occur to the bile ducts near the
liver and gall bladder with long term problems
with blockage.
(d) Difficulty passing urine after the operation and
may need a catheter passed into the bladder.
(e) Infections such as pus collections can occur in
the abdominal cavity. This may need surgical
drainage.
(f) In some people, healing of the wound may be
abnormal and the wound can be thickened and
red and the scar may be painful.
(g) A weakness can occur in the wound with the
development of a hernia.
(h) Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) may form and
cause bowel obstruction. This can be a short
term or a long term complication and may need
further surgery.
(i) Persistent intolerance to fatty foods may occur
after the procedure, which can cause loose
bowel motions (diarrhoea) and flatulence.
(j) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(k) Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest
infections, heart and lung complications and
thrombosis.