Gall bladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure that can be performed in a variety of ways. Typically it involves a surgical incision or a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Regardless of the method, all surgeries carry a risk of side effects that must be weighed by the patient before agreeing to intervention.
Bile Duct Injury
The bile duct is a structure that drains bile from the gallbladder into the digestive system; it is commonly injured during cholecystectomy, especially with the laparoscopic technique. Obstruction of bile flow can result in long-standing jaundice, infection of the bile duct and cirrhosis of the liver, according to a December 2008 article in the journal Surgical Clinics of North America. Most commonly, a patient with bile duct injury presents with jaundice after surgery which can necessitate more surgery to repair the problem.
Retained Stones
Gallbladder stones can recur even after surgery and are termed either retained, if found shortly after surgery, or recurrent, if found months or years later. Patients will present with sharp abdominal pain in the right upper portion of the abdomen with jaundice if this complication occurs. Removal with an endoscope is usually necessary to clear the stones, as explained in “Sabiston Textbook of Surgery.”
Bile Leak
Often a leakage of bile can occur at the site of surgery after cholecystectomy. The patient presents with right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills and this usually occurs within the first week after surgery. Typically, drainage of any collected abdominal fluid is done and followed by insertion of stents to stop the leak. This usually rules out any further surgery.
Blood Clot Formation
Surgery of any kind can result in blood clot formation, especially in the deep veins of the legs. This is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and causes localized pain, swelling and redness in affected individuals. Often these clots can dislodge and block an artery downstream, typically in the lungs. This is known as a pulmonary embolus (PE) which can result in decreased oxygenation of body tissues, chest pain and even death.
Infection
Any surgical procedure which involves cutting of the skin carries a chance of infection. The infection can range from inflammation of the superficial skin tissues to an infection of the deep tissues and organs of the abdomen; thus it can be dangerous. Close adherence to sterile technique and preventive antibiotics are the best measures employed to prevent infections in surgical patients.
Anesthetic Complications
Anytime a patient undergoes a surgical procedure, anesthesia is employed both for comfort and patient safety. Patients can sometimes have reactions to the medications employed including anaphylaxis, low blood pressure, altered heart rate and rhythm, and depressed digestive/urinary function that can persist days after surgery. In addition, a deadly syndrome known as malignant hyperthermia can result, characterized by high temperature, muscle rigidity and increased heart rate. Consultation with anesthesia providers before surgery is recommended.
About this Author
Saad Mohammad, M.D., is currently in the process of applying to residency anesthesiology. His first published research occurred in 2009 at the American Thoracic Society National Conference where a poster presentation was accepted and at the Bridgeport Symposium 2009. He began professionally writing in 2009 for Demand Studios as a freelance writer on issues in health and medicine.
