Gallbladder Surgery Complications

Complications from any surgery exist but with any medical problems the patient needs to outweigh the risks. The percentages are low and patients should talk to their medical care providers about any concerns.

Complications

Clip Slipping: The bile duct is clipped after the gallbladder has been removed. These clips help prevent bile from leaking. These clips can occasionally slip causing the bile to leak into the abdominal area. Clip slipping can cause pain, irritation and inflammation and needs medical attention to correct.

Bile Leak: After gallbladder removal bile can leak causing irritation to the small intestine or the pancreas. This leakage can cause severe pain. Bile leaking is also known as "dumping of bile" which can lead to jaundice and abdominal pain. Untreated or undiagnosed this condition can lead to pancreatitis.

Infection: When there is a break in the skin due to surgical incision there is an increased risk of infection. Signs of infection include red irritated skin around the incisions, abnormal drainage from the incision and or odor from the incision.

Injury: Injury is possible to the small intestines and other organs from the instruments used to remove the gallbladder. Damage can also be inflicted to the abdominal blood vessels including major vessels (hepatic artery) that carry blood from the heart to the liver.

Bile Duct Injury: Due to unsuitable visibility during laparoscopic removal the bile duct can become damaged which could require repair. Bile duct injury can lead to bile leaks or blockages.

General Anesthesia Risks: Risks to anesthesia include rapid increases in body temperatures, irregular heartbeats, difficulty breaking, increase or decrease to blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and even death.

Gallstones: During surgery it is possible for a gallstone to move into the bile duct causing a blockage and severe abdominal pain. While rare it's possible for gallstones to remain or fall into the abdominal cavity.

If you are experiencing any pain our side of the normal post surgery pain it is important that you contact your medical care provider and seek medical attention right away.

This guide is to serve as educational reference only and is not be used to replace your medical care providers treatment. These complications are considered rare but as with any type of surgery there are complications that need to be weighed against the relief of having the procedure done.

Source:

Dr. Sumaiya Khan: Gallbladder Surgery Complications

WebMd: Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones