Possible complications of gallbladder removal
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a common and safe procedure.
But as with any operation there are risks, including:
- blood clots or DVT – to reduce the risk your doctor might suggest wearing compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicines
- your wounds getting infected – the risk of infection is small and if it does happen it will usually be treated with antibiotics
- damage to internal organs or bile ducts (small tubes that connect the gallbladder to the liver) – the chance of this happening is small but if it does you may need further surgery
- bile leaking into your tummy – this is rare but if it happens you'll need another operation to drain the bile from your tummy
- gallstones left in your bile ducts or tummy – the chance of this happening is small but if it does you may have problems, such as pain and yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice), and you may need further treatment
Your chance of having problems depends on your age and general health. Your doctor will explain the risks to you in more detail.
Symptoms after gallbladder removal
After having your gallbladder removed, symptoms you may have include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- indigestion
- tummy pain
- diarrhoea
This is sometimes called post-cholecystectomy syndrome.
These symptoms usually improve soon after the operation, but contact your GP or care team if you continue to have them. You may need some tests and be given medicines to help.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have severe or worsening pain that does not go away
- pus is oozing from your wounds
- you have pain or swelling around your wounds or they are red and tender (redness may be difficult to see on brown or black skin)
- your skin or the whites of your eyes are yellow
- you have swelling, tenderness, throbbing or cramping pain in your leg
- your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
These symptoms could be signs of a problem, such as an infection or a blood clot.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have pain and swelling in your leg and:
- you're having difficulty breathing
- you have chest pains
This could be a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which needs to be treated immediately.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.