Back Pain After Gallbladder Surgery

There Are Different Types Of Gallstones

Gallstones can range from the size of a tiny grain of sand to larger than a golf ball. Eighty percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones. The remaining twenty percent are called pigment gallstones. Cholesterol gallstones are nearly undetectable from surrounding fluids because their composition is nearly identical gallstones are composed of bile, which is high in cholesterol, and cholesterol gallstones are composed of this same bile. That is why someone with a high concentration of cholesterol gallstones can have an ultrasound and it will come out negative for gallstones or âliverstonesâ in the liver. Cholesterol gallstones, in our humble opinion, are the worst type of gallstones you may have because they are silent, obstructive and prevent the liver from performing all sorts of important functions. It is only when the liver has become too saturated with these cholesterol deposits, that the resulting ultrasound test may show a white mass that is commonly referred to as a âfatty liverâ deposits, but by then the condition will have been present for a long time.

Read On To Find Out How To Get Pain Relief Fast

Two things we hope to achieve:

We hope to first, dispel some of the myths surrounding gallbladder surgery, and second, to offer some solutions to those suffering from recurrent abdominal pain after their gallbladder surgery.

The number of gallbladder surgeries has skyrocketed over the last ten years.

The number of patients experiencing abdominal pain AFTER surgery has also increased.

When Should You Call For Help

anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out .
• You are short of breath.

or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are sick to your stomach and cannot drink fluids.
• You have pain that does not get better when you take your pain medicine.
• You cannot pass stools or gas.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
• Red streaks leading from the incision.
• Pus draining from the incision.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

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Staying Away From Aggravating Factors

To remain as healthy as possible after surgery, it is highly recommended to:

• Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of problems during and after surgery. Quitting smoking at least 3-6 weeks before surgery can significantly decrease the rates of complications related to the surgery. Without smoke cessation prior to surgery, the anesthesiologists face additional challenges to control respiratory function while under the anesthesia, fighting against lungs compromised by smoking. This might lead to an increased risk of anesthesia complications. More importantly, besides poor wound healing process, smoking impairs heart function and disturbs normal heart rhythms, therefore it substantially increases risk of cardiac arrest or heart attack while operating.
• Avoid unhealthy diets: To prevent blood sugar fluctuations before and after surgery, the patients need to refrain from consuming high sugar diet. Electrolyte drinks containing sodium should be limited as it results in a fluid buildup and swelling. Unhealthy diet, e.g. raw, uncooked and fermented food as well as alcoholic beverages must be avoided.
• Relieve stress and anxiety: Not only physical health, but mental health also plays an important role in a successful surgery. If there is any concern related to surgery including pain management, discuss thoroughly with the surgeon. It remains crucial to stay worry-free and manage stress efficiently while following all instructions suggested by the surgeon.

Managing Pain After Gallbladder Removal

Your surgeon will remove your gallbladder through small laparoscopic incisions or a larger open incision in your belly. It depends on your specific medical history, your general health, the reason for gallbladder removal, and the doctor you choose. Either way, gallbladder removalcholecystectomyis major surgery. Youll have pain after surgery, but it’s manageable. Pain after cholecystectomy is most significant at the beginning of your recovery and will lessen over time.

Here are ways to manage pain after gallbladder surgery.

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Know Your Medication Options

Different types of medicines can treat pain after gallbladder removal. This includes prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid painkillers like codeine, hydrocodone and morphine. Opioids are very effective for pain relief, but they can also cause nausea and constipation. Over-the-counter pain medicines are available as well. They include acetaminophen and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen .

Ask your doctor which pain medicines are right for you during your recovery. Ask about other options if you are not feeling enough relief or if side effects bother you. Knowing what to expect may help you feel better.

How Long Does It Take For Your Insides To Heal After Gallbladder Surgery

Recovering from laparoscopic cholecystectomy will take up to 6 weeks for most people. You may be back to most normal activities in a week or two, but it can take several weeks to return to your normal energy level. You may have some of these symptoms as you recover: Pain in your belly.

Can laparoscopic surgery cause back pain?

discomfort at the site of an incision. abdominal bloating. shoulder or back pain from any remaining carbon dioxide within the abdomen, which can irritate the diaphragm.

How long does it take for your liver to heal after gallbladder removal?

It can take 68 weeks to make a complete recovery from open surgery and return to normal activities.

What supplements should I take if I have no gallbladder?

It is also recommended to take bile salt supplements with taurine which can also help restore healthy bile formation. I also recommend betaine which is an amino acid created by choline that works in combination with glycine, another amino acid. It assists with the process of digesting fats along with the bile salts.

Does gallbladder removal cause liver problems?

In adults, the most common cause is primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease in which the ducts become inflamed, blocked, and scarred. Secondary biliary cirrhosis can happen after gallbladder surgery, if the ducts are inadvertently tied off or injured.

Is it normal to have shoulder pain after gallbladder surgery?

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What Are The Risks Of A Cholecystectomy

Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include:

• Injury to the tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine

• Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site

• A bulging of organ or tissue at the incision site

During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels.

You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Gallbladder Removal Surgery

The benefits of gallbladder removal surgery include:

• Helps to reduce your risk of death from gallstones
• Provides relief from severe pain
• Helps to reduce gallstone infections
• Helps to reduce gallbladder inflammation
• Reduces the number of gallstones that you have

The risks of gallbladder removal surgery include:

• The risk of gallbladder removal surgery is not covered by most health insurance plans.
• Gallbladder removal can cause serious complications.
• Not all people who have gallbladder removal surgery will need to have the gallbladder removed again in the future.
• Gallbladder removal can sometimes lead to a condition called bile duct cancer.
• Gallbladder removal surgery can sometimes lead to liver failure.
• Gallbladder removal surgery can result in a large gallstone.

The risks of gallbladder removal surgery are higher in people who:

• Have certain types of gallstones
• Have a history of gallstones

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What Is A Cholecystectomy

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver.

There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder:

• Open method. In this method, 1 cut about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision.

• Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery.

In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased. Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely.

Watch Out For Gallstones And Five Other Abdominal Emergencies

Gallstones are a common condition that can get worse if not managed. Having gallstones in your gallbladder can cause a considerable amount of pain in your abdomen and lower back areas. When are abdominal pains bad enough to require a visit to the ER? Lets start with gallstones and then add five other abdominal emergencies that warrant a trip to the emergency room.

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Digestive Issues Reappear After Surgery

Although this notion is very prevalent in todayâs medical professionals, the fact of the matter is that over half of people who had their gallbladder removed still had the same digestive problem they started with in the first place after their surgery. In other words, their gallbladder symptoms reappeared some time after.

Other symptoms associated with gallbladder removal that appeared after the gallbladder removal were also noted These ranged âfrom mild ill defined digestive symptoms to severe attacks of abdominal pain and jaundice,â flatulence, gastritis, esophagitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, upper abdominal pain , colicky lower-abdomen pain, trouble digesting fats, excessive weight gain , and in some cases weight loss.

What Happens During A Cholecystectomy

You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep .

Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process:

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Why Does My Back Hurt After Gallbladder Removal

This can be due to a variety of reasons, and can also lead to pain. If youre experiencing back pain after gallbladder surgery, and sphincter spasms are to blame, then you can get something called a sphincterotomy. This is when the surgeon removes the gallbladder sphincter. Once removed, your symptoms should go away.

What are reasons to get back pain after gallbladder surgery?

Digestive System Weakness: The most common cause is that the digestive system is temporarily weakened.

What are the long term effects of gallbladder removal?

People with their gallbladder removed are more prone to have colon cancer in the long run. This is the worst long term effect of gallbladder removal. Bile irritates the lines of intestine which can trigger the formation and production of cancer cells.

Stabbing Pain On Left Side After Gallbladder Removal

Why do I feel pain 5 weeks after gallbladder removal? Post-surgical pain is a crucial concern for many gallbladder removal patients. Every surgical approach has some grade of pain. Still, the discomfort with gallbladder removal is minimal.

Physicians may prescribe pain medicine following stabbing pain right side after gallbladder removal. Moreover, some patients present with shoulder pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery.

This transient discomfort originates from gas stranded in your stomach during the operation. Even so, severe pain and cramping are unusual. If you have these signs, reach your doctor as soon as possible.

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General Diet And Lifestyle Remedies

After I had my gallbladder removed, I had to change my eating habits to avoid unpleasant symptoms. Overeating spelled disaster for my strained liver, pancreas, and ducts. It is best to try to eat several small meals a day or eat smaller portions at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Going too long without eating is also bad as our bodies signal bile to be released at certain times of the day. Not eating can lead to bile acid diarrhea and intestinal discomfort.

Dont eat fast. Instead, chew your food thoroughly and take your time. This will benefit your entire digestive tract and organs so they dont have to work as hard. Your digestive system starts in your mouth where enzymes are released to start the digestion process. Taking the time to allow these enzymes to mix with your food is essential for proper and thorough digestion.

The juice of certain vegetables can do wonders for the liver and biliary system. Beets, apples, and ginger all support bile formation. Beets are probably the best vegetable for your liver as they contain important liver healing substances, including betaine, betalains, fiber, iron, betacyanin, folate, and betanin.

Other foods reported to protect the liver and increase bile production are bitter foods such as dandelion and mustard greens, radishes, artichokes, fruits high in vitamin c, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Other Foods That Trigger Gallbladder Attack

Chocolate, deep-fried foods and saturated animal fats, pork in general are also major culprits in spurring gallbladder attacks in both individuals with gallbladder and without it. Since the gallbladder is no longer there, the body looses the ability to fully digest any fat containing foods including those derived from vegetables such as vegetable oils and even avocadoes, which are high in fat.

Another factor that increases the risk of developing gallstones is excessive protein consumption, especially those that are derived from animal products such as meats and dairy products. Excess protein within body causes LDL cholesterol in the blood to increase over time.

Other foods to avoid are cauliflower, spicy foods, eggs, and oranges, among other foods. Do not forget about environmental toxins such as: fluoride, chlorine, monosodium glutamate, alcohol, hydrogenated oils and the processed foods that contain them. They all overburden the liver.

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Mid Right Back Pain After Gallbladder Removal

roxanne44666

Hi, I recently had my gallbladder removed on Jan 11th and about a week later right when I thought I was healing, the right side of my bad by the shoulder blade began to hurt like crazy I am in constant pain. I tend to ice it at times and rotate ans heat it. Nothing seems to help. My Dr said it will heal In time but I don’t believe that due to me reading some stories online from other people who are experiencing the same pain even year later. Please help….I would like to hear stories or what has helped your pain go away. Thank you

2 likes, 14 replies

Where Can You Have Gallbladder Surgery

Dr. Abtin Khosravi is our residential laparoscopic gallbladder specialist at Ocrobotics Surgery. Booking an appointment with us connects you to a brilliant surgeon and the latest surgical technology. We use the latest, minimally invasive surgical techniques to speed up recovery and let you resume your life quickly. Call us at for a consultation or book your laparoscopic cholecystectomy today!

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Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery after a cholecystectomy can be hard. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed. For example, recovery is much faster for a simple cholecystectomy compared to a radical cholecystectomy .

The recovery process may also vary depending on the reason for your gallbladder surgery. For example, if you had surgery due to gallstones, the recovery process of regaining your strength and getting back to a normal diet may be challenging. But if you had gallbladder surgery due to cancer or other chronic conditions, there may be quite a long road to recovery.

Recovery times are also different for a minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery vs. an open surgery . After minimally invasive surgery, a person is often discharged the same day or the following day. The hospital stay after open surgery is two to four days longer, and overall recovery takes longer as well.

You can go up and down stairs on the day of your surgery. The next day, you may take your bandages off and take a shower.

You can expect to feel a little better each day after going home. If not, consult with your healthcare provider.

The first few days after you return home:

24 to 48 hours after surgery:

• You may take your bandages off and shower if your healthcare provider gives you the OK to do so. Be sure to gently pat the incision dry .
• Avoid taking a bath for the first two weeks or until you have your healthcare providers approval.

One to two weeks after surgery:

Four to six weeks after surgery: