5 Long-Term Side Effects of Gallbladder Removal You Need to Know

Gallbladder removal surgery comes with some long-term complications that the patients should be aware of. From frequent pain to infection and digestive issues, the side effects can’t be just ignored. Knowing the long-term side effects of gallbladder removal surgery will help you prepare yourself well to cope with potential complications that you might experience years after the procedure.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Overview

Gallbladder diseases occur if your bile has too much cholesterol or bilirubin. This condition can lead the sufferers to have gallstones, acute inflammation, and bile duct stones. In many cases where the symptoms get worse, gallbladder removal surgery is often suggested. It can be either in the form of laparoscopic or open surgery. Both of the options come with their pros and cons.

Open surgery usually requires a longer period to recover, at least 2 months before the patients can fully go back to their routine. Meanwhile, laparoscopic surgery offers faster recovery. You can even go home on the same day after the procedure. With laparoscopic surgery, patients can expect to return to their daily routine within two weeks. Though the surgery to remove the gallbladder is considered very simple, you may get some discomfort without this tiny organ. The bile will move from your liver to your testiness directly. Also, some short- and long-term side effects of gallbladder removal are often associated with this procedure.

Gallbladder Removal Long-Term Side Effects

If you undergo gallbladder removal, here are some side effects that can happen to you in the future.

1. Digestive Issues

Gallbladder removal has a long-term side effect on your digestive system. Once the organ is removed, your body won’t have space to store bile released from the liver. In this way, the bile will go directly to the intestine. You can’t digest fatty foods effectively since the bile is not released soon after meals. As a result, you might suffer from diarrhea or vomit after eating fatty foods. This is due to the fact that your digestive system can’t work properly to digest the fats.

2. Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome

The post cholecystectomy syndrome is a medical condition found in 40% of patients that underwent gallbladder removal procedures. They often develop symptoms like having constant diarrhea. Not only that, but also people with this condition suffer from bloating and wind since the liver constantly releases bile. Some patients also report that they suffer from constant abdominal pain caused by surgical adhesions. Depending on the severe level, patients are suggested to adjust their diet and get drug treatment to ease the symptoms.

3. Cancer

Studies reveal that there is a connection between gallbladder removal and cancer risks. People with the removed gallbladder are known to have higher risks of colon cancer. This is thought to have something to do with the constant release of bile.

4. More Gallstones

Forming more gallstones also becomes one of the most common long-term side effects of gallbladder removal. This is because gallstones are possible to reoccur after the procedure. Not only that, but the discomfort caused by intense pain from stones forming will return. This condition can be solved by conducting a second surgery or using drugs.