What to Expect After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure to remove a patient’s gallbladder.

A surgeon makes a few small incisions on the right side of a patient’s abdomen (belly). A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached to the end, is inserted through a single incision by the surgeon. 

The camera relays the images of the gallbladder to a screen. Following that, the gallbladder is removed through another small incision.

Patients who are recommended to undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery might have questions regarding their post-surgery condition.

Therefore, in this blog, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a laparoscopic gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, explains what patients can expect after their laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.

Returning Home

Patients can probably return home the same day as their surgery, or they may need to stay overnight in the hospital. Patients should be able to drink liquids before returning home.

Pain & Discomfort

Patients will experience some discomfort following surgery. It is common to experience pain at the incision sites and throughout the abdomen.

Patients may also experience shoulder pain due to the air injected into their abdomen during the operation. Shoulder pain should subside after 24 to 48 hours, says a surgical gastroenterologist in Kolkata.

Unless the doctor tells otherwise, patients can use non-prescription medications to relieve pain. They can also apply ice to the incisions. However, it is recommended that patients inquire with their physician regarding the proper use of ice.

To help patients cope with pain, a surgeon may prescribe a small amount of narcotic pain medication. While many people recover from surgery without requiring narcotic pain medication, some may need them for a few days.

Following surgery, patients may experience nausea and feel like vomiting. These are common symptoms of surgery and anesthesia. 

Patients should feel better after a day or two. If they continue to experience nausea after that, it is essential to inform a physician.

Activities

According to the laparoscopic gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, patients should maintain an active lifestyle as long as their health permits.

Walking is advised by physicians. On the day of surgery, patients may ascend and descend stairs. The following day, they may remove any bandages and shower.

Within a week of laparoscopic gallbladder removal, patients should be able to resume regular activity.

In 4–6 weeks, patients should be able to resume normal activities. 
If you have any queries regarding laparoscopic surgery, you can call at 8010552552 and consult Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a laparoscopic gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata.