Surgical removal of the gallbladder is considered an extremely effective form of treatment for gallstones. In addition to an appropriate surgical procedure conducted by expert surgeon, postoperative care plays an essential role in a fast recovery and quick return to daily life while preserving patient’s quality of life in the long run. Show
Postoperative care after gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy)After gallbladder removal surgery, it is highly recommended to follow these advices:
Recovery at home after surgery
Diet modificationThe gallbladder is a small pouch located under the liver. Its main function is storing bile produced by the liver. Some people might be concerned about foods after having their gallbladders surgically removed. In fact, most patients who underwent cholecystectomy can live worry-free regarding their daily diet as the liver still produces adequate amount of bile which is necessary for the digestive process. Instead of having bile stored in the gallbladder, once your gallbladder is removed after cholecystectomy, the bile produced by the liver flows directly into the small intestine, allowing continued digestion of fats. Nevertheless, the amount of fat intake each meal profoundly affects the digestion process. Despite there is no standard diet that people should follow after gallbladder removal surgery, it is best to limit fatty and greasy foods. An excess fat can potentially cause fat indigestion manifested by dyspepsia, bloating and diarrhea, especially a few months after surgery. To maintain a good health after gallbladder surgery, it is vital to strictly follow these eating tips:
Being physically activeAfter surgery it is important to take an active role in the recovery phase. Preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation care will be conducted by rehabilitation specialists and multidisciplinary team aiming at improving patient’s quality of life while accelerating recovery to achieve a quick return to daily life and activities.
Practicing good sleep hygieneTo maintain a regular sleep routine after surgery, following these tips seems beneficial:
Staying away from aggravating factorsTo remain as healthy as possible after surgery, it is highly recommended to:
Abnormal signs and symptoms that need medical attention after surgeryIf any of these warning signs arise after surgery, immediate medical assistance must be sought:
The ERAS Program – An accelerator of rapid recovery after surgeryEnhanced Recovery after Surgery Program or ERAS refers to patient-centered, multidisciplinary team developed pathways for surgeries to reduce the patient’s surgical stress, promote early mobilization, re-establish oral feeding, optimize physiologic function and alleviate pain or discomfort. Conducted prior to, during and after surgery, the ultimate goal of ERAS is to achieve a fast recovery while minimizing pre- and postoperative complications. This significantly leads to a shorter hospital stay and a quick return to daily life and activities with a full range of motion. Supported by cutting-edge technology and appropriate surgical approaches, the ERAS Program is conducted by a multidisciplinary team, consisting of surgeons, rehabilitation and nutrition specialists, physiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists highly specialized in surgical care. As patient-centered approach, the ERAS Program has been designed to improve the recovery process throughout patient’s journey. The program starts from a full medical examination and assessment of medical conditions. In high-risk patients, e.g. elderly patients or patients with multiple underlying diseases that could affect the surgical outcome, surgical planning will be further discussed among different specialists in order to design the best possible procedure suitable for each individual. Pre-operative assessment will be conducted and relevant care, e.g. treatment of hematological problems such as anemia, nutrition support, quitting smoke, blood sugar control will apply, ensuring a physical fitness prior to surgery. Different exercises and pre-rehabilitation programs to strengthen the muscles will be introduced to each individual under close supervision of internal medicine and rehabilitation specialists. In addition, the pharmacist needs to review all current medications and supplements that might affect patient’s safety during surgery. To maintain a normal physiological function, fasting will be required as minimal as possible. Due to advanced technology in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become a gold standard among eligible cases. Cutting-edge technology used in LC involves the use of three-dimensional (3D) HD vision system and 4K ultra-high definition which provides detailed images of gallbladder and surrounding organs in all dimensions. Furthermore, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging technology can clearly view the boundary of lesion and adjacent organs during the operation, leading to less damages to the surrounding tissue. With smaller incisions, in comparison to conventional approach, LC results in less pain, fewer risks and postoperative complications, faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay. Concerning pain control and prevention of undesired effects after surgery, the anesthesiologist manages pain that widely varies from person to person by using multimodal analgesia while reducing side effects of anesthesia and morphine drugs. Moreover, other related issues, including nausea and vomiting induced by anesthesia, optimal body temperature and fluid administration will be efficiently managed by a multidisciplinary team. ERAS program also recommends early removal of urinary drainage to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Monitored and advised by nutrition specialists, early oral feeding should be applied as soon as possible, enabling an improved bowel movement. Postoperative immobility can potentially induce local venous stasis caused by accumulation of clotting factors, resulting in blood clot formation which is firmly associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis – blockage of a vein caused by blood clot (thrombus). Delayed mobilization has been also linked with impaired lung function and respiratory complications. ERAS program advocates early mobilization starting on the first day after surgery to counteract catabolic changes and maintain muscle strength. Prior to hospital discharge, postoperative instructions, including wound care and home medications will be given. It is important that the patients need to follow post-operative appointments as scheduled, enable the surgeon to monitor surgical outcome and check on recovery. For emergencies, patients can reach the hospital around-the-clock via given contact. ERAS program is considered a multimodal perioperative care pathway designed to achieve early recovery after surgical procedures. The key elements of ERAS are comprised of patient and family education, general health optimization prior to operation, pre-rehabilitation, minimal fasting, multimodal analgesia with appropriate use of opioids, early mobilization, early removal of urinary drainage, quick initiation of oral feeding and fast recovery. Apart from excellent surgical outcome with less postoperative complications, patient’s quality of life and a quick return to normal activities are taken into the consideration. What can I take to stop diarrhea after gallbladder removal?Treatments you and your doctor may consider for controlling your diarrhea after cholecystectomy include: Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) Medications that impair absorption of bile acids, such as cholestyramine.
Do probiotics help with diarrhea after gallbladder removal?The probiotic bacteria in yogurt may help to improve symptoms of diarrhea. 5 Supplementing your diet with high-fiber foods may also bring relief.
Why do I still have diarrhea after gallbladder removal?The cause of diarrhea after gallbladder removal isn't clear. Some experts believe that it results from an increase in bile, especially bile acids, entering the large intestine — which may act as a laxative.
Can having no gallbladder cause diarrhea?Postcholecystectomy Diarrhea
This problem results from the fact that without the gallbladder, there is nothing to regulate the amount of bile that passes into the small intestine. The resulting higher amount of bile can create stools that are watery and more frequent.
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