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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Gallbladder surgery
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Gallbladder surgery

by 3zzz, Feb 13, 2006 12:00AM
I had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 7/2005 because of gallstones. I had severe pain. The surgery did not go well, the doctor said I had alot of scar tissue and it was the worse gallbaldder surgery he had ever done. I spent 3 days in the hospital.



About 1 1/2 months later I began to get the same pain that I had before the surgery. I went to the doctor and had several test done. Bloodwork, ultrasound, ERCP, MRI, CT Scan. I found out that the doctor left part of my gallbladder with a stone in it.



In 1/2006 I had to have open surgery with a cut from my breast to my belly button.



My question  - is it common for a doctor to leave part of the gallbladder in? If so what would be the reason for this?



Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 14, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to say without examining the records - also, I am not a surgeon, so my experience with this question is going to be limited.



The surgical procedure would depend on the amount of scar tissue, as well as the anatomy of the stone and gallbladder.  There may be situations where part of the gallbladder would have to be left in.



Another condition to consider would be Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.  This can lead to some of the symptoms you are describing.  A Sphincter of Oddi manometry done during an ERCP can be considered to evaluate this condition.



This option can be discussed with your personal physician.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_b
Member Comments (20)

by NickyIsHere123, Feb 14, 2006 12:00AM
To: OP
Hi, this sounds like he did not want to cut your main bile duct (perhaps he could not see well due to the inflammation and scar tissue), so he left half of it in there to avoid ....killing you maybe?!?!? I definately think this needs further investigation. Good Luck

by 3zzz, Feb 15, 2006 12:00AM
If anyone has had this happen, please let me know.

by 3zzz, Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
How long does a doctor have to dictate your records from surgery? My opperative report is not available from 7/1/05.

by bloat41, Feb 20, 2006 12:00AM
I am sorry to hear that you have had all these problems.  I had GB surgery 3 weeks ago and I am having lots of bloating, fullnes, lower rt rib pain, rt side pain at sight of gb removal.  the destintion makes me look 6 months pregnant.  i also have constipation.  None of these symptoms were present prior to surgery and now I had to go for a ct scan.  I want to know if this is common and if not what other steps i should take since my surgeon looks at me like I am crazy and my gp states that a lot of people have these syptoms.  Well I'm sorry I havent found a lot of people.  I have been on fortamet for glucose intolerant for 3 months and elavil for over a year.  my liver enzymes are elevated.  This is driving my nuts.  I wonder sometimes if it is stress that causes all of these problems and we should just give up or continue to find a physician that will listen to us that we know our bodies and what is not normal. I know this doesnt help but maybe you will take comfort in that you are not alone.

by canadiangirl2929, Feb 21, 2006 12:00AM
So I had my Gallblatter out in April of 2003 due to two stones and a major infection in the gallblatter. Now 3 years later I have developed almost the same symptoms. They started in july of this year and this past thursday underwent an ercp after three ultrasounds and mri's showed nothing. The first initial report said that I had sedement build up in my bile duct. I have yet to speak to my surgeon since about the full extent of the procedure and what was found, but I want to know if this is a regular occurance and why people are not informed of this prior to having the gallblatter removed. I havent been in this much pain since. It's horrible. I've lived off of a diet of percocets and morphine. This is not a good thing that's happening.

by kimtopia, Feb 22, 2006 12:00AM
First Bloat41.  I took Elavil a number of years ago for depression.  It made me gain weight like crazy.  I compared notes with a number of people & found they all experienced the gain.  It may not be all of your problem..but it isn't helping.  Try Lexapro for a while or ask your DR for something where weight gain isn't a side effect.



Second.  I had gallbladder removal surgery 2.5 weeks ago.  I'm having severe pains (can't take a deep breath when it's happening) after I eat always.. and if I sleep on my right side.  It's in my right rib area mid way & many times penetrates into my back.  About now I'm wondering why I had the damn surgery.  I'm about ready to cry.  I took two weeks off & today was my first day back at work.  I came home feeling terrible & then the pains started.  I'm so frustrated.  Then to make matters worse, during surgery they screwed up my IV causing the fluid to kick back into my right hand/arm.  Now I'm left with at least two clots.  One in my hand & one in my wrist.  The top of my right hand into my wrist & forearm are swollen & oh so tender.  Anyone have any helpful ideas for any of this.  Everyone said the lapro surgery "was so much easier" than the old way.  I honestly can't imagine that right now.  Thanks for listening.

by kimtopia, Feb 24, 2006 12:00AM
To: Bloat 41
Maybe since your 3 weeks out & I'm two weeks out from gall bladder surgery...we're just having "surgical complications" that are taking a toll.  I have to hope they will calm down soon.  Heck people used to be hospitalized for two weeks with that & then have another couple months to totally heal.  It may take 6-8 weeks for our bodies to recover from the invasive shock of the surgery itself.  Your not alone.  Our stories are identical (I was already on an antidepressant going in) up to the CAT Scan.  I'm not ready to deal with any more of those Dr's acting like I'm nuts & I don't want their damn tests.  I just want to recover.  Apparently it's going to take longer than I thought.  Please write again so I can know what they find in your CAT Scan & just to compare "stages of recovery" notes.  I thought I WAS nuts until I read your entry.  My God...there's tons of us.  And yes... why didn't they tell us what the trade off was?  Did they just start yanking out body parts to shut us up from our prior complaints?  Short sided view if it makes matters worse...

by betsyk, Mar 06, 2006 12:00AM
hi

i recently had my gallbladder out 1 week ago this coming Wednesday.  It was done laproscopically.  i was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this symptom?  I have a weight gain of 20lbs since my surgery!!  I have no real syptoms.  I still have a tiny bit of discomfort-nothing that even requires pain meds at all.  I do not have a post appt until Thursday but I am not sure if this normal.



Any input at all will be helpful

Betsy