complications of surgery

On Monday, Sept 15, 2003, I underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.  After a short time in the recovery room I was sent home.  That evening went fine, however, on Tuesday 16th, I started experiencing stomach pain.  I was told to expect some pain on the second day so thought this was normal at first.  The pain then increased and after a call to the surgeon, he said to increase the Lortab I was taking and also take some ibuprofen.  We did this and the pain subsided some.  Then on Wednesday the pain increased dramatically.  After a phone call to the surgeon, we had an ambulance take me to the hospital because I was having trouble breathing from the pain.  The pain radiated from my pelvic bone all the way up to my breast bone.
Blood work was done that showed that my liver enzymes had quadrupled and my white blood cell count was up.  They gave me Demeral for the pain and put me on saline and and antibiotic.  On Friday my levels were pretty much normal again so they sent me home with a 5 day prescription of Levaquin for any infection I may have had.  Its Monday the 22nd now and I am still very bloated to where I can not where my everyday clothes and I still have some discomfort in the middle of my abdomen.  I don't have much of an appetite and when I do eat it is little and my stomach bloats even more.
Should I be concerned of a bile duct leak??  Or any other problems that could still be lingering?  I'm also afraid that once I stop taking the antibiotic that my symptoms may reappear.
Any suggestions????

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Biliary leakage is possible.  It is usually seen 2 to 10 days postcholecystectomy. Affected patients typically present with fever, abdominal pain, and/or ascites. Jaundice is usually mild. Leukocytosis and abnormal liver function tests are common; jaundice is usually mild.

Ultrasound or CT scan should be done to first evaluate any bile leak.  If there is evidence of bile leak, a HIDA scan can be done for further evaluation followed by an ERCP if there is documentation of a leak.

I would continue the antibiotics, and if not already performed, would consider an ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate for any leak.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Pixie1969too]

I'm sorry I can't really offer you any explanation or advice, but I just had to comment that I cannot believe they booted you out of the hospital so soon after having this surgery!  That is just completely awful...  I had mine out in 2001 and the general procedure was for me to stay there in a regular hospital room for 23 hours following the surgery.  The only stipulation was that if I needed to stay longer the Insurance company may not cover it..  I was in so much pain and couldn't breathe regularly for anything due to a spasm in my diaphragm; I was so angry I had to leave and that was after 23 hours!  What you had to go through was terrible - and it really seems you aren't getting the care you deserve.  I really hope you get to feeling better soon!

[MTV]

I share your pain.  Literally.  I had mine out laparascopically in April 2002, and have had nothing but pain eversince.  Pain and nausea in my stomach, pain in RUQ, bloating, IBS, you name it.  I have tons of tests, x-rays, bloodwork, to no avail.  No one can seem to find out what is wrong with me.  Funny thing is, these docs try to tell me it has nothing to do with having my gallbladder out.  That's funny, because I have never had problems like this until AFTER they took it out.  It is really frustrating.  Hang in there.