Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

[mountain333]

About 6 months ago I had a Lap. Cholecystectomy.  It immediately reduced my pain, but did not eliminate it.  Two weeks after the surgery I had a C.T. scan and the results of the C.T. scan described my diseased gallbladder in great detail.  I asked how they were able to describe a gallbladder that had been removed two weeks earlier and was brushed off.  After several months (with continued pain and badgering) they admitted that apparently only a portion of the gallbladder had been removed.

My question is - could this be the cause of my continuing problems and is it a common occurance that because of inflamation or whatever they are unsuccesful in removing the complete gallbladder.

I would be most appreciative of any answers.  Thanks in advance.  

[femmy29]

I just got home from the hospital yesterday after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery (removal of gall bladder).  They were able to get my gall bladder laparoscopically and they said it wasn't inflamed and didn't exhibit any wall thickness.  However, my surgeon said prior to the surgery that she may have to switch over to an open cholescystectomy if the gall bladder was infected or inflamed.  She never said that there was a possibility that only part of the gall bladder could be removed.  And I have never heard of any surgeries that left part of the gall bladder behind but that may be because I haven't read any surgical scenarios where only a portion of the gall bladder was removed.  I have been experiencing expectant pain from the incisions but I don't have any more symptoms of a gall bladder attack.  They took my gall bladder to pathology for testing of cancer.

As long as you still have part of the gall bladder intact, it is not out of the question to still be having symptoms.  Additionally, the gall bladder that is remaining could produce new gallstones that can cause more problems.  I would definitely get in touch with your surgeon and express your concerns and if needed schedule to have another surgery to remove the part of the gall bladder left behind.

femmy

[mountain333]

Thanks for your reply.  I appreciate it and hope that you do well in your recovery.

Merry Christmas

[TrishW63]

I had gall bladder surgery oct 20th.... I did not know till i did a follow up visit that part of the gall bladder was not removed... how long till your completely healed where your not getting pain.. yesterday was ok but today i been in alot of pain so wondering is this part of the healing? most days are tollerable again today i did not like