Gallbladder Surgery
What to expect after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and how to manage your recovery at home.
The first few days
Some abdominal discomfort, bloating and tiredness are normal after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Pain relief
Take your prescribed or recommended pain relief as required. Discomfort usually improves steadily over the first several days.
Shoulder-tip pain
Temporary shoulder-tip discomfort can occur from the gas used during laparoscopic surgery and usually settles quickly.
Eating after surgery
You can usually return to a normal diet after surgery.
Some people find smaller or lighter meals more comfortable during the first few days.
Digestion without a gallbladder
Most people digest food normally after gallbladder removal. Temporary bloating or looser bowel motions can occur in some patients and usually improve with time.
Looking after your wounds
Mild bruising, swelling and tenderness around the small incisions are normal.
Follow the dressing and wound-care instructions you were given when leaving hospital.
Contact the rooms if you develop increasing redness, discharge, swelling or worsening pain around a wound.
Activity & return to normal life
Walking
Gentle walking and normal daily movement are encouraged from the beginning.
Driving
You may drive once you can move comfortably, perform an emergency stop safely and are no longer taking medication that impairs driving.
Work
Return depends on how you feel and the physical demands of your job. Desk-based work can often be resumed relatively quickly.
Exercise
Increase activity progressively as comfort allows. More strenuous exercise can be reintroduced gradually.
Bowels
Pain medication, reduced activity and changes in eating can temporarily affect bowel function.
Constipation can occur, particularly if you are taking stronger pain medication. Keep well hydrated and use simple measures or medication recommended to you if needed.
Some patients experience temporary loose bowel motions after gallbladder removal.
When to seek medical advice
Contact the rooms or seek medical assessment if you develop:
Increasing or severe abdominal pain • persistent vomiting • fever or chills • jaundice • increasing abdominal swelling • significant wound redness or discharge
If you are severely unwell, attend an emergency department.
Follow-up
At your follow-up appointment we will review your recovery, wounds and pathology results, and discuss any ongoing symptoms or concerns.
Questions after your operation?
If you are unsure about your symptoms, wounds, diet or recovery, please contact the rooms.
Contact the rooms