The side effects of gallbladder removal have been drastically reduced with the advent of innovative surgical technology. Laparascopic surgery, technically known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is less costly and far less invasive than traditional "open" cholecystectomies, which require a large vertical incision through the abdominal wall and muscles. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed as outpatient surgery with an anticipated overnight hospital stay. Patients generally feel better after laparoscopic procedures and experience shorter recovery periods, but side effects are to be expected.

Anesthesia Effects

People respond differently to drugs used for sedation during surgery. The most common side effects upon awakening from the procedure are grogginess, lack of muscle control or weakness, nausea, and vomiting. A sore throat and excessive thirst are also common. A headache and slightly elevated temperature can occur, but this is not cause for alarm.

Pain After Surgery

Patients will experience significant discomfort for the first few days of recovery. Internally, organs are shifted in order to remove the gallbladder. Some bruising could occur. During surgery, carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdominal cavity to inflate it. Inevitably, some of this gas remains inside the body and must be expelled. Bloating and abdominal discomfort from excess gas results. Breathing also may be painful. It is very important, however, to practice deep breathing after laparoscopic abdominal surgery to prevent lung complications.

Digestive Disturbances

Some of the same symptoms leading up to gallbladder removal may be prevalent after surgery. A diseased gallbladder has trouble digesting fats. This causes indigestion, cramping, constipation, and/or frequent trips to the bathroom with diarrhea. After the gallbladder has been removed, the pain may lessen or subside altogether. In some individuals, the other digestive side effects remain.

Infection

Infection is a rare side effect of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery performed on an outpatient basis. Sterilization of medical instruments and hand scrubbing as well as short hospital stays minimize exposure to bacteria and viruses. As an added precaution, patients are given intravenous antibiotics prior to the procedure.

Other Serious Side Effects

As with any surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomies are not without risk. One in five patients will suffer injuries to the common bile duct. Jaundice, fever and abnormal blood tests after surgery would indicate this serious side effect. Further surgery may be needed to repair the damage.

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