According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse about 500,000 people have gallbladder surgery, known as cholecystecotomy, each year in the U.S.
Gallbladder removal may cause diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe gas and blood clots. These side effects typically subside shortly after the surgical procedure.
Constipation
After aa cholecystecotomy bile can no longer be stored in the gallbladder and instead flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. Patients may experience temporary constipation immediately following gall bladder surgery. Difficulties associated with elimination are due primarily to anesthesia and post-operative pain medication.
Diarrhea
Unlike short-lived constipation, diarrhea may continue for many years after surgery. The Mayo Clinic found the development of diarrhea in as many as one in three people who underwent a cholecystecotomy, or as few as one out of 100.
The reason for the onset of diarrhea following removal of the gallbladder is unclear, but it may be due to an increase in bile acids entering the large intestine. The acids mimic the effects of a laxative.
Controlling Diarrhea
Consult your physician for diarrhea treatments, including anti-diarrheal medications and medicines that inhibit absorption of bile acids, such as aluminum hydroxide.
Limit dairy products, greasy foods, sweets and caffeine which exacerbate the condition.
Blood Clots
There is a risk of blood clots following gall bladder surgery. Preventive measures include wearing pressure stockings made with tight elastic to keep blood from collecting in the legs and causing clots.
For added protection, patients may be fitted with pneumatic boots or leggings placed over pressure stockings and connected to an air pump. The pump tightens and loosens different parts of the boot, helping push blood back up the heart.
