OT: Gallbladder removal

[sportsnut2006]

Anybody ever had their gallbladder removed? My brother got a ultra sound yesterday and today his Dr. called and told him to go see a surgeon Thursday.


So I just wanted to see how it was for anyone that had it done. Thanks

[Chevy Man 22]

Well there are 2 ways to do it either the old fashioned way or via the Laser procedure. My mom had the laser one a few years back and she was only in for one night and went home the next morning. The traditional surgery requires a 5-7 day stay at the hospital. No idea how they determine which one they do though.


Here is some info on both types that I found on google....




Cholecystectomy — gallbladder removal — is the most common elective abdominal operation in western nations. Before the procedure was perfected a century ago, the cholecystostomies performed only removed the stones — which came back. Researchers then realized they had to remove the stones plus their pouch, the gallbladder. In a classical cholecystectomy, the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a 5- to 8-inch incision. The duct from the liver is then attached directly to the small intestine. Afterwards, a steady trickle of less concentrated bile is sent to the small intestine. In most cases, life returns to normal.

Cholecystectomy costs from $6,000 to $10,000, and requires a five- to seven-day hospital stay. The patient needs about a month to fully recover. Considering the invasiveness of the procedure, and that symptoms are often intermittent or even nonexistent, it is not surprising that the operation is declining in popularity. In 1975, 600,000 cholecystectomies were performed in the United States; by 1989, the number had dropped to 475,000.


Laparoscopic Laser Cholecystectomy — A new surgical procedure, laparoscopic laser cholecystectomy (LLC, popularly known as "keyhole laser surgery"), is an alternative to conventional cholecystectomy. It is fast, effective, and far less invasive. A typical hospital stay is 36 hours or less, with return to normal activities within a week.

LLC requires four incisions: two half-inch-long cuts and two quarter-inch-long cuts. The laser energy is delivered along a tiny flexible quartz fiber through one of the larger openings, and is focused on a sapphire scalpel, which directly contacts the tissue. The scalpel channels the energy, minimizing damage to nearby tissue. A miniature TV camera is threaded through a tube called a laparoscope inserted in the second large hole. The two smaller holes permit entry of surgical instruments. The procedure can be performed by one or two surgeons.

Postoperative pain, if any, can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers rather than the narcotics often needed following traditional cholecystectomy.

[starscream's ghost]

when i was working at a gym, one of our members told me about having her gallbladder removed. she had gone to the hospital for pains and they kept telling her it was her heart. hours and tons of tests later, they finally caved and gave her an ultrasound. they said she had the option of surgery or not. she elected for surgery since she had wasted so much time there already. when she got out of surgery, they told her her gallbladder was on the verge of bursting. i'd warn your brother just to make sure he's got time to get the surgery set up

[nucksfan]

My dad and my sister both had theirs removed, both via laser treatment. They are fine and they both claim the procedure was very easy.

[sportsnut2006]

when i was working at a gym, one of our members told me about having her gallbladder removed. she had gone to the hospital for pains and they kept telling her it was her heart. hours and tons of tests later, they finally caved and gave her an ultrasound. they said she had the option of surgery or not. she elected for surgery since she had wasted so much time there already. when she got out of surgery, they told her her gallbladder was on the verge of bursting. i'd warn your brother just to make sure he's got time to get the surgery set up

Thanks for the info. He had been having the pain for about 2 weeks and finally went to the Drs monday. They told him to go get a ultra sound on Tuesday. So he went tue. and they told him they would have the results within 48 hours. So on Tuesday night the pain came back for about 3 hours. He called Wed. afternoon and asked if they had the results back and a the nurse told him the Dr. said to go to the surgeon but at that time the surgeon was closed so he is going to call right away in the morning. He has to work tomorrow so he probably wont see him till Friday but he really doesnt understand how serious it is. Thanks for the info.

[petenfld]

I had the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy done a few years ago
In and out of the hospital fairly quickly, but you are bloated for a few days from the gas they pump into your body
It does not seem to have the complications that an appendix has (I had that done too)
and recovery is fairly quick because the entry points are small

[Yzerman19c]

I had mine out at 5 pm on a saturday night by Laparoscopic Laser . I was released from hospital the next day at noon and was back to work the following Monday (off a week) . I only had to take 2 tylenol 3's for pain after leaving hospital as well

[Goalkeeper]

I had mine removed. Laser method. 3 small-ish scars which have faded over time.

I went home the next day but experienced lots of abdominal pain because of the gas. I was very uncomfortable but it's just significant discomfort, not pain.

Good luck!

[BOXMAN43]

I had mine removed a couple of years ago. Can't remember if I stayed overnight or not, had it done on a Thursday and played golf on Saturday. I had no problems at all. The only thing I remember prior to the surgery was the gawd awful pain when I had an attack, curled up in a fetal postion just telling my wife to shoot me. I had just unbelievable pain.

[mikedanger]

my brother had his removed a few years ago and for the 1st few months after the surgery he'd have to take a dump the second he ate something.

[grif32]

I have been having problems with my gallbladder. Well I think its my gallbladder. I get this intense pain under my right rib cage at night after I eat. Sometimes its so painful it brings me to tears. And other days it doesnt bother me at all. If I eat something spicy even mild spicy I have to run straight to the bathroom.

Its been doing this for a couple months. I probably should go see my DR. What problems did you guys have to make you get checked?

[stickboy]

I have been having problems with my gallbladder. Well I think its my gallbladder. I get this intense pain under my right rib cage at night after I eat. Sometimes its so painful it brings me to tears. And other days it doesnt bother me at all. If I eat something spicy even mild spicy I have to run straight to the bathroom.

Its been doing this for a couple months. I probably should go see my DR. What problems did you guys have to make you get checked?

Dude go to the doctor. I had the same thing with my galbladder. Hurt really bad for like 3 days then just went away thought nothing of it. Didn't go get it checked or anything. Then 6 months later super intense pain. Went to the Hospital to get it checked out and my galbladder had gangreen!!! I had it removed the old fashioned way and had to spend 8 days in the hospital. The freaky thing, They thought they could do the laproscopy so I went in the surgery not thinking anything of it. When i wok up I had a tube down my throat a catheder in my "you know what" and 8 staples in my stomach. Trust me just go get it checked an MRI is nothing compared to what you might have to go thru!!

[petenfld]

and I also remember they did not do the surgery right away
so I had to be off of alcohol and red meats for a few weeks

[grif32]

Dude go to the doctor. I had the same thing with my galbladder. Hurt really bad for like 3 days then just went away thought nothing of it. Didn't go get it checked or anything. Then 6 months later super intense pain. Went to the Hospital to get it checked out and my galbladder had gangreen!!! I had it removed the old fashioned way and had to spend 8 days in the hospital. The freaky thing, They thought they could do the laproscopy so I went in the surgery not thinking anything of it. When i wok up I had a tube down my throat a catheder in my "you know what" and 8 staples in my stomach. Trust me just go get it checked an MRI is nothing compared to what you might have to go thru!!

Yeah I have to get in to have it checked. I hate DR's. Gangreen?? Wow thats kind of nuts...

Edit: I just made an appointment for Monday at 4:00

[Kabong30]

I had mine taken out a few years ago. Laparoscopic surgery is the way to go! Took about a week to get back to 100%. Make sure that he gets the enzyme replacement stuff. I have some issues with grease, and some other random foods since the surgery. Ask if they'll let him keep his gallstones!!! I have mine, they look like two green jawbreakers:eek:

[bluemacaw2]

I have been having problems with my gallbladder. Well I think its my gallbladder. I get this intense pain under my right rib cage at night after I eat. Sometimes its so painful it brings me to tears. And other days it doesnt bother me at all. If I eat something spicy even mild spicy I have to run straight to the bathroom.

Its been doing this for a couple months. I probably should go see my DR. What problems did you guys have to make you get checked?


Sounds like me actually....but I think it was only heartburn....but then again I could be wrong........a couple days the past two weeks after I get ready to sleep I got this pain in my ribcage and mean it hurts so bad I can't sleep...even feel it all the way in my back area......so a heating pad helps and it goes away........had two pretty bad episodes past couple weeks......been trying to watch what I eat too but sometimes it seems like I don't even eat anything bad or spicey and I am getting these attacks........let me know what you find out cause I might have to make trip to doctors myself.

[rocky2428]

Had mine out a few years ago. As surgeries go, it's pretty routine. Like everyone else, I had more trouble with the gas for a few days than any real pain. No setbacks after about a week to heal.

Good luck!

[Yzerman19c]

I had mine taken out a few years ago. Laparoscopic surgery is the way to go! Took about a week to get back to 100%. Make sure that he gets the enzyme replacement stuff. I have some issues with grease, and some other random foods since the surgery. Ask if they'll let him keep his gallstones!!! I have mine, they look like two green jawbreakers:eek:


the way i was told was we are going to do it Laparoscopic but if we run into any problems all bets are off and we are cutting you open. thankfully that was not needed.

My family doctor met with me Friday afternoon told me if was confirmed gallstones(which of course i already knew) , called me on saturday at noon told me that the surgeon was working and i was to meet her at 2 . I got there she asked me what i had eaten that day and and that point i was hardly eating anything she said good your not going anywhere if i can round up the team your having surgery that day if not your staying until we do it . I had surgery 3 hours later

[NITEOWL]

I had some serious gallstones as well - had them removed in Denant Belgium - Laser surgery out of the hospital in 2 days - drinking and BBQing 2 days after that ! Easy Peesy Japaneesy !

[Yzerman19c]

Sounds like me actually....but I think it was only heartburn....but then again I could be wrong........a couple days the past two weeks after I get ready to sleep I got this pain in my ribcage and mean it hurts so bad I can't sleep...even feel it all the way in my back area......so a heating pad helps and it goes away........had two pretty bad episodes past couple weeks......been trying to watch what I eat too but sometimes it seems like I don't even eat anything bad or spicey and I am getting these attacks........let me know what you find out cause I might have to make trip to doctors myself.


Everytime i drank coffee i got heartburn(for months) so i just sucked it up by the time i realized it was gallstones i coud hardly eat anything without an attack for about 8 days i drank water and ate fruit and nothing else but what someone can eat is different with each person. your other symptons were similar to mine If i was you i would go to the doctor

[bluemacaw2]

Everytime i drank coffee i got heartburn(for months) so i just sucked it up by the time i realized it was gallstones i coud hardly eat anything without an attack for about 8 days i drank water and ate fruit and nothing else but what someone can eat is different with each person. your other symptons were similar to mine If i was you i would go to the doctor

hmmmm I've been trying not to eat right before bed...that is the biggest NO NO to do for anyone that has heartburn problems.......but Heck it seems like sometimes it just starts to get a slight pain later in the evening..hours after dinner....then when I do lay down...forget about it...then it really hits me.........I have been trying to figure out what foods are doing this to me no luck yet....but I have come to a conclusion its when I eat out.....so some hiden spiceys in the sauce? or foods....can't seem to pin point it.....but I do know when I get the pain it hurts so bad i almost went to hospital last time......felt like a freaking heart attack..........i even had to throw up the one time.....yeah I know you guys all wanted to read that one....haha :p

[Yzerman19c]

hmmmm I've been trying not to eat right before bed...that is the biggest NO NO to do for anyone that has heartburn problems.......but Heck it seems like sometimes it just starts to get a slight pain later in the evening..hours after dinner....then when I do lay down...forget about it...then it really hits me.........I have been trying to figure out what foods are doing this to me no luck yet....but I have come to a conclusion its when I eat out.....so some hiden spiceys in the sauce? or foods....can't seem to pin point it.....but I do know when I get the pain it hurts so bad i almost went to hospital last time......felt like a freaking heart attack..........i even had to throw up the one time.....yeah I know you guys all wanted to read that one....haha :p

while i won't pretend to be a doctor .I did the the exact same thing as you thought it was heartburn was carefull to watch what i ate no late night eating. the first time i had to go to emerge with my gall bladder they told me that a gall bladder attack can mimick a heart attack for symptons . I wish i had known the symptons ahead of time it only gets worse and for me it was to the point were i couldn't eat anything except water and fruit in moderation. The surgery for me was a piece of cake compared to the gallbladder attacks

[NITEOWL]

It got the point with me were pukeing was the only way to get the pain to stop - I dont miss that at all - and the horrible pain in my back (upper right ride) I would get was horrible - Those GallStones sucked ass :mad:


hmmmm I've been trying not to eat right before bed...that is the biggest NO NO to do for anyone that has heartburn problems.......but Heck it seems like sometimes it just starts to get a slight pain later in the evening..hours after dinner....then when I do lay down...forget about it...then it really hits me.........I have been trying to figure out what foods are doing this to me no luck yet....but I have come to a conclusion its when I eat out.....so some hiden spiceys in the sauce? or foods....can't seem to pin point it.....but I do know when I get the pain it hurts so bad i almost went to hospital last time......felt like a freaking heart attack..........i even had to throw up the one time.....yeah I know you guys all wanted to read that one....haha :p

[bluemacaw2]

while i won't pretend to be a doctor .I did the the exact same thing as you thought it was heartburn was carefull to watch what i ate no late night eating. the first time i had to go to emerge with my gall bladder they told me that a gall bladder attack can mimick a heart attack for symptons . I wish i had known the symptons ahead of time it only gets worse and for me it was to the point were i couldn't eat anything except water and fruit in moderation. The surgery for me was a piece of cake compared to the gallbladder attacks


SOB I guess I better stop trying to convince myself that its nothing.

[bluemacaw2]

It got the point with me were pukeing was the only way to get the pain to stop - I dont miss that at all - and the horrible pain in my back (upper right ride) I would get was horrible - Those GallStones sucked ass :mad:

so it coud be stones or the actual Gallbladder itself then....boy I just can't wait to find out what it is with me :(

[grif32]

Did you guys break out right were the pain is? My chest since the pain in my right upper rig cage has broken out with pimple's. I dont ever get pimples and NEVER had them on my chest. I just figured they went hand and hand somehow.

I am 100% its stones and they are probably going to remove my gallbladder. Do you guys still have pain even after the surgery? I keep reading you could still get the pain.

I have put on about 10 pounds in 2 months as well with the pain which is not normal for me. So I know something is wrong.

Thanks for any input

[grif32]

so it coud be stones or the actual Gallbladder itself then....boy I just can't wait to find out what it is with me :(

This is probably the best website I could find about it.

http://www.gallbladderattack.com/

[Yzerman19c]

so it coud be stones or the actual Gallbladder itself then....boy I just can't wait to find out what it is with me :(

My surgeon told me years ago they use to just remove the gallstones and not the gall bladder and of course the gall stones produced by the gall bladder would reappear so once they convinced themselves that the gall bladder really did very litte for you they starting removing it.

[Yzerman19c]

Did you guys break out right were the pain is? My chest since the pain in my right upper rig cage has broken out with pimple's. I dont ever get pimples and NEVER had them on my chest. I just figured they went hand and hand somehow.

I am 100% its stones and they are probably going to remove my gallbladder. Do you guys still have pain even after the surgery? I keep reading you could still get the pain.

I have put on about 10 pounds in 2 months as well with the pain which is not normal for me. So I know something is wrong.

Thanks for any input

I did not have that symptom. I do not have any pain after surgery but 2 people i know have what they call phantom pains now and then

[bluemacaw2]

Did you guys break out right were the pain is? My chest since the pain in my right upper rig cage has broken out with pimple's. I dont ever get pimples and NEVER had them on my chest. I just figured they went hand and hand somehow.

I am 100% its stones and they are probably going to remove my gallbladder. Do you guys still have pain even after the surgery? I keep reading you could still get the pain.

I have put on about 10 pounds in 2 months as well with the pain which is not normal for me. So I know something is wrong.

Thanks for any input

As of now I've never gotten that symptom....Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[grif32]

My surgeon told me years ago they use to just remove the gallstones and not the gall bladder and of course the gall stones produced by the gall bladder would reappear so once they convinced themselves that the gall bladder really did very litte for you they starting removing it.

I thought the Gall Bladder was something that you needed to help break down fatty foods. The bile in the Gall Bladder helps do this.

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?

[mikedanger]

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?

my brother sure does...it took him a little while to adjust his diet but he got it figured out...

[petenfld]

Sounds like me actually....but I think it was only heartburn....but then again I could be wrong........a couple days the past two weeks after I get ready to sleep I got this pain in my ribcage and mean it hurts so bad I can't sleep...even feel it all the way in my back area......so a heating pad helps and it goes away........had two pretty bad episodes past couple weeks......been trying to watch what I eat too but sometimes it seems like I don't even eat anything bad or spicey and I am getting these attacks........let me know what you find out cause I might have to make trip to doctors myself.

Sounds more like kidney stones if it's really intense pain in the areas you describe
It almost feels like a backache but nothing resolves it

[petenfld]

I thought the Gall Bladder was something that you needed to help break down fatty foods. The bile in the Gall Bladder helps do this.

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?

You produce bile when you eat greasy foods and the gall bladder stores the excess
Sometimes, i have to go multple times after greasy food and it's with the urgency of diarhea

[stickboy]

I thought the Gall Bladder was something that you needed to help break down fatty foods. The bile in the Gall Bladder helps do this.

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?


I eat exactly the same things now that i did before. Super spicy mexican asian you name it. I didn't adjust my diet at all.

[grif32]

my brother sure does...it took him a little while to adjust his diet but he got it figured out...

Thats what I figured since your means of breaking down greasy foods is basically gone now. I guess it would be a good thing to stop eating that crap anyway...

[Kabong30]

I thought the Gall Bladder was something that you needed to help break down fatty foods. The bile in the Gall Bladder helps do this.

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?

Yup.

[DevilsBrew]

Had mine done on a Thursday morning was home by 4pm and back on the ice playing mens league the following Thursday Didn"t even miss a game It was a snap but I did have some noisy bowels for the day after the procedure:p

[madden821]

My wife had hers out about 6 years ago. Went in at 9 am and went home about 3:00. She was out of work about a week and I had to help her get up out off chairs and stuff for a while but it wasn't too bad.

[NITEOWL]

I was told that 90% of the time it is the stones - they block the gull bladder and the bile thats in there makes it enflamed wich in turn makes you feel like chit - Dont worry bro - I never had surgery in my life till that moment and I was pretty nervous about it - not to mention the fact that I was in a whole different country :eek: - I was just glad I woke up and still had my Kidneys :D

so it coud be stones or the actual Gallbladder itself then....boy I just can't wait to find out what it is with me :(

[NITEOWL]

Never had a break out or anything - just alot of ralphing and pain in my lower right abdomen and in my back - better go get yourself checked out bro !


Did you guys break out right were the pain is? My chest since the pain in my right upper rig cage has broken out with pimple's. I dont ever get pimples and NEVER had them on my chest. I just figured they went hand and hand somehow.

I am 100% its stones and they are probably going to remove my gallbladder. Do you guys still have pain even after the surgery? I keep reading you could still get the pain.

I have put on about 10 pounds in 2 months as well with the pain which is not normal for me. So I know something is wrong.

Thanks for any input

[NITEOWL]

Same here - usually after a night of 12 or more beers - then a nice greasy breakfast ! :D

You produce bile when you eat greasy foods and the gall bladder stores the excess
Sometimes, i have to go multple times after greasy food and it's with the urgency of diarhea

[grif32]

Never had a break out or anything - just alot of ralphing and pain in my lower right abdomen and in my back - better go get yourself checked out bro !

Yeah after reading this thread I called today and made an appointment for Monday at 4.. I have been wanting to go I just hate the Dr's but its time to go.

[NITEOWL]

No worries bro - you will be fine.
Ruben

Yeah after reading this thread I called today and made an appointment for Monday at 4.. I have been wanting to go I just hate the Dr's but its time to go.

[316what]

my brother had his removed a few years ago and for the 1st few months after the surgery he'd have to take a dump the second he ate something.

I had mine taken out in 2004 and still get the emergency squirts when I eat really spicy and/or greasy food. Hot wings are the worst for me.:p

I thought the Gall Bladder was something that you needed to help break down fatty foods. The bile in the Gall Bladder helps do this.

People without Gall Bladders do you have to go to the bathroom right after eating greasy foods now?

It all depends on how your system adapts. My wife had her's removed and doesn't have a problem. Me on the other hand could do one of those "gotta go, gotta go, gotta go RIGHT NOW" commercials.

But let me tell you, I would much rather run the risk of crapping my pants than deal with that pain ever again.:eek::p

[grif32]

No worries bro - you will be fine.
Ruben

Thanks. I had my tonsils out and they timmed my dangly thing in my throat last year and that was by far the worst pain I have EVER had in my life. Lost 20 pounds and was out of work for 2 weeks. It was unreal.

Dr said its worse for adults. He told me he did a kids and the next day he was up and running. Not as an adult let me tell you.

If I have to get surgury it will be cake compared to that.

[sportsnut2006]

Well my brother called the surgeon and they told him to come in Monday, then his Dr. called him and asked when he was going in, the Dr. said no you need to get in right away. The Dr. called him back and said you can go see him tomorrow at 10:00 AM. The Dr. told him he has several stones and there is a large one that is trying to exit the Gallbadder and in if that happens he said they would have to remove part of is liver?

[Yzerman19c]

Well my brother called the surgeon and they told him to come in Monday, then his Dr. called him and asked when he was going in, the Dr. said no you need to get in right away. The Dr. called him back and said you can go see him tomorrow at 10:00 AM. The Dr. told him he has several stones and there is a large one that is trying to exit the Gallbadder and in if that happens he said they would have to remove part of is liver?


that is one of the major fears of gallstones is that they will travel its very serious

[sportsnut2006]

that is one of the major fears of gallstones is that they will travel its very serious

So, would you say that they will probably do the surgery tomorrow then?

[Yzerman19c]

So, would you say that they will probably do the surgery tomorrow then?

In my case that was there fear so i had surgery 3 hours after meeting the surgeon. Usually the medical process does not work that fast particulary in Canada and i can tell you I had no clue i was going to have surgery that day when i met the surgeon

[grif32]

Well I am going to get my ultrasound done Wed at 8:00.. Hopefully they can figure out my problem..

[bluemacaw2]

Well I am going to get my ultrasound done Wed at 8:00.. Hopefully they can figure out my problem..

how did it go?

[grif32]

how did it go?

No stones but now they can not figure out why I have the pain. I have all things pointing to stones but nothing.

going back today in 5 minutes for another check..