I am a 23-year-old male. My Gallbladder was removed 3 days ago(Tues. June 9, ‘09) due to Gallstones.
My surgeon never explained to me anything to expect after the operation nor anything to do with lacking a Gallbladder.
I go see my surgeon this coming Monday for a follow-up and to have the staples removed from my incisions I assume; so I’ll ask questions then, also.

What I am wondering is:

1.) What should I expect with having no Gallbladder?
2.) Will I have constant diarrhea? (I’ve read A LOT about this from people whom have had their Gallbladder removed)
3.) If #2 is true, will it be forever? & is it caused from the bile?
4.) Will Gallbladder removal shorten ones lifespan?
5.) I’ve recently came across an article that claims the risk of colon cancer rises slightly to those who have had their Gallbladder removed but they insist it should have no effect on your decision to have it removed. (Effects somewhere around 119 people out of 10,000). Should I be extremely concerned about this as I am?
6.) What foods/drinks should I certainly avoid?
7.) What foods/drinks should I consume a lot of?
8.) Are there any recommended medications I should take to *help* my body because of having no Gallbladder?

Sorry for the lengthy and answer-demanding post.

Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team.

The surgical procedure which involves the complete removal of the gallbladder is referred to as cholecystectomy. It is indicated for people who suffer from advanced biliary system. Cholecystectomy can effectively relieve patient of gallstones and gallbladder disease.

Like any surgical procedure, the removal of gallbladder has its share of possible complications. A quite common consequence of cholecystectomy is dysfunction in the digestive system which can result to some disorders linked to poor digestion. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile. It releases bile when needed to digest fat and fat soluble vitamins. Without the gallbladder to store bile and regulate its release, the bile flows continuously into the intestine even in the absence of food. There may be instances when the bile is not sufficient for normal absorption. In addition, the constant exposure of the small intestines to bile acid may irritate its lining.

Diarrhea is a quite common in post-cholecystectomy patients. The exact reason for this symptom is still unclear. It is thought that diarrhea is caused by the large amount of bile acids in the intestine which can stimulate bowel movement. Some patients experience diarrhea during the first few days after the surgery but this symptom can also last for a few years. Managing diarrhea will rely on your doctor’s evaluation. Medicines such as antidiarrheals and agents that can block the absorption of bile acid may be prescribed. Limiting the intake of foods that are known to aggravate diarrhea may also be recommended. Caffeine, high-fat foods and dairy products are among the common food items that may worsen gastric symptoms in general.

Other abdominal symptoms that may occur after gallbladder removal are collectively called post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Its most common symptoms are right-sided abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating and nausea. Between 5% and 40% post-cholecystectomy patients may experience this syndrome. To determine the cause of PCS, the doctor will obtain a detailed health history, perform physical examination and request for some diagnostic test. The diagnosis made before the gallbladder removal and surgical report are very important in establishing diagnosis. The treatment will be based on the underlying cause.
Some cases may be managed by drug therapy while there are also conditions which may require surgery.

There are studies linking cholecystectomy to increase risk for certain cancers. In one study, it was mentioned that cholelithiasis or the presence of gallstones has same degree of colon cancer risk as cholecystectomy. Talk to your doctor about this and ask him about preventive measures that you should take. Although cholecystectomy may increase the likelihood for cancer, there are still other factors to consider, these include health and family history, diet and physical activity.

I understand that your are concerned about the long term effects of galllbladder removal, but perhaps you should also look at the benefits of the procedure. Studies have shown a high percentage rate of overall symptomatic improvement from the surgical treatment. For now, I hope you could try to worry less and concentrate on your recovery. When you go back to your doctor, I hope that you could raise all the questions concerning your health.

This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you talk to your doctor regarding your condition.

References:
http://www.oncolink.org/resources/article.cfm?c=3&s=8&ss=23&id=12248&month=08&year=2005 accessed 15.6.09

http://gastroenterology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2007/803/1 accessed 15.6.09

http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v100/n8/full/ajg2005324a.html accessed 15.6.09

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1374560 accessed 15.6.09

Glasgow RE, Mulvihill SJ (2006). Treatment of gallstone disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1419–1442. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallbladder-removal/AN00067 accessed 15.6.09

Tags: cancr, cholecystectomy, colon cancer, gallbladder, gastric cancer, post-cholecystectomy syndrome, surgical complications

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