Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?Skip to the navigationYou may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?Get the factsYour options- Have surgery to remove your gallbladder.
- Don't have surgery. Wait and see if you have another
attack.
Key points to remember- If you feel comfortable managing mild and infrequent gallstone
attacks, and if your doctor thinks that you aren't likely to have serious
complications, it's okay not to have
surgery.
- Most doctors recommend surgery if you have had repeated
attacks. If you have had one attack of gallstone pain, you may want to wait to
see whether you have more.
- Surgery is the best way to prevent gallstone attacks. The
surgery is very common, so doctors have a lot of experience with it.
- Your body will work fine without a gallbladder. There may be
small changes in how you digest food, but you probably won't notice
them.
FAQs
Gallstones are stones made of
cholesterol and other things found in
bile. They form in the
gallbladder or bile duct. They may be as small as a
grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most people with
gallstones have no symptoms and don't need treatment.
Those who do have symptoms often have surgery to remove the gallbladder.
In people who do have symptoms, the most common one is pain in
the upper right area of your belly. Other symptoms
include nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually don't come back
after the gallbladder has been removed. If gallstones block a duct,
you may get
jaundice. Jaundice makes your skin and the whites of
your eyes yellow. It can also cause dark urine and light-colored stools.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common surgery done to remove the
gallbladder. The doctor inserts a lighted viewing instrument called a
laparoscope and surgical tools into your belly through several small cuts. This
type of surgery is very safe. People who have it usually recover enough in 7 to
10 days to go back to work or to their normal routine.
Open gallbladder surgery
involves taking the gallbladder out through one larger incision in your belly.
Open surgery may be done if laparoscopic surgery is not an option or when
problems are found during laparoscopic surgery. The hospital stay is longer
with open surgery. Stones in the bile duct If gallstones are found in the
common bile duct before or during surgery to remove
the gallbladder, a doctor may do a procedure called an
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram). This involves putting a tube called an
endoscope down your throat to your small intestine.
The doctor uses the scope to look for stones in the duct and remove them.
The
overall risk from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is very low. The most
serious risks include: - Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Injury to the
common bile duct.
- Injury to the small
intestine by one of the tools used during surgery.
Risks from open gallbladder surgery include: - Injury to the
common bile duct.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Injuries
to the liver, intestines, or major blood vessels in the
belly.
- Blood clots or
pneumonia related to the longer recovery period after
open surgery.
Both surgeries have the risks of general anesthesia. Postcholecystectomy syndrome After gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), a few
people have ongoing symptoms, such as belly pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
This is called
postcholecystectomy syndrome. These symptoms can be
treated with medicines. There is little risk in not having surgery if you have
only one mild attack. But if you have more than one painful attack, you're
likely to have more in the future. The risks of not treating
gallstones may include: - Unpredictable attacks of gallstone
pain.
- Episodes of inflammation or serious infection of the
gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.
- Jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the
common bile duct. Jaundice makes your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow.
It can also cause dark urine and light-colored stools.
About 1 out of 3 people with gallstones who have a single
attack of pain or other symptoms do not have symptoms again.footnote 1 That means that 2 out of 3 people do have another
attack. You may be able to prevent gallstone attacks if
you: - Stay close to a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
- Avoid rapid weight loss. When you lose
weight by dieting and then you gain weight back again, you increase your risk
of gallstones, especially if you are a woman. If you need to lose weight, do it
slowly and sensibly.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if: - You have repeated gallstone
attacks.
- The pain from the attacks is severe.
- You have
complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder
or the pancreas.
- You have an
impaired immune system.
Compare your options | |
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What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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Have gallbladder surgery
Have gallbladder surgery
- You are asleep during
surgery.
- You may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for
a day or two. If you have open surgery, your hospital stay will be
longer.
- You can return to your normal activities within a week to
10 days. If you have open surgery, it will take 4 to 6 weeks.
- Surgery gets rid of the
gallstones and usually keeps them from coming back.
- The surgery is
safe and is very common.
- All
surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. Your age and your health
also can affect your risk.
- Risk from laparoscopic surgery is very
low. Possible problems include injury to the
common bile duct or the small intestine.
- After surgery, a few people have ongoing symptoms, called
postcholecystectomy syndrome.
Don't have surgery
Don't have surgery
- You try to prevent another
attack by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to stay close to
a healthy weight.
- You avoid losing weight too quickly.
- You avoid any costs and risks
of surgery.
- You may have
more gallstone attacks.
- You may have episodes of inflammation or infection of the
gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.
- You may have
jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the
common bile duct.
I have had
a couple of gallbladder attacks over the past few years. They weren't too bad,
but I did take a sick day or two each time. Because I travel several times a
month for work, I have decided to have my gallbladder removed. That way I won't
have to worry about having an attack while I am away on business, possibly even
out of the country. When I was
pregnant, my doctor discovered that I have gallstones. We talked it over, and
it turns out that it's possible that the stomach pain I had a couple of years
ago might have been related to my gallstones. I haven't had any problems since
then, so we agreed to wait and see if I have another attack. If I do, we can do
some tests and find out if the pain is caused by the gallstones. I don't want
to have surgery if there is no need. My first
gallstone attack was pretty painful. I know I could handle another attack if it
happens, but I would just as soon have surgery and know that I won't have
another one. My gallbladder attacks have been pretty
mild so far, and I've only had two in the past 5 years. I'm not too concerned
about it. My doctor told me the signs of a more serious problem, so I feel
well-prepared for another one, if it happens. We agree that I don't need
surgery now. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have gallbladder surgery Reasons not to have gallbladder surgery The pain from my gallstone attacks is very bad. I have had one or more gallstone attacks, but they don't hurt much. More important Equally important More important The thought of having more attacks is worse than the thought of having surgery. I want to avoid surgery if I possibly can. More important Equally important More important I do a lot of traveling to places where I may not be able to get help if I have a serious attack. I'm never too far away from medical treatment. More important Equally important More important Cost is not an issue for me. I'm not sure I can afford to have surgery. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having gallbladder surgery NOT having gallbladder surgery Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewCredits | Author | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
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References Citations - Wang DQH, Afdhal NH (2010). Gallstone disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 9th ed., vol. 1 , pp. 1089-1120. Philadelphia: Saunders.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. - Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the FactsYour options- Have surgery to remove your gallbladder.
- Don't have surgery. Wait and see if you have another
attack.
Key points to remember- If you feel comfortable managing mild and infrequent gallstone
attacks, and if your doctor thinks that you aren't likely to have serious
complications, it's okay not to have
surgery.
- Most doctors recommend surgery if you have had repeated
attacks. If you have had one attack of gallstone pain, you may want to wait to
see whether you have more.
- Surgery is the best way to prevent gallstone attacks. The
surgery is very common, so doctors have a lot of experience with it.
- Your body will work fine without a gallbladder. There may be
small changes in how you digest food, but you probably won't notice
them.
FAQs What are gallstones?
Gallstones are stones made of
cholesterol and other things found in
bile. They form in the
gallbladder or bile duct. They may be as small as a
grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most people with
gallstones have no symptoms and don't need treatment.
Those who do have symptoms often have surgery to remove the gallbladder.
In people who do have symptoms, the most common one is pain in
the upper right area of your belly. Other symptoms
include nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually don't come back
after the gallbladder has been removed. If gallstones block a duct,
you may get
jaundice. Jaundice makes your skin and the whites of
your eyes yellow. It can also cause dark urine and light-colored stools. What is the surgery to remove the gallbladder?
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common surgery done to remove the
gallbladder. The doctor inserts a lighted viewing instrument called a
laparoscope and surgical tools into your belly through several small cuts. This
type of surgery is very safe. People who have it usually recover enough in 7 to
10 days to go back to work or to their normal routine.
Open gallbladder surgery
involves taking the gallbladder out through one larger incision in your belly.
Open surgery may be done if laparoscopic surgery is not an option or when
problems are found during laparoscopic surgery. The hospital stay is longer
with open surgery. Stones in the bile duct If gallstones are found in the
common bile duct before or during surgery to remove
the gallbladder, a doctor may do a procedure called an
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram). This involves putting a tube called an
endoscope down your throat to your small intestine.
The doctor uses the scope to look for stones in the duct and remove them.
What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?The
overall risk from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is very low. The most
serious risks include: - Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Injury to the
common bile duct.
- Injury to the small
intestine by one of the tools used during surgery.
Risks from open gallbladder surgery include: - Injury to the
common bile duct.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Injuries
to the liver, intestines, or major blood vessels in the
belly.
- Blood clots or
pneumonia related to the longer recovery period after
open surgery.
Both surgeries have the risks of general anesthesia. Postcholecystectomy syndrome After gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), a few
people have ongoing symptoms, such as belly pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
This is called
postcholecystectomy syndrome. These symptoms can be
treated with medicines. What are the risks of NOT having the gallbladder removed?There is little risk in not having surgery if you have
only one mild attack. But if you have more than one painful attack, you're
likely to have more in the future. The risks of not treating
gallstones may include: - Unpredictable attacks of gallstone
pain.
- Episodes of inflammation or serious infection of the
gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.
- Jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the
common bile duct. Jaundice makes your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow.
It can also cause dark urine and light-colored stools.
About 1 out of 3 people with gallstones who have a single
attack of pain or other symptoms do not have symptoms again.1 That means that 2 out of 3 people do have another
attack. If you decide against surgery, what can you do to prevent another attack?You may be able to prevent gallstone attacks if
you: - Stay close to a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
- Avoid rapid weight loss. When you lose
weight by dieting and then you gain weight back again, you increase your risk
of gallstones, especially if you are a woman. If you need to lose weight, do it
slowly and sensibly.
Why might your doctor recommend gallbladder surgery?Your doctor may recommend surgery if: - You have repeated gallstone
attacks.
- The pain from the attacks is severe.
- You have
complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder
or the pancreas.
- You have an
impaired immune system.
2. Compare your options| | Have gallbladder surgery
| Don't have surgery
|
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - You are asleep during
surgery.
- You may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for
a day or two. If you have open surgery, your hospital stay will be
longer.
- You can return to your normal activities within a week to
10 days. If you have open surgery, it will take 4 to 6 weeks.
| - You try to prevent another
attack by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to stay close to
a healthy weight.
- You avoid losing weight too quickly.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - Surgery gets rid of the
gallstones and usually keeps them from coming back.
- The surgery is
safe and is very common.
| - You avoid any costs and risks
of surgery.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - All
surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. Your age and your health
also can affect your risk.
- Risk from laparoscopic surgery is very
low. Possible problems include injury to the
common bile duct or the small intestine.
- After surgery, a few people have ongoing symptoms, called
postcholecystectomy syndrome.
| - You may have
more gallstone attacks.
- You may have episodes of inflammation or infection of the
gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.
- You may have
jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the
common bile duct.
|
|---|
Personal storiesPersonal stories about gallbladder surgery for gallstones
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I have had a couple of gallbladder attacks over the past few years. They weren't too bad, but I did take a sick day or two each time. Because I travel several times a month for work, I have decided to have my gallbladder removed. That way I won't have to worry about having an attack while I am away on business, possibly even out of the country." "When I was pregnant, my doctor discovered that I have gallstones. We talked it over, and it turns out that it's possible that the stomach pain I had a couple of years ago might have been related to my gallstones. I haven't had any problems since then, so we agreed to wait and see if I have another attack. If I do, we can do some tests and find out if the pain is caused by the gallstones. I don't want to have surgery if there is no need." "My first gallstone attack was pretty painful. I know I could handle another attack if it happens, but I would just as soon have surgery and know that I won't have another one." "My gallbladder attacks have been pretty mild so far, and I've only had two in the past 5 years. I'm not too concerned about it. My doctor told me the signs of a more serious problem, so I feel well-prepared for another one, if it happens. We agree that I don't need surgery now." 3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have gallbladder surgery Reasons not to have gallbladder surgery The pain from my gallstone attacks is very bad. I have had one or more gallstone attacks, but they don't hurt much. More important Equally important More important The thought of having more attacks is worse than the thought of having surgery. I want to avoid surgery if I possibly can. More important Equally important More important I do a lot of traveling to places where I may not be able to get help if I have a serious attack. I'm never too far away from medical treatment. More important Equally important More important Cost is not an issue for me. I'm not sure I can afford to have surgery. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having gallbladder surgery NOT having gallbladder surgery Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
It's all right not to choose surgery if I've only had one mild gallstone attack. You're right. It's okay not to have surgery if you feel you can manage mild and infrequent attacks and if your doctor thinks you're not likely to have serious problems. 2.
Having surgery is the best way to get rid of my gallstones. That's right. Surgery gets rid of the gallstones and usually keeps them from coming back. The surgery is safe and widely done. 3.
I could be putting my future health in danger if I have my gallbladder removed. Correct. Your body will work fine without a gallbladder. There may be small changes in how you digest food, but you probably won't notice them. Decide what's next1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Credits | By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|---|
References Citations - Wang DQH, Afdhal NH (2010). Gallstone disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 9th ed., vol. 1 , pp. 1089-1120. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of:
May 5, 2017 Wang DQH, Afdhal NH (2010). Gallstone disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 9th ed., vol. 1 , pp. 1089-1120. Philadelphia: Saunders. Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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