Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a balloon-like organ located just under the liver, and functions to collect, store and excrete bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Surgeons usually perform cholecystectomies to relieve pain and inflammation caused by stones in the gallbladder that block the drainage of bile from the gallbladder. According to the "Mont Reid Surgical Handbook," the majority of such operations are now laparoscopic, meaning that the surgeon makes small incisions and the surgery is performed with the aid of a camera.
Bile leak
When surgeons remove the gallbladder during cholecystectomy, they have to close off the ducts that connect the gallbladder to the intestine. That area of closure can develop a leak, allowing bile to spill into the abdomen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bile leaks are some of the more common complications of a cholecystectomy.
Bleeding
Any surgery can result in bleeding. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires multiple small incisions, any one of which can potentially bleed. While bleeding from any one of those sites is unlikely, according to "Introduction to Surgery" by David Levien, larger blood vessels that pass close to the gallbladder can cause more serious bleeding if accidentally damaged during the operation.
Injury to nearby structures
The gallbladder sits under the liver, very close to the stomach, pancreas and intestine. According to MayoClinic.com, surgeons may injure those nearby structures during cholecystectomy.
Infection
Any operation that requires a skin incision can potentially cause an infection. According to the "Mont Reid Surgical Handbook," infections are some of the more common side effects of cholecystectomy. Several potential sites can become infected following that operation. Any one of the multiple incision sites can develop an infection. In addition, more serious internal infections can result from bile leaks or damage to any of the internal organs.
References
- "Mont Reid Surgical Handbook"; Scott Berry; 1997
- Cleveland Clinic: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Mayo Clinic: Cholecystectomy
- "Introduction to Surgery"; David Levien; 1999
