Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States, according to the MayoClinic.com. Surgery is performed when the gallstones prevent the flow of bile into the small intestines. Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ that collects bile. During gallbladder surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen. A narrow tube-like instrument and a small a telescopic camera are then inserted into the openings. The surgeon then removes the gallbladder and any common bile ducts through one of the openings. As with all surgeries, complications can sometimes arise.
Bile Duct Injury
A serious complication associated with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is bile duct injury, according to the American College of Surgeons. Bile duct injury occurs when the surgeon accidentally scratches or cuts the bile duct or surrounding structures such as the liver or small intestine causing bile to leak into the abdominal cavity and possibly resulting in infection or organ failure. Symptoms of a bile duct injury may include jaundice, pain, breathing difficulties and in some cases death. In rare instances, a bile leak can poison the body and cause death. Treatment usually consists of additional surgeries to repair the injured bile duct.
Bleeding
A common complication associated with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is bleeding at the incision site, according to the MayoClinic.com. Minor bleeding following gallbladder surgery is to be expected, but bleeding that continues or worsens after a few days may signal internal bleeding or blood clots. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology states that severe bleeding or hemorrhaging can occur when the bile duct, liver or blood vessel is accidentally severed during surgery. The bleeding usually stops after a few days, but in severe cases emergency surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding.
Infection
People who have laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are at risk for infection. Infection can occur when bacteria that normally live on the surface of the skin enter the incision site during surgery. Once inside the body the bacteria can infect various parts of the body such as the abdomen. In addition, infection can occur when bacteria accumulates on the surgical instruments that are inserted into the body during surgery. Symptoms of infection include fever, severe pain, redness or swelling around the incision site, drainage and warmth around the incision, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Treatment typically consists of a combination of antibiotics and proper wound care.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstones
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons: Patient Information for Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal
- American College of Surgeons: Cholecystectomy
- Internet Journal of Anesthesiology: The Early Diagnosis and Treatment Of Acute Hemorrhagic Shock After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- MayoClinic.com: Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
