After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: What to Expect
After the surgery, most patients recover quickly and can return to normal life in a few weeks. Here’s what to expect:
Immediately After Surgery
Hospital Stay: Most people can go home the same day (day case), though some may stay overnight, especially if there were any complications or if they are feeling unwell.
Eating and Drinking: You can usually start drinking liquids a few hours after surgery. A light meal can be consumed later the same day. Gradually reintroduce solid food, but it’s advisable to avoid fatty, greasy foods for a few days.
Pain and Discomfort
Incision Pain: You may experience some soreness at the incision sites, which will improve over a few days. The stitches are dissolvable, and the dressings can be removed after about a week
Gas Pain: Some patients feel shoulder pain after surgery due to the gas used during the procedure. This should resolve within 24-48 hours
Returning to Normal Activity
Work and Daily Activities: Most people can resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. You may need to wait 4 weeks before engaging in more strenuous activities like heavy lifting
Exercise: Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to help prevent blood clots, but avoid intense exercise for at least two weeks
Full Recovery
Recovery Time: Full recovery typically takes about 2 weeks for most patients. If the surgeon had to switch to open surgery, recovery may take longer, usually around 4-6 weeks
Diet Changes
Initially, stick to light, low-fat meals to avoid upsetting your digestive system. Over time, you can resume a normal diet. Without a gallbladder, bile will drip continuously into your digestive system, and some people might experience loose stools temporarily.
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Follow-Up
Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to check the incisions and ensure you are healing properly. This may be 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
Signs to Watch For
While complications are rare, contact your doctor if you experience:
Fever or chills
Persistent pain or swelling around the incision sites
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Nausea or vomiting that doesn’t improve..
Most patients find that after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, their symptoms improve dramatically, and they can return to a normal lifestyle quite quickly.