They can also get into the bile duct, which connects the gallbladder with your intestines. You might also get gallstones if other people in your family had them. Doctors do not have a consistent way of preventing gallstones.
Your doctor will probably order a test called an ultrasound. It shows the inside of the body using sound waves. You are awake during the test, and it does not hurt. The HIDA scan uses an injection of dye to show how well your gallbladder and bile duct are working.
Taking the gallbladder out is usually the best way to treat gallbladder problems. You might get some relief from changing your diet. For example, eating less fat can help.
But gallstones rarely go away on their own. You might have heard about treatments to break up gallstones or make them melt away dissolve. Unfortunately, these do not usually work well.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal might be the right choice for you because it is the most common type of gallbladder surgery. It might not be an option if:. Ask your family doctor or other health care provider if this surgery is right for you. You should also talk with a surgeon who is trained and qualified to do laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. They can help you decide. You will need a full physical examination. You might need some tests to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. The surgeon who will do your laparoscopic gallbladder removal will talk with you about the risks and benefits of surgery.
Then you will sign a form saying you understand and agree to the operation. The exact instructions depend on your surgeon, but here are some common things to do. You will need someone to drive you home from surgery. You will also need someone to stay with you overnight. Ask your doctor or nurse how much help you might need. You will have general anesthesia for your laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
This means you are asleep during surgery. When surgery is finished, the surgeon closes your incisions with tiny stitches, staples, surgical tape or glue. These disappear as you heal, so the doctor does not need to remove them later. Once you are asleep, the surgeon makes an incision near your belly button and inserts a small device called a port.
The port creates an opening that your surgeon can use to fill the abdomen with gas. This creates space to do the operation. Next, they insert a small camera through the port.
The camera shows the surgery on a screen in the operating room. Once the surgeon can see clearly, they put in more ports to insert long, narrow instruments. Finally, they gently disconnect your gallbladder and take it out through one of the incisions. Most operations need 3 or 4 incisions, but some have more. Your surgeon might use a surgical robot to do your operation.
Your medical team will teach you how to clean your wounds and watch for infection. Your doctor may prescribe a liquid or bland diet for the first few days. Drink water throughout the day. Fiber is essential for good digestion after surgery, but limit your initial intake of the following:. Gallbladder removal is a last resort. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pain and complications from gallbladder disease by reducing the cholesterol and inflammation that can cause gallstones.
A diet lower in fat and higher in fiber, and full of fruits and vegetables, can also improve gallbladder health. Swap animal fats, fried foods, and oily packaged snacks for olive oil and other healthy fats. Limit or avoid sugar. Regular exercise can help your body reduce cholesterol and prevent gallstones from forming. Magnesium deficiency can increase your risk of developing gallstones. Eat magnesium-rich foods , including dark chocolate, spinach, nuts, seeds, and beans to improve gallbladder health.
A gallbladder cleanse usually refers to avoiding food for up to 12 hours, then drinking a liquid recipe like the following: 4 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice every 15 minutes for two hours. Apple cider vinegar and turmeric both have been shown to reduce inflammation. If you mix them with warm water you can enjoy them as a tea-like drink and may experience relief of your gallbladder symptoms. Some people find the menthol in peppermint tea to be soothing as well.
Some studies have shown the benefits of turmeric on gallstone formation. However, if you have gallstones, be careful how much turmeric you ingest. One study with 12 healthy participants showed 50 percent contraction of the gallbladder due to curcumin.
This increased contraction could cause pain. In addition to magnesium , choline plays a role in gallbladder health. According to the Harvard Health Letter , bile salts may be worth a try as well, especially if your liver has been producing thick bile. Bile acids also come in prescription strength.
Speak to a doctor or nutritionist about taking one or more of these supplements if you have gallstones or a blocked bile duct. Acupuncture may be of potential benefit to those with gallbladder disease. It most likely works by increasing the flow of bile while also reducing spasms and pain. Be sure to discuss these options with your healthcare provider before proceeding. Knowing how to identify and reduce symptoms, side effects, and complications before and after surgery may make for an easier experience.
How quickly you recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic or open surgery. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. However, each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled.
Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents Your Recovery How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Your Recovery After your surgery, you will likely feel weak and tired for several days after you return home.
For a laparoscopic surgery, most people can go back to work or their normal routine in 1 to 2 weeks. But it may take longer, depending on the type of work you do.
For an open surgery, it will probably take 4 to 6 weeks before you get back to your normal routine. How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Try to walk each day. Start out by walking a little more than you did the day before. Gradually increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. For about 2 to 4 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
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