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Is It Possible to Get Gallstones after Gallbladder Surgery?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

It is rare but possible to get gallstones after gallbladder surgery. Gallstones found after gallbladder surgery are usually left over from having a gallbladder but were not found and removed by the surgeon. In some cases, gallstones form in the bile duct, which is normally connected to the patient’s gallbladder. Unusual amounts of pain after surgery can be a sign of a serious problem, and a medical professional should be alerted. In general, however, gallbladder removal is a safe and highly effective surgery that usually prevents the return of gallstones and related pain.

Patients who continue to experience problems related to their removed gallbladder or the surgery have post cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). PCS is relatively common and refers to any negative side effect of gallbladder removal. A doctor can help narrow down the cause and administer treatment.

Bile duct stones can occur years after removal of the gallbladder.
Bile duct stones can occur years after removal of the gallbladder.

Gallstones after gallbladder surgery are uncommon, but sometimes a surgeon misses a stone during surgery. This solitary stone can continue to cause unpleasant symptoms in the patient until its removal. In some cases, a portion of the gallbladder is left in the patient, along with a missed stone. It is usually safe to leave part of a gallbladder inside a patient, but only if it is clear of stones and relatively small.

It is possible for a surgeon to miss a gallstone during gallbladder surgery.
It is possible for a surgeon to miss a gallstone during gallbladder surgery.

When a person continues to have gallstones after gallbladder surgery, bile duct stones are one of the first potential problems explored. Bile duct stones can occur months or even years after the removal of the gallbladder. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often used to remove such stones without surgery, which involves the patient swallowing a scope with an attached light. Even with this minimally invasive cure, the patient is usually asked to stay overnight at a hospital for observation.

A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.

Unusual pain in the stomach area should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible. It should not be assumed that a person has gallstones after gallbladder surgery. The pain could indicate potentially dangerous effects of the surgery, for example, injury to a vital organ. Infection and internal bleeding are also possible, but these complications of gallbladder removal are rare.

Patients who do not have their gallbladder removed are at risk for getting gallstones after having surgery.
Patients who do not have their gallbladder removed are at risk for getting gallstones after having surgery.

The gallbladder is not a vital organ, unlike the lungs, heart, and kidneys. It can be removed with mild consequences; for example, some people who undergo gallbladder surgery have diarrhea after eating certain kinds of food. In addition, surgeons can often perform keyhole surgery, which means they operate through a small hole rather than opening the patient further. Patients experience less pain and heal faster when this kind of surgery is used. After recovery, most people no longer experience problems with gallbladder stones.

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    • Bile duct stones can occur years after removal of the gallbladder.
      By: designua
      Bile duct stones can occur years after removal of the gallbladder.
    • It is possible for a surgeon to miss a gallstone during gallbladder surgery.
      By: Tyler Olson
      It is possible for a surgeon to miss a gallstone during gallbladder surgery.
    • A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
      By: Alila
      A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
    • Patients who do not have their gallbladder removed are at risk for getting gallstones after having surgery.
      By: roblan
      Patients who do not have their gallbladder removed are at risk for getting gallstones after having surgery.
    • An ultrasound can be used to investigate gallbladder problems.
      By: acherst
      An ultrasound can be used to investigate gallbladder problems.
    • Consuming peanuts on a regular basis may help prevent gallstones.
      By: lirtlon
      Consuming peanuts on a regular basis may help prevent gallstones.
    • Individuals who are overweight have a greater risk of developing gallbladder disease.
      By: konami11
      Individuals who are overweight have a greater risk of developing gallbladder disease.