Gallstones Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about gallstones
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What will happen if I don't have my gallstones removed?
- Will having my gallbladder removed affect how I can digest food?
- How much time will I have to spend off work after having my gallbladder removed?
What will happen if I don't have my gallstones removed?
Gallstones that aren't causing any symptoms usually don't need any treatment as they are unlikely to cause problems. However, if your gallstones are causing symptoms you should talk to your GP as you may require treatment. If these gallstones aren't removed, they can cause more serious problems in your gallbladder, bile duct and gut. You may have more frequent and severe attacks, and you're more likely to require open surgery to remove the gallstones in the future.
Explanation
Sometimes gallstones are found by chance during medical tests for other conditions. If they aren't causing you any symptoms, they can usually be left alone, as most won't go on to cause problems.
Symptoms of gallstones include pain in the abdomen (tummy), sweating, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of the eyes) and feeling sick or vomiting.
Studies have shown that delaying treatment for gallstones that are causing symptoms increases the risk of complications. These include infection or blockage of your digestive tract, acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis (inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas), cholangitis (infection of the bile duct) and perforation of the gallbladder. If you get any of these complications, you will need to go to hospital for treatment. If your gallstones are eventually removed (particularly if in an emergency), it's more likely that you will need to have open surgery which may involve a longer stay in hospital and longer recovery period.
Rarely, gallstones can increase in size to over 3cm, or the wall of the gallbladder itself can become hardened. The presence of chronic (long-term) gallstones within the bile duct is also associated with an increased risk of cancer of the bile duct, which is rare, but difficult to treat.
Sources
- Shaffer EA. The biliary system. www.gastroresource.com, accessed 1 July 2008
- Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:446-447
- Sanders G, Kingsnorth AN. Gallstones. BMJ 2007; 335:295-299. www.bmj.com
- Cheruvu CVN, Eyre-Brook IA. Consequences of prolonged wait before gallbladder surgery. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2002; 84:20-22. www.rcseng.ac.uk
- Khan SA, Davidson BR, Goldin R et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: consensus document. Gut 2002; 51(Suppl VI):vi1-vi9. www.gutjnl.com
Will having my gallbladder removed affect how I can digest food?
If you have developed gallstones, your gallbladder isn't functioning normally. It's rare that you will have any change in digestive function after having your gallbladder removed. Many people have diarrhoea after having their gallbladder removed. Your surgeon may advise you to increase the amount of fibre and to decrease the amount of fat in your diet.
Explanation
You can manage very well without a gallbladder and there are no specific diet restrictions. After you have had your gallbladder removed, bile will dribble continuously into your intestine rather than only being released after meals, as happens if your gallbladder is functioning. Usually, you don't have to stop eating particular foods after gallbladder surgery, but you might get increased flatulence (gas passed from your rectum), bloating or diarrhoea after meals for two to three weeks after gallbladder surgery.
Your surgeon may advise you to eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Fats in your diet can make you produce more bile and you will produce less if you eat a low-fat diet. Dietary fibre can offer protection from the constant dribble of bile into your intestine that follows gallbladder removal. Dietary fibre may also reduce symptoms of diarrhoea as it bulks up your bowel movements and makes them firmer. Sources of dietary fibre include brown rice, wholemeal bread and pasta. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you're increasing the amount of fibre you eat.
Contact your GP if you have any concerns regarding your diet after having your gallbladder removed.
Sources
- Personal communication, Miss Bryony Lovett, Consultant General Surgeon, Spire Hartswood Hospital, Brentwood, 24 September 2008
- Diet and gallbladder surgery. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 6 May 2008
How much time will I have to spend off work after having my gallbladder removed?
If you have had your gallbladder removed using keyhole surgery (a procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy), you will usually be fit enough to return to work two to three weeks after your operation. If you have had open surgery, your recovery time will be longer than with keyhole surgery and you will usually get back to your daily activities and work in three to five weeks.
Explanation
You will feel some pain after gallbladder surgery. You should start feeling better once you reach home, so contact your GP if the pain doesn't gradually start to go away during the week following your operation. Your surgeon or nurse will advise you as to when you can remove your dressings and wash or shower.
Gradually increase your level of activity during the week after your operation depending on how you feel. If you're taking medicines for any pain, you may not be able to drive. Ask your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure whether or not you can drive.
If you have had keyhole surgery, you may be allowed to return home on the same day, but usually it will be the day after your operation. You will usually be able to return to daily activities and work within two to three weeks after your operation. If your job involves manual labour or heavy lifting, you may need a bit more time away from work.
If you have had open surgery, your recovery time will be longer than with keyhole surgery. Open surgery is a major surgery which usually requires a one- or two-night stay in hospital followed by several more weeks at home to recover. You should be able to get back to your daily activities and return to work in around three to five weeks after your operation.
Contact your GP if you're unsure about the amount of activity you should be doing.
Further information
- Core (Digestive Disorders Foundation)
www.corecharity.org.uk
Sources
- Department for Work and Pensions. Return to work following elective procedures. www.dwp.gov.uk, accessed 11 June 2008
- McWhinnie D, Ellams J, Cahill J, Smith I. Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. British Association of Day Surgery. 2004. www.daysurgeryuk.org
- Having your gallbladder cancer operation. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 2 June 2008
- Personal communication, Miss Bryony Lovett, Consultant General Surgeon, Spire Hartswood Hospital, Brentwood, 24 September 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009
Gallstones factsheet
Visit the gallstones health factsheet for more information.
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