How Long Does Your Stomach Stay Swollen After Gallbladder Surgery?

Patients contemplating gallbladder surgery have better outcomes when they take the time to research and learn about their procedure in advance. It’s not uncommon for gallbladder surgery patients to expect their symptoms to immediately disappear, not realizing that there’s a recovery phase for their bodies to adjust to the toll of surgery so they can function without a gallbladder.

Swelling is a common side effect of surgery. Bloating and stomach swelling are major symptoms patients undergo gallbladder surgery to alleviate. Here’s some info on how long stomach swelling lasts after gallbladder surgery.

Why Does Stomach Swelling Occur After Gallbladder Surgery?

Some mild swelling and bloating after gallbladder surgery are normal. The procedure requires surgical gas to fill the stomach cavity to make it large enough for the surgeon to perform the procedure. While every attempt is made to remove as much of this gas from the body at the end of the surgery, some air remains left inside. As a result, patients experience uncomfortable bloating in their stomachs.

It is normal for some swelling to occur right after gallbladder surgery. Although it’s an unpreventable effect of the procedure, it is temporary and completely manageable with the following recommendations. In most cases, most traces of swelling are gone within several weeks after surgery.

Dress for comfort –Avoid tight, thick clothing that restricts air circulation or physical movement. Surgical bloating is already uncomfortable enough without the added discomfort of wearing clothing that’s too tight for comfort.

Rest up and often – Your recovery is what you make of it. It’s critical for you to rest, especially during the first few days home. Fatigue and decreased energy levels are common from the blood loss and toll of gallbladder surgery.

Exercise and stay active – Fatigue and decreased energy levels are common right after any surgical procedure, so it’s important to rest as often as needed. However, it’s critical not to confuse getting proper rest as a means to neglect some light amount of physical activity.

Movement and exercise enable the body to function better and help hasten gallbladder surgery recovery. After the first 24 hours, patients should reintegrate some routine physical activity like short walks into their daily routine to boost blood circulation, prevent inflammation and infection, and help the muscle and skin tissues mend faster to minimize the risk of wound site injury.

Eat well and increase hydration – The body needs a balance of electrolytes, nutrients, vitamins, and fluids to function. Patients can resume their normal diets soon as they go home. However, some caution is advised due to the delicate and sensitive nature of the stomach/abdomen after surgery.

Patients should consume soft, bland foods and clear, non-carbonated fluids for the first 24 to 48 hours home before gradually reintroducing solid and more flavorful foods. They should follow all dietary recommendations provided by their surgeon as well.

Discuss all concerns with the surgeon – You’ll need to attend follow-up medical appointments to have your healing and recovery monitored to ensure no complications arise. During these appointments, expect to have your vitals taken and answer questions about your health and comfort, and undergo a visual inspection of the wound site. If necessary, precautionary recommendations may be provided.

Keep it light, avoid heavy items – Lifting items over 10 to 15 pounds during the first few days after gallbladder surgery is a no-no. The treatment area will be sore and tender for some time, and the added stress and weight of carrying items to your body weight can weaken and damage the surgical wound.

There’s a serious risk of your stitches breaking open, which can cause the wound to become exposed to germs and dirt and increase the risk of infection and complications. Some issues can cause the stomach to remain swollen, and most patients describe this as a tight, uncomfortable bloated feeling that comes and goes or lingers.

Take all prescribed medications as directed – Recovering from gallbladder surgery is no light feat. And whether performed utilizing conventional, laparoscopic, and minimally invasive practices or a robotic-assisted surgical system, there is some pain and discomfort involved during recovery.

Patients can minimize their discomfort and hasten their recovery by sticking to their medication schedules. Missed doses only prolong pain and discomfort, increase stress, and can negatively impact patient outcomes. Patients with pain management concerns should inform their surgeon to ensure their care needs are met.

Pain increases stress, a known reaction that dampens the body’s immunity and repair functions. Stress is also associated with poor eating habits and low moods and activity levels which can also trigger prolonged stomach bloating or swelling and infection of the gallbladder surgery site.

Use a gentle laxative to keep things moving – Surgery disrupts the function of bowels, and the effects of surgical and prescription medications make things sluggish. Patients should increase fluid and fiber intake and walk and stay active to maintain the ability to pass stool easily. Dehydration after surgery can lead to hard stools, hemorrhoids, flatulence, bloating, and constipation.

Complications of Gallbladder Surgery That May Arise With Stomach Swelling

Below are some warning signs patients should monitor themselves for and seek out immediate medical attention if necessary include:

• A fever of 101F or higher or one that lasts several days
• Surgical site oozes or weeps fluid
• Treatment area develops yellowish or greenish discharge
• Yellowish eyes or dark urine
• Increase in pain or fatigue

Swelling is common right after gallbladder surgery and may take longer than expected to go away for some individuals. If you’re worried about stomach swelling complications after gallbladder surgery, discuss them with your surgeon immediately.

Contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery today!