Gallbladder Removal Surgery Complications

What Are Gallstones?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that collects and stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Unfortunately, our gallbladders do not always work right. When they fail to function properly and allow too much bile and cholesterol to accumulate, gallstones may form.  Gallstones are typically either made of cholesterol (Cholesterol Stones) or bile (Pigment Stones). Both forms can be very painful when they block a bile duct.

Gallstones do not go away on their own; however, sometimes they may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone becomes stuck in the wrong place and blocks the flow of bile, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• Sudden and intensifying pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in your right shoulder

The only way to remedy the pain is to remove the gall bladder entirely.

What Types of Gallbladder Surgery Are There?

There are two ways doctors may choose to perform a cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or open cholecystectomy.

What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed through a series of small incisions in the abdomen that allow surgeons to remove your gallbladder without making a large opening in your belly. This is a common medical procedure that can significantly reduce pain and recovery time due to its non-invasive nature. However, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not appropriate for all patients so be sure to consult a licensed medical professional about the factors associated with this procedure if you feel like you may need it.

What is Open Cholecystectomy?

An open cholecystectomy is when doctors use one large incision on your belly to remove your gallbladder. There are a serious of factors that affect a surgeon’s decision on how to operate so always consult a licensed medical professional if you feel you are suffering from issues with your gallbladder.

What Are the Complications Associated With a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common medical procedure, it can also result in more pain for many reasons. Some of the more serious complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy include injury to the common bile duct or other biliary structures and a perforated bowel.

If a doctor does not properly examine a patient’s medical history or identify the proper biliary and duct structures, they are putting their patient’s life in danger. A rare but serious complication associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an injury to the bile duct. This injury may result in serious liver damage and require additional surgery to fix.

Personal Injury Claims for Medical Negligence

If you or someone you know has experienced serious injuries as a result of gallbladder removal surgery, you may be entitled to legal compensation. To fully understand your rights, call (713) 932-0777 for a free case evaluation with a medical malpractice lawyer. Since 1979, Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury and Accident Lawyers, have helped individuals injured due to the negligence of others. Contact us today for more information on your medical malpractice claim at (713) 932-0777. We charge no attorney fees unless we make a recovery.