I had my gallbladder removed over 12 years ago when Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was very new and most doctors’ experience was performing it on pigs. I was lucky to end up in the ER when a great doctor was available. He had done 11 humans. I felt reassured. Prior to that people needing their gallbladder removed had to undergo a pretty invasive surgical procedure that included a horizontal cut ranging from 4 to 8 inches. Recovery was very long and painful. My procedure was fast and I stayed at the hospital only 24 hours. I was ready to go back to work the next day. Recovery depends on each person. But I have heard from many who have had this procedure that with a couple of days of rest they were ready to go back to a normal routine.
What I did not know is that tiny stones sometimes escape the gallbladder during the procedure and are left behind unnoticed. I was among the lucky ones who seven years later had to be rushed to the ER because a couple of stone left from the original procedure were left behind and they grew to the point that they blocked that pancreatic duct causing me acute pancreatitis. I do not know what could have prevented that but I learned that if genetically you are programmed to make stones, then it is not unusual. Good luck!
Comment Reply
I had my gallbladder removed over 12 years ago when Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was very new and most doctors’ experience was performing it on pigs. I was lucky to end up in the ER when a great doctor was available. He had done 11 humans. I felt reassured. Prior to that people needing their gallbladder removed had to undergo a pretty invasive surgical procedure that included a horizontal cut ranging from 4 to 8 inches. Recovery was very long and painful. My procedure was fast and I stayed at the hospital only 24 hours. I was ready to go back to work the next day. Recovery depends on each person. But I have heard from many who have had this procedure that with a couple of days of rest they were ready to go back to a normal routine.
December 23, 2008 - 10:58pmWhat I did not know is that tiny stones sometimes escape the gallbladder during the procedure and are left behind unnoticed. I was among the lucky ones who seven years later had to be rushed to the ER because a couple of stone left from the original procedure were left behind and they grew to the point that they blocked that pancreatic duct causing me acute pancreatitis. I do not know what could have prevented that but I learned that if genetically you are programmed to make stones, then it is not unusual. Good luck!
This Comment
Reply