contact us | privacy policy
printer friendly

Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease - Surgery

From DrKoop's partner site on chronic pain, ChronicPainConnection.com

(Page 3)


  • When cholecystectomy is performed as elective surgery, the mortality rates are very low. (Even in the elderly, mortality rates are only between 0.7% to 2%.)
  • Emergency cholecystectomy carries a much higher mortality rate (as high 19% in ill elderly patients).

Long-Term Effects of Gallbladder Removal. Although removal of the gallbladder has not been known to cause any long-term adverse effects aside from occasional diarrhea, some researchers have been concerned about its long-term impact on the body's cholesterol levels.

One study found that within 3 days of the operation, levels of total cholesterol and LDL returned to their preoperative levels. After 3 years, however, some types of cholesterol not ordinarily associated with coronary artery disease had risen significantly. These results did not necessarily indicate any increased risk for coronary artery disease, but they did show that the metabolism of cholesterol by the liver had been altered. People who have had their gallbladders removed should have their cholesterol levels checked periodically, as should every adult. Short-term treatment with the cholesterol-lowering known as statins, such as pravastatin (Pravachol), appears to lower cholesterol levels in surgical patients.

What Type of Surgery is Right for You?

Laparoscopy

Open Cholecystectomy

Treatment of choice for most adult gallstone patients, with or without symptoms, who have electively chosen to have their gallbladders removed.

Patients who have had extensive previous abdominal surgery.

Most patients with acute cholecystitis not accompanied by infection or perforation. (Up to 30% will need to convert to open surgery, however, depending on the severity of the condition.)

Patients with complications of acute cholecystitis (empyema, gangrene, perforation of the gallbladder).

Patients with acalculous gallbladder disease (without stones) who choose to have surgery. (The procedure of choice if such patients have inflammation, however, is percutaneous cholecystostomy--a procedure that drains the gallbladder.)

Very elderly patients. (Those over 80 are likely to have lower complication rates from open cholecystectomy than laparoscopy, although laparoscopy may even be appropriate in these patients.)

Patients with residual gallbladder stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones.

Candidates when experienced surgeons are available:

  • Patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis that has subsided.
  • Severely obese patients
  • Patients with prior surgery in the upper abdomen.
  • Patients with severely infected gallbladders.
  • Pregnant women with symptomatic gallstones.

Seriously ill patients with acute cholecystitis who do not respond to fluid aspiration (percutaneous cholecystostomy).

Visit Our Health Centers

What's HOT

Find a Therapist

Powered by Psychology Today


PR Newswire





Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer

The drkoop.com URL and web site are not associated with C. Everett Koop, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States.

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on drkoop.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2004-2008. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.