Answers
Why do I still have pain after gallbladder removal?
Short answer
Most people feel well after their gallbladder is removed. Some continue to have pain, indigestion or loose motions. Causes include a stone left behind in the bile duct, a bile leak soon after surgery, bile-related loose motions, or a separate problem such as acidity or IBS. Tests find the cause, and most are treatable.
Common causes
- A stone left in or slipped into the bile duct, causing pain, jaundice or pancreatitis
- A bile leak or bile duct injury in the first days or weeks after surgery
- Loose motions after fatty meals, as bile flows into the gut continuously
- Acidity, gastritis or IBS that was there all along
- Less often, a problem with the muscle at the end of the bile duct
Tests that help
Liver blood tests and an ultrasound are the first steps. MRCP or EUS looks for stones in the bile duct. An endoscopy checks for ulcers and gastritis.
Treatment
- Stones in the bile duct are removed by ERCP
- Bile leaks are treated with an ERCP stent, which lets the leak heal
- Loose motions often improve with smaller, lower-fat meals; medicines that bind bile help some people
- Acidity and IBS are treated in the usual way
When to see a doctor urgently
After gallbladder surgery, see a doctor the same day for yellow eyes, fever, severe or worsening belly pain, a swollen belly, or bile-coloured fluid from the wounds. Call 112 in an emergency.
Diet after gallbladder removal
Eat more
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Fibre from vegetables, fruits, oats and isabgol, which can firm loose stools
- Lean protein: dal, curd, paneer, eggs, fish
Cut down
- Large, fatty or fried meals at one sitting
- Very spicy food if it brings on loose motions
- Too much tea, coffee and sugary drinks
Good to know
- A fat-free diet is not needed for life. Most people eat normally within a few weeks.
- Keep a short food and symptom diary if loose motions continue.
Common questions
Do I have to avoid ghee and oil forever?
No. Moderate amounts are fine. Very large fatty meals may cause loose motions in some people, so spread fat across the day.
Why do I get loose motions after eating?
Without the gallbladder, bile flows continuously into the gut, and in some people this speeds up the bowel. It often improves with time, diet and, if needed, medicines that bind bile.
Can stones form again after the gallbladder is removed?
Rarely, stones can form in the bile duct. Pain with jaundice or fever after surgery should be checked with blood tests and a scan.