Inflamed Gallbladder

[Beauport]

Hi all - I know quite a few of you have had surgery to remove your gallbladder. I suffer from cholecystitis, which is chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. When I have a flare-up the pain is horrendous. I've been debating the pros and cons of surgery and, after a particularly painful attack last night, have decided to go ahead and have the operation. My question is, is gallbladder removal more risky for people with cirrhosis, given that the two organs are so close to each other? I'd be most grateful to hear your views. Thank you so much in advance.

[Cats2018]

I don’t know if gallbladder surgery is more risky for people with cirrhosis, but I wanted to wish you the best. I’ll just tell you my experience. I have NASH stage 3 fibrosis and I just had emergency surgery for removal of my gallbladder on July 8th. I had 2 attacks within 2 days and you are right about it being very painful. In my case the gallbladder and pancreas were both inflamed. My liver enzymes which had been in normal range for months were elevated too. Diagnosis was Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis. The surgeon said that once the gallbladder was removed the inflammation in the pancreas would clear up and he suspected the liver enzymes would drop back to where they’d been prior to the gallbladder problem. He was right; 9 days after removal of the gallbladder my liver enzymes were back to normal and so was the lipase level for the pancreas. I hope that surgery will go well for you and that you’ll feel better soon!

[Beauport in reply to Cats2018]

That's so reassuring to know. I've been putting off the surgery, thinking that as it was several months since I had an attack, the condition may have cleared up. Then wham! - excruciating pain again. I'll try and get my liver checked out before surgery, and hopefully the two consultants involved will liaise ... but that hasn't been my experience hitherto! Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience.

[Hidden]

Hi

I don't know the answer to this cos I had mine out in October 85at the age of 20, it was open surgery do took longer to recover. I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the best for your coming surgery. Take care Lynne

[Beauport in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Lynne - I'll let you know how it goes xx

[Hidden]

Good afternoon,

It is really important that the surgeon who is to do your gall bladder operation is fully aware of your liver condition and has discussed it with your liver doctor. The drugs used in an anaesthetic are very strong and they all have to go through the liver putting extra strain on it.

regards

[Beauport in reply to Hidden]

My gallbladder consultant is - reassuringly - well aware of my cirrhosis and the risks involved. I'll make sure my gastro man is also in the loop. However, from past experience with a hip operation, the communication between hospital departments leaves much to be desired. Thank you for your advice.

[Cats2018]

Trust5 is right. I made certain my surgeon was aware that I have NASH & in my case was in a clinical trial related to the NASH. I have always shared all information between my primary care doctor and any specialists but now I make certain that every doctor I see shares everything with my liver specialist. The 1st call I made when admitted was to my Hepatologist to let her know I had been admitted to hospital for gallbladder surgery.

[Beauport in reply to Cats2018]

Thank you Cats. I will, of course, let my gastroenterologist know about my gallbladder surgery. But getting the two departments to communicate with each other is another matter! When I had my hip replacement op, there was a last minute panic because of my blood results and the op was very nearly cancelled. I had to liaise between the two departments myself, which was very stressful at the 11th hour! I'm guessing, from the ease with which you communicate with your specialists, that you don't live in the UK? Thank you for your help - much appreciated.

[Cats2018 in reply to Beauport]

Hi! You are correct that I don’t live in the UK. I am from Arizona, USA. My gastroenterologist actually referred me to the Hepatologist for a FibroScan after elevated liver enzymes on blood tests. With any other doctors I usually ask for copies of any blood test or other diagnostic tests or surgery results and I get them to my Hepatologist myself if necessary. In the case of my inpatient stay for the gallbladder surgery I signed documents authorizing release of the records to the Hepatologist.

Is it generally more difficult in the UK to do that type of thing? I can imagine how stressful it was for you at last minute attempting to prevent cancelation of your hip replacement surgery. I hope everything goes smoothly for you this time. I’ll keep following your progress! 😊

[Beauport in reply to Cats2018]

Thank you so much Cats. Yes, in my experience, here in the UK the patient is very much at the mercy of their specialists. It's extremely difficult to even get to speak on the phone to my gastro man. This time, when I have an appointment for my gallbladder surgery I'll write to both specialists well in advance. I'll keep you posted Cats.

[Cats2018 in reply to Beauport]

Yes, definitely keep me posted with updates. Hope all goes well for you!

[Beauport in reply to Cats2018]

😊