gallbladder removal

[Janden12]

hi I wonder if anyone has had there gallbladder removed with compensated cirrhosis I’m worried that this could affect my liver and cause more damage.

I had a definite diagnosis of cirrhosis 6 months ago after a biopsy only Fibroscan was 13.6kpa but mri showed cirrhosis this was done in June I also had a bone density scan and endcopsy which all come back ok

I had my 6 month consultation with my consultant Wednesday and my ALT was 38 and ultra scan showed liver had stabilised so there was no change from last scan which I’m hoping is good sign I’m currently on no medication I am waiting for the operation which they have marked urgent and should have it in the new year as last time I had a gall bladder attack stones were blocked in my bile duct which was also no good for my liver.

Also is it possible that I maybe able to keep my liver stabilised so it doesn’t progress further I have noticed my medical records show early cirrhosis I am continuing to loose weight and exercise hoping this will help.

Any advice much appreciated

Thanks

[lighthouse123]

Hi Jan deal was diagnosed at first with decompensated cirrhosis which through healthy lifestyle, I managed to turn to compensated. I have for the last three years suffered with gallstones. I couldn't get any surgeon to agree to remove my gallstones and gallbladder and I was began on high dose painkillers as my option to deal with this. To my delight, this Jan, I was called for pre op assessment and my bloods were as good as they could be with cirrhosis. So in February, I had the operation done. I had no complications and recovered well and was home after one night. Even though the operation went good, it hasn't remedied my symptoms at all. My surgeon is adamant I shouldn't be feeling so much pain. So to answer your question, the op went fine, gall bladder removed but within 4 or 5 days, my pain is back. Its obviously something else causing pain and my pain management team are goin to try a celiac plexus block next. If it is your gallbladder that is the culprit, the op went fine for me.

Best of luck...

[Janden12 in reply to lighthouse123]

hi sorry having your gallbladder removed hasn’t solved your pain hope they find the cause soon. And we’ll done on changing your life around for your liver to now be compensated

Good luck

[Anthonysmate]

I'm in same boat to some extent, although my fibro scan was 19 .4 kpa, and the consultant was certain I had cirrhosis, but did a biopsy to confirm. Turned out Fibrosis 3 -4 with bridging, so I lost weight and stopped alcohol, the six month follow up bloods were good so they didn't give me another fibro, unfortunately I developed chronic pain and the nausea that only someone who has had problems with inflammation of the gallbladder and stones can understand (bloody horrible).. I've been listed for surgery, but non emergency as I have sleep Apnea as well, so they say they need a specialist team, just finished my third course of antibiotics, I fear my next attack will hasten the removal as they said they can't keep issuing me with antibiotics, as there effect diminishes, I've same worries as you, I'm due to see Liver team on 28th of December, I somehow hope I can cope and be evaluated by them instead of gastro, all the best on your op.

[Janden12 in reply to Anthonysmate]

thank you hope all goes well for you

[AyrshireK]

My hubby underwent an emergency ERCP procedure to remove gall stones which were at risk of blocking his bile duct & de-stabilzing his liver (he never even knew he had them, no pain but his liver numbers were rising a bit and the stones were picked up on an MRI scan which he'd had as follow up to his 6 monthly u/s scan for the cirrhosis). During his ERCP they also widened the mouth of his bile duct to hopefully allow future stones to just pass through easily. Gall bladder removal wasn't an option in his case - possibly his gall bladder has fused to his damaged liver.

Katie

[Janden12 in reply to AyrshireK]

hi Katie yes that’s what happened to me I had a ERCP 2stones we’re blocking my bike duct that’s how they found cirrhosis my consultant didn’t want that to happen again which is why he wants to remove but I’m currently in no pain from gallbladder or liver but I’m thinking the risk of having gallbladder removed will be better then risking stones blocking bile duct again and while my scans bloods etc are good maybe best time to have it done I’m under a gastroenterologist and a hepatoligist and they have both agreed so I’m taking there advice and hope for best.

[Cat-B]

hi I had my gallbladder removed while I was in decomp failure, no problems except I couldn’t have any painkillers lol xx

[X19Dave]

Hi my wife had hers removed and she had cirrhosis and they did not even tell her it was only a few years later she went in to hospital for something else and they told her her gallbladder was not there

Dave

[Frananncru]

I have compensated cirrhosis , diagnose 3 years ago , have had what I thought was gallbladder pain but was advised it was more likely to be liver capsule pain .

Had the worst attack ever 3 weeks ago , seen in A&E, needed morphine . urgent CT scan confirmed multiple gallstone with inflammation .advised I need my gallbladder removed “sooner rather than later”

I was given a copy of the CT report , saw my Advanced Nurse Practitioner at my surgery and referred to a general surgeon . I have received a letter within 2 weeks with a face to face appointment with a surgeon mid March 23.

I too am a bit concerned that any operation could have an adverse effect on my liver ….but hate the prospect of the severe pain I had 2 weeks ago returning .

I’m preparing a few questions for my appointment in March .

Meanwhile I will continue to stay as well as I can , drop a bit more weight so I can be as fit as possible for any planned operation .

Good luck , stay well , Anne x