How long are you in hospital?
The length of time spent in hospital for a gall bladder removal depends on the chosen surgical method as well as whether or not complications occur. In the case of an operation that is performed using the keyhole technique, the hospital stay is usually shorter. Usually, one is in hospital for between two and four days.
In contrast, an open removal of the gallbladder requires a stay of between six and eight days. The prerequisite for the above-mentioned periods is a course without complications, which is the case in most cases. However, if complications occur, the patient may be hospitalized for between ten days and two weeks. In extremely rare cases, more serious complications occur, which require an even longer stay in hospital.
Is it possible to perform gall bladder removal on an outpatient basis?
In principle, a gall bladder removal can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, this is only offered in very few hospitals. Both the open surgical method and the minimally invasive procedure are only possible under general anesthesia and therefore the procedure should be combined with an inpatient hospital stay of at least two days if possible. Even though complications are rare, adequate monitoring of the patient is not possible under outpatient conditions. In addition, it can be very distressing to return home on the day of the operation and not receive good medical care.
Pain after surgery
After a gall bladder removal, in most cases there is a temporary pain in the surgical area and at the wounds. After a minimally invasive procedure, the shoulders can also hurt, as the inflation of the abdomen during the operation can exert pressure on a nerve that transmits pain from the shoulder area.Already during the operation and afterwards, painkillers are administered to the patient via the vein, so that often no pain is felt at all. However, if you still suffer from pain after the operation and the administered medication is not sufficient, you should inform one of the doctors or nursing staff in good time.
It is not advisable to try to bear the pain instead. In addition, if pain treatment is started in time, the total dose required is rather lower. Recovery and convalescence is also better and faster if the pain is relieved.
