Are there any complications or side effects after gallstone surgery?

Complications may occur after gallstone surgery, but not all patients will experience them. Most complications are mild and can gradually improve with proper care or treatment; severe complications are relatively rare. If persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or severe diarrhea occurs after surgery, prompt follow-up at a hepatobiliary surgery clinic is recommended.

In the short term after surgery, indigestion is common, primarily due to altered bile storage following gallbladder removal, which reduces fat digestion capacity. This may manifest as post-meal bloating or diarrhea, especially after consuming greasy foods. Symptoms typically improve gradually as the body adapts, and dietary adjustments can help alleviate discomfort.

A minority of patients may experience postoperative abdominal pain, some of which may be related to bile duct spasms or residual stones. In very rare cases, surgical procedures may cause bile duct injury, leading to more serious conditions such as bile duct strictures or bile leakage. These situations require further diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause, followed by targeted treatment.

For daily care, transition gradually from a low-fat diet to a normal diet, eat small, frequent meals to reduce digestive burden, engage in light physical activity after meals to promote gastrointestinal motility, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), monitor digestive function, and adjust dietary patterns according to individual tolerance to support recovery.