Introduction
We know that you are currently experiencing a long wait for your gallbladder operation and that this can be very difficult.
We have developed this advice and information to help support you whilst you wait. It is designed to help you manage your symptoms and condition and to prevent these from getting worse. It is also to help you prepare for your surgery.
This information has been written by the national experts in gallbladder surgery and draws on the latest evidence and advice about how best to support people waiting for your procedure.
Guidance for Patients
Your surgeon has recommended that you have a cholecystectomy (an operation to remove your gallbladder). This is the most effective treatment for your condition, but there are ways of managing your symptoms while you wait for surgery.
Avoid eating fatty meals which can make gallstone symptoms worse.
If you get pain from your gallstones, then try to rest and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or an antispasmodic drug such as hyoscine (often called Buscopan). If you are vomiting, then avoid eating for a while until the sickness settles.
Avoid eating fatty meals which can make gallstone symptoms worse.
If you get pain from your gallstones, then try to rest and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or an antispasmodic drug such as hyoscine (often called Buscopan). If you are vomiting, then avoid eating for a while until the sickness settles.
Getting ready for your operation
It is important while you are waiting for surgery that you keep as fit and healthy as you can. This will improve the success of surgery and reduce the chance that your operation is cancelled.
Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight can also help. The NHS lose weight resource also has lots of support available including a free 12-week weight loss plan.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your general health, and it will also help you recover better from your operations, so can drinking less alcohol.
Exercise is important for health and if you can be more active then this can reduce the risks of surgery. Try to take a walk for at least 30 mins three times a week.
If you have diabetes, you need to take care to keep your blood sugar levels under control. If you are struggling, then please contact your practice nurse or diabetes nurse specialist for help.
High blood pressure (or hypertension) increases the risks of surgery and is a common reason for cancelling planned operations. If you are over 50, it is good idea to get your blood pressure checked. You get this done at many pharmacies or by your practice nurse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure you should have you your blood pressure checked every few months.
If your symptoms have improved while you have been waiting, surgery may no longer be the best option for you. Please contact the surgical team at your hospital to discuss if this is the case.
Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight can also help. The NHS lose weight resource also has lots of support available including a free 12-week weight loss plan.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your general health, and it will also help you recover better from your operations, so can drinking less alcohol.
Exercise is important for health and if you can be more active then this can reduce the risks of surgery. Try to take a walk for at least 30 mins three times a week.
If you have diabetes, you need to take care to keep your blood sugar levels under control. If you are struggling, then please contact your practice nurse or diabetes nurse specialist for help.
High blood pressure (or hypertension) increases the risks of surgery and is a common reason for cancelling planned operations. If you are over 50, it is good idea to get your blood pressure checked. You get this done at many pharmacies or by your practice nurse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure you should have you your blood pressure checked every few months.
If your symptoms have improved while you have been waiting, surgery may no longer be the best option for you. Please contact the surgical team at your hospital to discuss if this is the case.
What should I do if my health is deteriorating?
If the pain or vomiting doesn’t settle down within 24 hours or the pain is really severe, then you seek medical attention by calling NHS 111.
If a gallstone escapes from the gallbladder it can block up the bile duct and cause jaundice (when your skin and eyes go yellow). You may also notice that your skin is itchy and that your urine has turned dark. If you develop jaundice, then you should call NHS 111 to get further tests.
Rarely gallstones can cause a serious infection – if you have a high temperature and are shaking then you should call 999 so that you can get the infection treated urgently.
If a gallstone escapes from the gallbladder it can block up the bile duct and cause jaundice (when your skin and eyes go yellow). You may also notice that your skin is itchy and that your urine has turned dark. If you develop jaundice, then you should call NHS 111 to get further tests.
Rarely gallstones can cause a serious infection – if you have a high temperature and are shaking then you should call 999 so that you can get the infection treated urgently.
Where can i find additional information?
The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) support for patients