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Why Is My Stomach Bigger After Gallbladder Surgery?

Dawn Pinnisi

August 21, 2024

Gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy is a common procedure where over 600,000 gallbladders are removed annually. Studies suggest that the majority of patients experience changes in their abdomen after gallbladder removal, a phenomenon that can be both alarming and uncomfortable.

While this outcome can be due to several factors, it raises questions about the surgery’s impact and the patient’s options to reclaim their life. If you’re experiencing your stomach bigger after a gallbladder surgery it’s crucial to understand both the medical aspects and your legal rights. If your symptoms persist, engage a lawyer from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., to help you explore your options.

Read on to discover why this might be happening and the legal options you might have if negligence played out.

Why Do People Get Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is often necessary to treat several conditions, including:

  • Gallstones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
  • Gallbladder polyps
  • Biliary dyskinesia (abnormal gallbladder function)
  • Cancer of the gallbladder

The gallbladder stores bile which aids in digesting fats. When the gallbladder becomes diseased or dysfunctional, it can cause severe pain, digestive issues, and even life-threatening infections. Cholecystectomy is usually recommended when these conditions cannot be managed with medication or other treatments.

For most patients, the surgery is straightforward and provides relief from the symptoms. The procedure can be minimally invasive or via open surgery, which requires a larger incision.

Why Does My Stomach Get Bigger After Surgery?

An increase in abdominal size after gallbladder surgery is not uncommon. It may occur due to several reasons:

  • Gas and bloating. During laparoscopic surgery, they use carbon dioxide gas to inflate the abdomen for better visibility and access. Post-surgery, this gas can linger, causing bloating and discomfort.
  • Digestive changes. Without the gallbladder, bile gets directly into the small bowel, which can alter digestion. Almost half of people who do gallbladder removal experience reduced fat digestion, bloating, and abdominal distension as the body adjusts.
  • Dietary changes. Post-surgery dietary adjustments, such as increased fiber intake or the consumption of fatty foods, can contribute to bloating. Fatty foods may be more challenging to digest, leading to gas and an enlarged abdomen.
  • Fluid retention. In some cases, fluid retention can occur due to changes in the body’s metabolism or as a reaction to anesthesia and medications.
  • Surgical errors can lead to complications like infection, internal bleeding, or hernia formation, which can cause abdominal swelling. If you suspect these complications developed due to a doctor’s negligence, it’s vital to seek legal advice promptly.

Are There Any Consequences After a Gallbladder Surgery?

While gallbladder surgery is generally safe, some patients may experience long-term consequences. The common consequences are chronic digestive Issues. People may develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and pain.

Patients will also experience fatty food intolerance, potentially leading to deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). A deficiency of these vitamins may increase the risk of developing conditions like increased oxidative cell stress and hemorrhage.

Moreover, any major surgery can have psychological effects. Thus, people may show signs of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, serious complications after gallbladder surgery may also occur. Apart from normal effects, gallbladder removal may cause:

  • Bile leakage
  • Injury to surrounding structures
  • Bile duct injury
  • Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS)

What if I Don’t Get Better After Surgery?

If your symptoms worsen after surgery, it is highly advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They will perform diagnostic tests to unearth the reason why your stomach is persistently bigger after gallbladder surgery and advise on appropriate treatment. Persistent issues could indicate complications, such as bile duct injury or a retained gallstone, which may require further intervention.

In some cases, medical errors may be the cause. In such cases, your medical malpractice lawyer will help investigate the complications, determine the cause, and pursue the available legal options if need be.

Can I Sue for Surgery Malpractice?

If you believe that negligence contributed to your persistent complications after gallbladder surgery, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. This basically means that the healthcare provider failed to observe the accepted standard of care, leading to complications.

Some common grounds for malpractice in gallbladder surgical cases include:

  • If a pre-existing condition or complication was not adequately diagnosed or treated, leading to harm.
  • Mistakes during surgery, such as bile duct injuries or leaving instruments inside the body.
  • Inadequate postoperative care, such as failure to monitor the patient after surgery.

Consult a New Jersey Med Mal Attorney Now

To pursue a surgery malpractice claim, it’s highly advisable to seek the help of a law firm experienced in medical malpractice cases. A surgery malpractice attorney will assess your case and advise you on whether it is meritorious to seek compensation for your suffering.

Dawn M. Pinnisi

Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.

University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School

Bar Number: 33771999

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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