No one looks forward to “going under the knife.” But, it can be easier to face if it involves laparoscopic techniques, and it’s a common procedure, such as gallbladder surgery. Laparoscopic techniques allow doctors to perform surgeries with smaller incisions than are used with traditional surgeries. This allows for less trauma to the body.
These approaches have numerous advantages, including fewer risks, fewer complications, and faster recovery times. However, no matter what type of surgery you face, you still have to take special care to support the recovery process.
Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, specializes in general surgery and laparoscopic techniques at Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas. He has performed many gallbladder surgeries, and he knows it’s very important for patients to follow certain steps to help in their recovery. In this blog, he discusses four steps you should take following gallbladder surgery.
Unfortunately, any type of surgery can make it difficult to rest comfortably in the first few days following the procedure. When it comes to gallbladder surgery, there are some specific things you should do to increase your chances of resting comfortably.
Dr. deVilleneuve suggests lying on your back. This can help you keep from putting pressure on your incisions. If you must sleep on your side, choose the left one, since the gallbladder was on the right.
Creating a calm and relaxing sleep environment can also help you rest after surgery. The most conducive spaces are dark, quiet, and cool. Keep any essential items within reach, such as your phone charger, pain relievers, and water, so you won’t have to get up too often.
And, if needed, have earplugs and an eye mask on hand to eliminate light and noise disturbances beyond your control.
Another common issue after gallbladder surgery involves abdominal swelling, burping, and diarrhea. Fortunately, taking care with your diet can ease many of the symptoms, especially if you have loose stools.
Dr. deVilleneuve can provide personalized recommendations on the best strategies to ease digestive upset after your procedure. However, general guidelines include:
It’s also important to take care with pain medications, because some can cause constipation after surgery.
Having surgery may seem like the perfect excuse to become a couch potato. And it’s true you shouldn’t overexert yourself, especially with strenuous activity. However, getting gentle activity can help support the healing process as long as you don’t push yourself too hard.
Dr. deVilleneuve provides guidance on a case-by-case basis, but most people can usually walk around within a few hours after their procedure to get their blood flowing. An added benefit? Taking brief walks can help relieve post-surgical bloating.
You should plan on taking short walks throughout your recovery. Each day, you should feel better and stronger, so you should be able to add a little more walking and even light housework as you improve.
Just listen to your body and avoid heavy or intense exercise until Dr. deVilleneuve gives you the go-ahead.
Finally, the best way to ensure a strong recovery after gallbladder surgery involves working with a skilled surgeon from the very beginning.
Dr. deVilleneuve chose to specialize in minimally invasive procedures and laparoscopic surgery in specific areas, including:
This focus gives Dr. deVilleneuve advanced skills in performing these surgeries, leading to the best outcomes for people in his care. In fact, he’s a top-ranked general surgeon in McKinney, Texas, and D Magazine recently named him one of the Best Doctors in Collin County for laparoscopic hernia repair.
Do you need gallbladder surgery, or do you want to see if you need it? Dr. deVilleneuve can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps. To learn more, call 972-525-0245 or book an appointment online with Surgical Associates of North Texas today.
