How can I manage post-gallbladder surgery pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am experiencing postoperative complications following gallbladder surgery. It has been almost six weeks since the robotic removal, and I am still dealing with substantial pain and swelling around the port incisions, particularly on my left side.

The pain is affecting my ability to perform basic activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, walking with my normal gait, and even sleeping comfortably. I am seeking advice on how to manage and alleviate these persistent issues.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Thanks for reaching out with iCliniq.

I am sorry to hear about the challenges you are facing post-surgery. It seems like there may be a specific issue with one of the robotic port sites. Regarding your questions:

1. Have you gone back and seen your surgeon and shown him this port site?

2. How much Advil are you taking in a day?

3. Is the pain like a dull ache?

4. Are you pooping properly?

5. Does the pain increase after meals?

Additionally, for a clearer understanding, could you please upload a better version of the image or take one from the front?

As for your concerns about the omentum and potential issues causing extended swelling, it would be best to consult with your surgeon. They can assess the situation, recommend appropriate imaging if necessary, and provide guidance on whether any corrective measures are needed. If you have been denied imaging, discussing this with your surgeon and expressing your concerns about the prolonged swelling is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

After seeing the second photo that you gave upload I go back to my previous thought. The suture that they would have used to close the port site had inadvertently tightened leading to this pain and buckling of the tissue and skin above. I am sure you can appreciate there is a dip over there, almost like your umbilicus. This would not normally happen if the suture was sitting correctly.

The other possibility is that there is a small piece of omentum what has got stuck to this site - like a hernia. This can also explain the prolonged symptoms you are describing. My recommendation would be to urge the surgeon and his team to at least have an ultrasound to make sure there is no omentum stuck over there. If the scans are clear, they can also be asked to offer a nerve block with some local anaesthetic for temporary relief. I hope what I am saying makes sense. Where was this surgery done and where are you located?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I have asked for imaging of the site and have been denied this. So, I appreciate that you would recommend that. My surgery was done where I live.

If there was an issue with the omentum stuck there, how is that corrected or is it just left there?
Could this cause extended swelling I am experiencing?

I still have to wear a stomach binder to help get some relief of pulling and helping swelling.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 4

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Sorry to hear you are still suffering from this. I am revisiting my initial thought from our last conversation about the closure of your wound becoming inadvertently tight. This may have caused some muscle necrosis and buckling of the tissues, leading to a visible dip in your abdominal wall. This could possibly explain the fat stranding on the CT (computed tomography) scan, but I will need to see the report to interpret it properly. I do not know if it is possible for you to upload it. As long as the CT confirms there is no hernia at that port site, this pain should settle down with time. Hot fomentation and anti-inflammatory medication will help. Additionally, did you get a chance to speak to the surgeon or her team about the CT scan?

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.