Discharge Instructions for Open Cholecystectomy

You have had a procedure known as an open cholecystectomy. This is a procedure to remove the gallbladder through an incision in your abdomen (stomach area). You either had a vertical (up-and-down) incision in the middle of your abdomen or a crosswise incision on your upper-right abdomen beneath your ribs.

You can live a full and healthy life without your gallbladder. This includes eating the foods and doing the things you enjoyed before your gallbladder problems started. Here are guidelines for home care after surgery.

Home Care

• Ask someone to drive you to your appointments for the next week. Don’t drive until you are no longer taking pain medication.

• Don’t worry if you feel tired for the first couple of weeks after your operation.

  • Nap when you feel tired.

  • Get plenty of rest.

• Walk around the house, do office work, climb stairs, or ride in a car if you feel able to do so.

• Don’t do any strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting (nothing heavier than 10 pounds), or sports for 4 weeks after surgery.

• Eat your normal diet. If your doctor recommends a low-fat diet, ask for menus and other diet information.

• Gently wash the skin around your incision daily with mild soap and water.

• If there is a gauze dressing on your incision, change it daily and keep it dry and clean.

• You may take a shower (even if there is a drain in place), unless your doctor gives you different directions.

• Don’t sit in a bathtub, swimming pool, or hot tub until the incision is closed and any drains are removed.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.