Recovery after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: What to expect in the first two weeks and beyond
🌿 Patient Leaflet: Recovery After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
What to expect in the first 2 weeks and beyond
What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a keyhole surgery used to remove the gallbladder, often due to gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Most people recover quickly and without complications. This leaflet explains what to expect after surgery—both in the short term and longer term—and provides guidance on returning to normal activities.
🤕 What to Expect in the First 2 Weeks
Some discomfort is common after surgery. Here’s what to expect:
Pain & Discomfort
Mild to moderate pain around the incision sites
Shoulder tip pain (from the gas used during surgery) – usually lasts a few days
Pain can often be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
Tiredness
Feeling more tired than usual is common
Gentle activity is encouraged, but rest is important
Wound Care
Bruising and soreness around the wounds is normal
Keep the area clean and dry; follow the advice provided by your hospital team
Bowel Changes
Constipation may occur, especially if you are taking pain medications
Drink plenty of fluids, eat fibre-rich foods, and move regularly to help return to normal bowel habits
🏠 Returning to Normal Activities
While recovery is usually straightforward, it’s important to pace yourself:
🚗 Driving: Avoid driving for one week after surgery. You should only drive when you feel confident making emergency stops and are no longer taking strong pain relief.
✈️ Travel: Avoid foreign travel for two weeks after your operation, in case any complications arise. If you plan to travel, check with your healthcare team first.
🏢 Work: Most people need around two weeks off work to recover. This may vary depending on the nature of your job. If you have a physically demanding job or cannot work from home, you might need a longer recovery period.
🏋️♂️ Lifting: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or pushing/pulling heavy items for four weeks following your surgery. This helps prevent strain on your abdominal muscles and ensures proper healing.
🍽️ Digestive Changes After Surgery
Most people digest food normally without a gallbladder, but some mild changes are common.
Bloating & Gas
You may feel more bloated or gassy, particularly after eating
Try smaller, more frequent meals and avoid rich or spicy foods
Loose Stools or Diarrhoea
Some people experience looser or more frequent bowel movements (bile acid diarrhoea)
This usually improves with time, but speak to your GP if it continues
Fatty Foods
High-fat foods (e.g. fried foods, creamy sauces) may cause discomfort or greasy stools
A low-fat, balanced diet is recommended, especially in the first few weeks
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your GP or hospital team if you experience:
Increasing abdominal pain
Fever or chills
Redness, swelling, or discharge from wounds
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks
✅ Summary
Recovery usually takes 1–2 weeks, with most people returning to normal daily activities during this time
Avoid driving for 1 week, travel for 2 weeks, and lifting heavy objects for 4 weeks
Digestive changes are usually mild and improve with time
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns