Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal in Children: What to Expect at Home

Your Child's Recovery

After surgery, your child will likely feel weak and tired for several days.

Your child's belly may be swollen. Your child may have gas or need to burp a lot at first. It's normal to also have some shoulder pain. This is caused by the air that the doctor put in your child's belly to help see their organs better.

A few children get diarrhea.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for your child at home?

Activity

• Have your child rest when they feel tired.
• Your child may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Your child should not swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Ask the doctor about what type of daily activity is safe for your child.
• Allow your child's body to heal. Don't let your child move quickly or lift anything heavy until after you see the doctor for your child's first follow-up appointment.
• Many children are able to return to normal activities 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It may be longer for more active sports.

Diet

• Start to offer small amounts of food when your child feels like eating. Your child may need to avoid fatty foods like fried foods or cheese for a while. They can cause symptoms, such as diarrhea and bloating.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. If your child has to limit fluids because of a health problem, talk with the doctor before you increase how much your child drinks.
• If your child's bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, you can help your child to avoid constipation and straining. Have your child drink plenty of water. The doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

Incision care

• If there are strips of tape on the cuts (incisions), leave the tape on until it falls off.
• Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
• You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child is short of breath.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has pain that does not get better after your child takes pain medicine.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over the incision.
• The incision comes open.
• Your child has nausea or vomiting and can't keep down fluids.
• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• Your child cannot pass stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.