Gallbladder Surgery Concerns with an Ileostomy

Has anyone with an ileostomy had gallbladder surgery to have their gallbladder removed? I just found out that I have gallbladder dysfunction and need to have my gallbladder taken out. My concern is that my ostomy is up pretty high as I had it re-located, and I am a little nervous about having surgery in that area. I am also concerned that my ostomy won't wake up after surgery. When I had my relocation my ostomy had trouble waking up from the anesthesia and I had to have my stomach pumped (a very unpleasant procedure). So I am concerned that this could happen again because it happened once. Any one have any advice for me? I was already planning to tell the doctor that I shouldn't leave the hospital until they know for sure that my ostomy is functioning. Has anyone else ever had experience with this?

Lee

My gallbladder was my first GI-related organ to officially die on me. The incisions they make to take it out are super tiny, so I wouldn't be worried about that aspect of the surgery. When you say ostomy wouldn't wake up, are you talking about your small intestine/having an ileus? With a typical gallbladder surgery, they send you home pretty quick, same day, so if you/surgeon have concerns about developing an ileus, definitely have those conversations beforehand and have a plan in place so you can feel confident walking into that surgery. When you say goodbye to the gallbladder, be prepared for output to be different for a while till your GI systems balance out how it uses the bile straight from your liver. They'll probably give you some sort of diet to follow, which will be low fat, but I would ask if there will be other dietary concerns because of the ileostomy. I have a picture I can show you if you want that you can clearly see how high up one of my incisions is from that.

Crappycolondiaries is correct. If they use laparoscopy to remove the gallbladder, the risk of your bowel not waking up (ileus) is small.

My gallbladder crapped out on me 11 months ago. No ostomy-related issues with the surgery to speak of. My ostomy is on my right side just a hair below the level of my belly button for reference.

I had my permanent ostomy surgery in 2015 and my gallbladder out in 2022. I brought an extra bag and ring with me in case my surgeon needed to remove everything but he didn't, just worked around it. I spoke with him about all this before my surgery and he was not concerned. Although my gallbladder surgery was laparoscopic, he did need to make two incisions, one inch each, since I had so much scar tissue from my four intestinal surgeries. It isn't a long surgery (although the two incisions made mine a little longer) so your stoma shouldn't be sleeping too long. Speak to your surgeons about your concerns for peace of mind.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Aaron,

My ostomy is much higher up than my belly button, and it is just inches from the center of my stomach on the right side a little. They moved it up from where it was several inches. It might be very near my gallbladder; I am not sure.

Lee

Eefyjig,

I do plan on talking to the surgeon about my concerns. I just don't want to leave the hospital and then have a problem at home. Do you have a colostomy or an ileostomy? I have an ileostomy, there could be some difference...and it could just be my body is weird???

Lee

Crappy Colon Diaries,

What I mean by "it fell asleep," well that was my doctor's wording. It meant that there was no output and they had to pump my stomach. It was not pretty.

Lee

I have an ileo.

Lee, was it an NG tube?

Crappy Colon Diaries,

Yep, that is what it was. And it was no fun getting it in. They made my family leave the room while they did it.

Lee

I have an ileo originally placed in 2003, revised in 2012, 2015, & 2018, with additional small intestine resection in 2006 and 2009. Gallbladder surgery was done last year. I had drain tubes placed in May and surgery was in July. I was told they would try robotic assist but that it was possible they would have to fully open me to get to it with all the existing scar tissue and adhesions. They ultimately were able to go in from the left with the robot, cut through and remove scar tissue from the midline and around the liver and remove the gallbladder. They didn't have to fully open me, so I only had to stay one night and was able to go home the day after surgery. I also have a history of intestines not waking up after surgery, even laparoscopic resections, but I didn't have that issue with this procedure. Of course, discuss your concerns with your medical team, but I'm here to say that this was one of the easier ones for me, and I didn't have any issues even with all the potential for complications.