Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder, the digestive organ better known as the gallbladder.
produced by the liver between meals, bile which will then be poured into the duodenum (proximal part of the small intestine) in response to the arrival of gastric chyme (partially digested food from the stomach).
In turn, the function of bile is mainly expressed in the emulsifying activity of the chyme, which facilitates the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the diet.
and opening up in response to meals, however, ensures a greater release of bile when it is most needed.As stated above, the gallbladder is not a vital organ.
Furthermore, its presence is not essential for the good outcome of digestive processes, which can be completed even after its surgical removal.
associated with stones, they can even expand their food choices compared to the pre-operative period.
In any case, an initial period of adaptation is necessary, during which the diet must be particularly sober and low in fat.
Immediately after the surgery
What to eat
Upon awakening from general anesthesia, the patient undergoing cholecystectomy will be able to drink a few sips of water according to medical indications. In the absence of nausea, he can then go back to eating the next day.
Initially and for the first few weeks, the diet will be particularly sober and low in foods rich in fats, especially if cooked, because they are more difficult to digest: cheeses, cured meats, fried and fried, eggs, butter, animal fats (lard, lard, tallow ..) and vegetables (margarine), smoked meats, fatty meats and dried fruit are among the foods to avoid in this first phase.
The diet will be sober, low-calorie and low-fat, appropriately divided into small and frequent meals, with a preference for simple, not very elaborate dishes, favoring complex carbohydrates and fiber, with a drastic reduction of saturated fats and cholesterol
IN CASE OF DIARREA
After cholecystectomy, a good percentage of patients complain of the emission of liquid stools for a few days, which can be controlled with specific drugs.
Rarely, diarrhea - which is considered to be a consequence of the laxative effect of bile and bile acids overflowed into the intestine - lasts several days, weeks or months after surgery.
Alternatively or in association with antidiarrheals, drugs such as cholestyramine or aluminum hydroxide, which alter the absorption of bile acids, can be taken.
The diet in the presence of diarrhea associated with cholecystectomy will be low in fat and irritating foods, such as coffee, chocolate, spices and alcohol; dairy products and foods that increase intestinal gas, such as smoothies and carbonated drinks, will also be moderated, while the consumption of fiber, bananas and dry cereals, such as biscuits and crackers, rice, pasta and toast will be encouraged (see "specific article on the relationship between diet and diarrhea).
IN CASE OF STIPSIS
In other patients, the intake of opiate painkillers to relieve pain determines the onset of constipation, which must be corrected by taking a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, in general, raw or cooked, legumes, whole grains, fruit ) and possibly through fecal emollients.
Return to a Normal Diet
After the immediate postoperative period, the patient undergoing cholecystectomy can go back to following a normal diet, according to his preferences.
The reintroduction of foods higher in fat must be progressive, bearing in mind that following binges or hyperlipidic meals increases the risk of dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux and steatorrhea.
Therefore, we recommend the consumption of small and frequent meals, verifying the tolerability of various foods: as always when it comes to diet, post-cholecystectomy nutrition is highly subjective: some subjects are able to digest any food without problems, even in large quantity, others complain of greater problems.
Supplements
In case of digestive difficulties after cholecystectomy, the patient can discuss with the doctor the opportunity to combine the diet with food supplements useful for purifying and stimulating the liver, also in terms of bile secretion, such as artichoke, boldo, milk thistle and silymarin.
