Risks and complications
Most people do very well. This page explains complications so you can recognise warning signs and make informed decisions.
Surgical risks
- Bleeding (rarely requiring transfusion or re-operation)
- Infection (wounds, intra‑abdominal collections)
- Bile leak (from cystic duct stump or small ducts)
- Bile duct injury (uncommon but significant)
- Retained bile duct stones (may require ERCP)
- Bowel injury/perforation (rare)
- Conversion to open surgery (when safety requires it)
Medical/anaesthetic and post-op risks
- Atelectasis (small areas of lung collapse) and pneumonia
- Ileus (temporary bowel sluggishness)
- DVT / Pulmonary embolism (risk reduced with mobilisation and prophylaxis)
- Cardiac or respiratory events (higher risk in frail or comorbid patients)
Sepsis and septic shock
Severe gallbladder infection or cholangitis can progress quickly. Signs include high fever/rigors, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, breathlessness, or reduced urine output.
Risks of delayed surgery
- Recurrent attacks and repeated ED visits
- Acute cholecystitis
- Cholangitis
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Emergency surgery (often more difficult due to inflammation)
Balanced perspective
For symptomatic gallstones, planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically low risk. The risk profile often worsens when complications develop and surgery becomes urgent.