Gallbladder Surgery and Obesity Surgery: Is it Possible in the Same Session?
In patients planned for obesity surgery with gallstones, performing both surgeries in the same session is possible in suitable cases and is a commonly preferred approach.
However, in some cases, such as when the liver is severely fatty, technical challenges may arise, and the surgeon may choose to perform only the obesity surgery and delay the gallbladder surgery for 6–12 months. This allows the liver’s fat content to decrease, making the second surgery safer.
Does the Risk of Gallstones Increase After Obesity Surgery?
Yes. The weight loss process can cause physiological changes that increase the formation of gallstones. Research shows that after obesity surgery:
- 30-40% of patients may develop gallstones in the gallbladder.
The main reasons for this include:
- Increased cholesterol levels in the bile
- Reduced gallbladder motility (hypomotility)
- Delayed emptying of the gallbladder
These factors significantly increase the risk of stone formation.
What Happens if Stones Form After Surgery?
Patients are regularly monitored after obesity surgery through routine follow-ups.
Even if there are no symptoms, gallbladder ultrasound (USG) is typically recommended at the end of the first year.
If stones are detected and the patient is asymptomatic:
- No urgent surgery is required
However, gallstones can lead to complications over time, including:
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Obstruction of the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
- Obstructive jaundice
Because of these risks, it is recommended to plan surgery at an appropriate time.
How is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?
Gallbladder surgery is generally performed using:
- Laparoscopic surgery (with 3-4 small incisions) or, when necessary, robotic surgery.
- Hospital stay: 1 day
- Return to daily activities: The patient can return to normal activities and work within 3–5 days.
For obese individuals with gallstones:
- Depending on surgical risk factors, dual surgery can be planned in the same session
- Regular follow-ups after surgery are important due to the risk of stone formation
- In case of stone formation, planned surgery for asymptomatic patients is a suitable option
