Gallbladder Drain (Cholecystostomy) Insertion

What to expect at home

A gallbladder drain insertion is a procedure where a thin tube, also called a catheter, is inserted through your skin and into your gallbladder. The tube connects to a collection bag that will fill with fluid drained from your gallbladder. A gallbladder drain is also called a cholecystostomy.

A gallbladder drain insertion is done to treat an infection, inflammation, or gallstones. It can also be used if you have gallbladder disease but are not able to have surgery.

After this procedure, you will likely get regular home care visits. You will also get instructions about how to take care of the tube, how to care for your dressing, and how to empty the collection bag. The bag may require regular flushing to prevent blockages and infections. Talk to your doctor if you need extra help at home to care for your gallbladder drain.

You may have some pain where the tube enters your skin. You may also have pain in your shoulder. This is called referred pain. It is caused by pain travelling along a nerve near the gallbladder. The referred pain usually lasts less than 12 hours.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover after your gallbladder drain insertion. But each person recovers at a different pace. You will need to take it easy at home for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Walk each day. Walk a little more each day than you did the day before. Walking boosts blood flow and can prevent pneumonia and constipation.
• Avoid activities or exercises that use your belly muscles for 1 week after the procedure, or until your doctor says it’s OK. Some examples of activities and exercises that use your belly muscles include bicycle riding, jogging, lifting weights, and aerobic exercise.
• Don't lift or carry anything heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb.) for 3 days.
• You may need to take a few days off from work. This will depend on the type of work you do and how well you feel. If your job includes heavy lifting, using machines, or doing hard activity, talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work.

Diet

• Follow your doctor's directions for eating after the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all the instructions on the label.
• If your doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you're not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take a non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicine.
• Your doctor will tell you when you can restart the medicines you usually take. They will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, talk to your doctor. They will tell you when to start taking this medicine again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care, like if you passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• Your tube falls out of your skin.
• Your tube is no longer draining or won’t flush.
• You see leakage around the tube.
• Your tube is suddenly draining more than usual.
• You are sick to your stomach or cannot hold down fluids (you are throwing them up).
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage.
• You have signs of an infection, such as:
  • increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness
  • red streaks leading from the area
  • pus draining from the area
  • a fever

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_gallbladder_drain_ins_ac.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: November 19, 2024

Author: Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.