What Are the Risks of Gallbladder Cancer Surgery?
For individuals diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, surgery is a commonly recommended treatment option. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with this treatment. If your physician has recommended a surgical procedure as part of your treatment plan for gallbladder cancer, it can be beneficial to learn more about the procedure as well as the risks that come with it.
What risks should I be aware of?
Gallbladder cancer surgery often involves removing the gallbladder and any nearby tissue containing cancerous cells. Some of the risks of undergoing this type of procedure include:
- Bleeding following the procedure
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Pneumonia
- Bile leakage
- Liver failure
- Digestive problems
- Complications with anesthesia
While considering the risks involved with surgery, it is important to remember that a physician will only recommend a procedure if the benefits outweigh any risks involved.
How can I minimize the risks associated with surgery?
Although there is no way to eliminate risk entirely, there are some factors that can help minimize these risks. For example, if there is a minimally invasive option available, this type of procedure will have a lower risk than open surgery. Additionally, a skilled and experienced surgeon who has performed the procedure many times may be able to reduce the risks involved with the surgery.
Moffitt Cancer Center is a high-volume cancer center, and our oncologists have diagnosed and treated many patients with gallbladder cancer. In collaboration with other multispecialty experts, the surgeons within our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program are dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans for our patients to improve outcomes and their quality of life.
Call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient registration form if you would like to learn more about receiving gallbladder cancer surgery at Moffitt. We do not require a referral to schedule an appointment.