Gallbladder problems can occur in healthy children. Most kids recover quickly after removal of the gallbladder and usually can go home the next day.

The gallbladder stores bile, which helps digest fat. If the gallbladder is inflamed or blocked by stones, children can develop fever, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and trouble digesting fatty foods.

Some kids need their gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy) to make them feel better and to prevent any further problems. In those cases, surgery is done in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most surgeons use the laparoscopic technique in which the gallbladder is removed through small incisions. If there is difficulty removing the gallbladder, the surgeon might make a bigger incision. Once recovered from the surgery, your child can go home.

Some children experience right shoulder pain from the air that is put into the belly during the procedure, but the pain should go away on its own in a few days.

Occasionally, kids have pain or indigestion from eating fatty foods after the gallbladder is removed and may need to reduce the fat in their diet. If this occurs, your health care provider will provide dietary recommendations.

• Your child can eat regular food, but may not be very hungry at first. His or her appetite should return fairly quickly; in the meantime, encourage clear liquids to prevent dehydration.
• Having a sore throat caused by the breathing tube is common after general anesthesia and should go away within a week.
• Some children require prescription pain medication and antibiotics at home. Give your child all medications as directed by your health care provider.
• Remove the bandages as directed. Allow the wound closure strips to fall off on their own. Ask when your child can shower, take a bath, or swim.
• Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Your child probably can return to school in a few days if feeling well. Check with your health care provider about when it's OK to return to gym and sports.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child's surgeon.

• Your child develops a fever.
• Your child has redness, swelling, or pus around the incisions.
• Your child's pain becomes severe or is not relieved by pain medication.
• Your child develops a cough or fast breathing.
• Your child has shoulder pain that persists for more than a few days.
• Your child has vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Your child's skin or eyes look yellow.
• You have any other questions or concerns.

Your child:

• Is vomiting and can't keep food or fluids down.
• Is wheezing, feels short of breath, or has difficulty breathing.
• Seems dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, sunken eyes, producing less urine, and crying with little or no tears.
• Has a problem related to the surgery.