Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder Removal

by Steve Fields on February 7th, 2010

Women are continuing to report Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella side effects, some of which involve the gallbladder. If you have had trouble with gallstones or a gallbladder infection, your doctor may suggest removing this organ that aids in digestion. Women who have had problems have looked at their legal options including being part of a Yaz lawsuit. Gallbladder removal side effects can continue to affect some women following surgery leading to ongoing digestive problems.

The gallbladder is located near the liver, and is connected to the liver and small intestine by ducts. It stores bile, which is produced in the liver and helps the body digest fat. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases a small amount of bile via the ducts and into the intestine.

Sometimes, the gallbladder will develop rock-like substances made of hardened bile or cholesterol, called gallstones. While they may be present for years without causing any symptoms, they may also cause intermittent or significant pain. In addition, the gallstones can block or become stuck in the ducts and cause inflammation and infection. When this happens, doctors often recommend gallbladder removal, as it is not considered an essential one.

For the last twenty years, the most common method of removing the gallbladder is through laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

In this surgery, the patient is under general anesthesia during the procedure. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a small telescope (laparoscope) with an attached camera is inserted into one of the incisions. Inside the body, the camera produces images that can be seen on the doctor’s monitor. The doctor also inserts carbon dioxide into the abdomen to inflate the area. The gallbladder is located and the ducts that attach to the liver and small intestine are isolated. They are clamped and cut, allowing the gallbladder to be removed. The gallbladder is retracted through one of the incisions.

The benefit of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is that it provides a quick recovery time. Patients often go home from the hospital the next day, if not the actual day of surgery, and are usually back to normal functions within a week.

In some cases, however, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not the best choice. People who have had previous abdominal surgeries, who are obese, pregnant or have underlying medical conditions may need to have a different procedure, the open cholecystectomy.

In this surgery, the doctor will make one larger incision, perhaps 5 – 8 inches, across the abdomen, then follow the same procedure to remove the gallbladder. Because this incision cuts abdominal muscles, it may be more painful and require a longer recovery period than a laparoscopic one. Talk with your doctor to determine which surgery is best for your medical condition, and to best prepare for the procedure.

If you have already suffered from Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella gallbladder side effects please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation regarding your legal options including filing a Yaz gallbladder lawsuit.