vagus nerve/gallbladder?

Question

Has anyone had their vagus nerve cut in gallbladder surgery which resulted in gastroparesis? Is this a normal complication?

Has anyone had their vagus nerve cut in gallbladder surgery which resulted in gastroparesis? Is this a normal complication?

Symptoms are bloating after meals, extreme pain waking me up in the middle of the night in the upper stomach, goes into the back and up the middle chest. Had every test you can think of, everything is normal - pancreas, liver, no blockage, upper GI, lower GI, lots of blood work, etc. They have determined and put me on medication for gastroparesis. I will have the rest of my life, no cure. Seems to be helping. Symptoms started one week after surgery. Surgery was in October 2006.

Answer 1

Fairly uncommon, but definitely a risk of any abdominal surgery. Gastroparesis can occur from other reasons post-surgically, have these been explored first?. Have you discussed this with the surgeon. If the surgery was performed on an emergency basis, then the likelihood of complications from any abdominal surgery increases dramatically. If the surgery was elective, then the risk of complications decreases significantly.
Suggest,
1) Discuss with surgeon, effects may be temporary secondary to Anesthesia or sepsis
2) discuss with gastroenterologist, treatment options exist
3) Get a second opinion.
4) If impairment is permanent then consider consulting an attorney.
5) If you have true Gastroparesis, keep in mind that there are 2 vagus nerves. one on the greater curvature of the stomach and one on the lessor curvature (the only one that could be accidentally cut in a gallbladder surgery). As such paralysis of the stomach is by definition, partial!!! You can still eat, but don't eat 3 large meals a day, but several small meals and lots of water. Chew your food really well and your symptoms will improve a lot!
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

Damage to the vagus nerve can cause gastroparesis. Based on the description of your surgery, (cholecystectomy) I doubt that the vagus was damaged during the operation. Other causes for gastroparesis are diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Blood tests should determine if these conditions are the cause for your delayed emptying. Making a diagnosis over the internet without examination is almost impossible and I am not aware that removing the gallbladder leads to gastroparesis, which is described as nerve or muscle damage in the stomach that causes slow digestion and emptying, vomiting, nausea, or bloating. Also called delayed gastric emptying. You may want to discuss with your surgeon whether your symptoms are associated with the surgery. If they continue, an ultrasound can be considered to evaluate for any bile duct leak. Chronic symptoms may warrant further evaluation into Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction - which can manifest with greater frequency post-cholecystectomy. An upper endoscopy can also be considered if the symptoms continue.
Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 3

Vagus Nerve Cut During Surgery

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

I have had my gallbladder taken out but don't think I had any nerves cut. Could you please give more details or symptoms?? Hope you feel better soon.