My mother is in hospital after suffering a perforated gall bladder. She was very poorly but is responding to antibiotics and recovering quickly. However, we have been told it is too risky to remove the gall bladder as she has had this problem for some time and it may require open surgery rather than keyhole. She is 82 and has diabetes. However, she is very strong independent and I would not say she is frail. She will be discharged from hospital, but is likely to suffer infections to be managed by antibiotics. I am finding this difficult to understand as I believed it was not possible to live with a perforated gall bladder. Could anyone shed any light on this or explain the prognosis? Thank you
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother, it must be very worrying for you and distressing for her.
I have read that gallbladder surgery can be more risky in the elderly, although I had an aunt who had the operation in her 80s and got through it OK, but each set of circumstances is different. If you are not happy or remain unconvinced by what you have been told, it cannot harm to get a second opinion, or at the very least ask the consultant responsible for her care for a more detailed rationale for the decision. Your mother has the right to a second opinion.
I hope all goes well.