Tu JJ, Chen Z, Zhou ZQ, Lu FY. Postoperative care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy: A comprehensive nursing review. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; 17(8): 106170 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i8.106170]
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastrointest Surg. Aug 27, 2025; 17(8): 106170 Published online Aug 27, 2025. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i8.106170
Postoperative care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy: A comprehensive nursing review
Jing-Jia Tu, Zhu Chen, Zhi-Qin Zhou, Fang-Yan Lu
Jing-Jia Tu, Zhi-Qin Zhou, Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
Zhu Chen, Department of Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
Fang-Yan Lu, Liver Transplant Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Zhi-Qin Zhou and Fang-Yan Lu.
Author contributions: Tu JJ and Chen Z conceptualized the study and designed the research framework; Zhou ZQ and Tu JJ collected and organized the relevant clinical and nursing data; Lu FY and Tu JJ drafted the initial version of the manuscript; Tu JJ and Chen Z performed the formal analysis of nursing outcomes; Lu FY, Zhou ZQ, and Tu JJ jointly contributed to methodology design and data visualization; Tu JJ and Lu FY validated the data and ensured the integrity of the manuscript. All authors have reviewed, edited, and approved the final version of the manuscript. Zhou ZQ and Lu FY are co-corresponding authors and made critical and indispensable contributions to the completion of this study. Zhou ZQ guided the clinical framework of postoperative nursing care, coordinated interdisciplinary input from surgical and nursing teams, and played a central role in identifying key areas of clinical significance. She also contributed significantly to the manuscript revision and cross-checked the integration of nursing protocols with evidence-based guidelines. Lu FY proposed the overall research direction and supervised the entire process of manuscript development. She was responsible for literature synthesis, manuscript structure optimization, and ensuring alignment with liver surgery-related postoperative care strategies. She also oversaw correspondence, response to revisions, and the final approval process for submission. The collaboration between Zhou ZQ and Lu FY is essential to the study’s development, data interpretation, and final publication, and justifies their designation as co-corresponding authors.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Received: April 22, 2025 Revised: May 17, 2025 Accepted: July 14, 2025 Published online: August 27, 2025 Processing time: 125 Days and 3.9 Hours
Abstract
Cholecystectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure globally, primarily for symptomatic cholelithiasis or related gallbladder conditions. Advances in surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic approaches, have enhanced patient results and reduced hospital stays. However, postoperative care is crucial for optimizing recovery, preventing complications, and enhancing quality of life. Nurses have a critical role in achieving these objectives, starting from immediate postoperative evaluation through long-term monitoring. This review outlines essential nursing considerations and evidence-based practices for postoperative care following cholecystectomy. Key areas encompass pain control, respiratory assistance, early mobilization, wound and drain management, nutritional advice, psychosocial aid, and discharge preparation. By integrating current research and clinical guidelines, this review aims to serve as an authoritative resource to assist nurses in improving postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Core Tip: Cholecystectomy, commonly performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis and gallbladder pathologies, has benefited from advancements in surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Postoperative care is crucial to enhance recovery, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes. Nurses play a central role in this process in key areas including pain management, respiratory support, early mobilization, wound care, nutritional guidance, and psychosocial support. This review offers evidence-based practices to support nursing interventions and enhance postoperative patient satisfaction.
