What is the most common complication following gallbladder surgery?

The most common complication following gallbladder surgery, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a bile leak. This can occur due to injury to the biliary tree during the procedure or as a result of inadequate suturing of the cystic duct or the hepatic duct if they are manipulated or resected. Bile leaks can lead to a range of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and peritonitis, and may require additional interventions to manage the complication.

Other complications can occur after gallbladder surgery, such as bowel obstruction, hemorrhage, and infection. While these are significant concerns, they are not as prevalent as bile leaks following this specific type of surgery. Thus, the frequency and clinical significance of bile leaks make it the most commonly encountered complication in this context.