Palma recovering from gall bladder surgery

CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma is recuperating in his official residence in D. Jakosalem Street  after undergoing surgery to remove gall bladder stones last April 3.

It’s  not yet clear when he can  resume his normal activities or receive visitors.

He’s been advised by his doctor to rest and refrain from moving around, said Cebu Archbishop emeritus Ricardo Cadinal Vidal after celebrating Easter Mass in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday.

“He is in the Palacio (Archbishop’s Residence) now. He is recovering. The doctor told him not to appear yet in public so that he will not be forced to move around,” Vidal said in an interview.

Gallstones are  solid particles that form from bile in the gallbladder, a small sac-like organ in the  abdomen. Gallstones  vary in size from sandy grains to  a pingpong ball.

The 62-year-old Palma was unable to attend  liturgical services during the Holy Week after he was rushed to the hospital following severe stomach pain on April 3. He was operated on right away.

The website of St. Luke’s Medical Center in  Quezon City in Metro Manila says gallstones are not as serious as other common diseases like diabetes and hypertension, but they can cause discomfort and pain.

The condition is “quite common” and doesn’t always require surgery.

But those who do suffer prolonged pain, nausea or vomiting, chills or fever,  should see a doctor immediately.

A high cholesterol diet can often lead to the formation of stones.

People who are overweight or  over the age of 40 or have a family history of gallstones have a higher risk.

The treatment is either open abdominal surgery or the less invasive laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, which uses a thin tube instrument with a light and camera attached to the end to guide the surgeon in removing the gallstones  with small incisions in the abdomen, a procedure  that involves less pain, less infection and faster recovery.

Vidal presided over the Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper on Maundy Thursday in Palma’s stead.

During the homily, the cardinal asked the people to pray for Palma’s speedy recovery although he didn’t say at that time what his specific ailment was, aside from saying Palma complained of stomach pain.

Palma is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philipines.  He was appointed archbishop of Cebu last Jan. 13, 2011. /Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol