What Does the Gallbladder Do? When Should It Be Removed?
How it helps digestion, common problems and treatments
How it helps digestion, common problems and treatments
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps break down fat during digestion.
When you eat, your gallbladder releases bile through the bile ducts into your small intestine to aid digestion.
“Most of the time, the gallbladder does its job with no problems. But when it blocks the flow of bile through the ducts, it can cause problems. It can lead to inflammation and infection of the gallbladder,” says Richard Petyn, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside.
In other words, when things go wrong, the gallbladder can quickly go from helpful to harmful.
What causes gallbladder problems?
The most common reason for gallbladder removal is gallstones. These are small, hard substances that form in the gallbladder when bile contains too much cholesterol or waste.
“When a gallstone blocks the bile ducts, it can trigger what’s known as a gallbladder attack – a sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen,” Dr. Petyn says.
Gallstones can block the bile ducts, causing symptoms like:
- Sudden upper right abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Jaundice
- Tea-colored urine or light-colored stools
If you experience a gallbladder attack, contact your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist or surgeon for treatment.
“If you have gallstone attacks, often the best solution is simply to have your gallbladder removed,” Dr. Petyn says.
Do you need your gallbladder?
No. The gallbladder is not essential for digestion. If it is removed, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.
People can live healthy lives without a gallbladder. Most notice little to no change in digestion long term.
How is the gallbladder removed?
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. It is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people have their gallbladder removed every year due to problems.
It’s usually recommended if you:
- Have gallstones and painful symptoms
- Experience repeated gallbladder attacks
- Develop inflammation or infection in the gallbladder
Gallbladder surgery options
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common type. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a thin camera to remove the gallbladder.
Benefits include:
- Less pain after surgery
- Lower risk of infection
- Quicker recovery time (often back to normal activities within a week)
Robotic gallbladder surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery but it uses robotic arms for better precision and a clear 3D view of the gallbladder.
“Robotic technology uses high-definition vision, which greatly magnifies the gallbladder and surrounding tissue,” Dr. Petyn says.
Key benefits:
- Same day discharge (outpatient)
- Minimal scarring
- Faster return to normal activities
Not everyone can have this procedure. “It is best for patients who elect to have their gallbladders removed and have no complicating factors,” Dr. Petyn says. “If a patient is obese or has complications, this may not be a suitable procedure.”
Open gallbladder surgery
Open surgery, also known as open cholecystectomy, uses one large incision and is typically reserved for:
- Complicated cases
- Severe inflammation or infection
- Emergency situations
Recovery from open surgery takes longer – typically four to six weeks, with a two-to-three-day hospital stay.
All types of gallbladder surgery are performed under general anesthesia. Most people recover quickly from laparoscopic or robotic surgery and are back to normal activities within a week.
“Everyone recovers differently. Your recovery time will depend on several factors. This includes your age, overall health and the type of surgery you had,” Dr. Petyn says.
Side effects after surgery
Some patients may experience side effects after gallbladder removal, including:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating or gas
- Difficulty digesting fatty foods
These symptoms usually improve over time. Most people adjust to life without a gallbladder within a few weeks.
How to treat gallstones without surgery
If you have gallstones but no symptoms, your doctor may recommend non-surgical ways to treat gallstones, including:
- Eating more fiber and fewer fatty foods
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active
Who’s at risk for gallstones?
You may be more likely to develop gallstones if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Eat high-fat, low-fiber diet
- Have experienced rapid weight loss or yo-yo dieting
- Have a family history of gallstones
Need help with gallbladder symptoms?
If you're experiencing symptoms or want to talk with a specialist, schedule a visit through your MyScripps account or call your nearest Scripps Clinic or Scripps Coastal Medical Center.