nternal organs. Credit / Shutterstock
Gallbladder removal is a common procedure, especially for those dealing with painful gallstones or gallbladder disease. While the surgery itself is routine, many people wonder how the body reacts when this small but important organ is removed…
The gallbladder may be small, but it plays a big role in digestion. This pear-shaped organ, located just beneath the liver, stores bile – a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
When you eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to aid digestion.
Before we dive into what you can expect when this mighty little organ is gone from your body, let’s first review some common gallbladder issues.
Common conditions
Your gallbladder plays an important role in digestion, but when something goes wrong, it can lead to pain and serious health issues.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the following are some common problems:
- Gallstones: One of the most common problems is gallstones – small, pebble-like formations made of bile materials. They can range in size from tiny grains of sand to golf balls. While many people never experience symptoms, gallstones can sometimes cause pain, nausea, and even inflammation if they block bile flow.
- Cholecystitis: If a gallstone gets stuck and prevents bile from exiting the gallbladder, it can lead to cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation. This condition often brings intense pain, fever, and discomfort, typically requiring medical attention or even surgery.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: Another potential complication is gallstone pancreatitis, which occurs when a gallstone moves into the bile duct and blocks the pancreatic duct. This blockage can lead to painful inflammation of the pancreas, a condition that often requires hospitalization.
- Gallbladder cancer: Though rare, gallbladder cancer can also develop. While it may cause pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, this symptom is far more likely to be linked to more common gallbladder conditions. Because gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect early, persistent pain or digestive issues should always be checked by a doctor.
Signs your gallbladder is troubled
The symptoms of gallbladder problems vary but many people with gallbladder issues experience:
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Upper mid abdominal pain
- Upper right abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- Pain after eating a fatty meal
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Light-brown pee or light-colored poop
Changes to your body
Without a gallbladder, your liver still produces bile, but instead of being stored, it drips continuously into your digestive tract.
