What Is Gallbladder Removal and Why Is It Needed?
Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile. Bile is produced by the liver and aids in digesting fats. Gallbladder removal is typically necessary when the gallbladder develops complications, such as gallstones, inflammation, or infection. Gallstones are hardened deposits that can block the bile ducts, leading to severe pain, infection, and other digestive issues. Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, can also necessitate removal if it becomes chronic or does not respond to other treatments.
The most common reason for gallbladder removal is the presence of gallstones that cause symptoms, known as symptomatic cholelithiasis. These symptoms can include sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and bloating, especially after eating fatty foods. If left untreated, gallstones can cause complications such as pancreatitis or infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis). Gallbladder removal is a highly effective solution for preventing these complications and eliminating the discomfort caused by gallstones. While the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, its removal usually does not affect overall health, as bile will continue to flow directly from the liver to the small intestine.
