Gallbladder removal why is it necessary

Instead, you should aim to have a generally healthy, balanced diet. Some people experience problems such as bloating or diarrhoea after surgery, although this usually improves within a few weeks. If you notice certain foods or drinks trigger these symptoms, you may wish to avoid them in the future. Find out more about diet after gallbladder surgery.

Gallbladder removal surgery is considered to be a safe procedure, but, like any type of surgery, there's a risk of complications. Find out more about the complications of gallbladder removal surgery.

Page last reviewed: 03 December Next review due: 03 December The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ in the upper right part of your tummy. It stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fatty foods. Why does my gallbladder need to be removed?

This can cause symptoms such as: sudden and intense tummy pain feeling and being sick yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes jaundice Very occasionally it may be possible to take tablets to dissolve gallstones, but surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most effective treatment in the vast majority of cases. What are the risks of gallbladder surgery? The most serious risks include: Infection. Injury to the common bile duct. Injury to the small intestine by one of the tools used during surgery.

Risks from open gallbladder surgery include: Injury to the common bile duct. Injuries to the liver, intestines, or major blood vessels in the belly. Blood clots or pneumonia related to the longer recovery period after open surgery. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome After gallbladder surgery cholecystectomy , a few people have ongoing symptoms, such as belly pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea. What are the risks of NOT having the gallbladder removed?

The risks of not treating gallstones may include: Unpredictable attacks of gallstone pain. Episodes of inflammation or serious infection of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas. Jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the common bile duct.

If you decide against surgery, what can you do to prevent another attack? You may be able to prevent gallstone attacks if you: Stay close to a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Avoid rapid weight loss. When you lose weight by dieting and then you gain weight back again, you increase your risk of gallstones, especially if you are a woman.

If you need to lose weight, do it slowly and sensibly. Why might your doctor recommend gallbladder surgery? Your doctor may recommend surgery if: You have repeated gallstone attacks.

The pain from the attacks is severe. You have complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder or the pancreas. You have an impaired immune system. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Have gallbladder surgery Don't have surgery. Compare Option 2 Have gallbladder surgery Don't have surgery. Have gallbladder surgery Have gallbladder surgery You are asleep during surgery. You may go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital for a day or two.

If you have open surgery, your hospital stay will be longer. You can return to your normal activities within a week to 10 days. If you have open surgery, it will take 4 to 6 weeks. Surgery gets rid of the gallstones and usually keeps them from coming back. The surgery is safe and is very common. All surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. Your age and your health also can affect your risk.

Risk from laparoscopic surgery is very low. Possible problems include injury to the common bile duct or the small intestine. After surgery, a few people have ongoing symptoms, called post-cholecystectomy syndrome.

Don't have surgery Don't have surgery You try to prevent another attack by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to stay close to a healthy weight. You avoid losing weight too quickly. You may have more gallstone attacks. You may have episodes of inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas.

You may have jaundice and other symptoms caused by blockage of the common bile duct. Personal stories about gallbladder surgery for gallstones These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have gallbladder surgery Reasons not to have gallbladder surgery.

The pain from my gallstone attacks is very bad. I want to avoid surgery if I possibly can. I'm never too far away from medical treatment. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:.

Where are you leaning now? Having gallbladder surgery NOT having gallbladder surgery. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. True You're right. It's okay not to have surgery if you feel you can manage mild and infrequent attacks and if your doctor thinks you're not likely to have serious problems. False Sorry, that's not right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. True That's right. The surgery is safe and widely done.

False Sorry, that's wrong. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read the "Compare Your Options" chart. True No, that's wrong. False Correct. If these symptoms occur regularly, gallbladder removal may relieve pain. While gallbladder stones are the most common cause for a recommendation of surgery, three other leading conditions are common reasons why a physician will suggest surgery. This disease often occurs when the gallbladder will not empty bile correctly due to a hindrance in motion.

This often causes a lot of pain for the patient. Pancreatitis is a considerably more serious situation. This is the inflammation of the pancreas and can lead to vomiting and bloody stools. This condition is caused when gallbladder stones have moved to the bile duct but may be stuck. This creates a blockage that does not allow the gallbladder to drain properly. The primary purpose of a gallbladder is bile storage.

The liver will make bile, which helps break down foods and absorb fat.