Why Do So Many People Need Their Gallbladder Removed?

Surgeons in the United States perform upwards of 1.2 million gallbladder removals annually. When you have symptoms or complications associated with gallbladder disorders, surgery is often the safest and most effective treatment. 

Our team at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, explains why gallbladder removal is such a common surgical intervention and when it’s needed. 

All about the gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It plays an important role in digestion, and its primary function is to store and concentrate bile — a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When you consume fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to help with the digestion and absorption of fats.

While the gallbladder plays an essential role in digestion, you can live normally without the organ. If your gallbladder is removed, your liver continues to make bile to aid in fat digestion and drips it continuously into your system – rather than storing it in the gallbladder. 

Why the gallbladder needs to be removed

There are several situations where gallbladder surgery may be recommended by your physician or surgeon. They include:

Gallstones

One of the most common reasons for gallbladder removal is gallstones. These hardened deposits form in the gallbladder, often due to an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. 

Gallstones vary in size, ranging from tiny sand-like particles to larger stones. When gallstones obstruct the bile ducts, they cause intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms that make surgery necessary.

Gallbladder inflammation 

Inflammation of the gallbladder may develop when gallstones block the bile ducts or as a result of infection. It typically causes severe abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness in the upper right abdomen. 

If left untreated, it can lead to complications, such as infection or rupture of the gallbladder. If these complications occur, the organ may need to be removed.

Biliary dyskinesia

Biliary dyskinesia is a condition characterized by abnormal gallbladder function, leading to impaired bile secretion and emptying. The dysfunction causes symptoms similar to those of gallstones, including abdominal pain and digestive disturbances. If you have biliary dyskinesia, you may benefit from gallbladder removal to ease symptoms and improve digestive function.

Other gallbladder disorders

In addition to gallstones, inflammation, and biliary dyskinesia, other less common gallbladder disorders may require surgical intervention. These may include gallbladder polyps, gallbladder cancer, or gallbladder dysfunction associated with certain medical conditions.

If you're experiencing persistent abdominal pain, digestive disturbances, or other symptoms suggestive of gallbladder problems, make an appointment with a healthcare professional immediately. 

If you need surgery, our Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC  team is here to provide expert care and support. Call today or use the online tool to talk to our expert team.