Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the normal action physiology of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ.
A Gastroenterologist is a physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
The small intestine, colon, and many other organs participate in turning food into nutrients the body can use. The gallbladder is one of the many organs that plays a part in the digestion process, but what exactly is the purpose of the gallbladder? The liver produces a fluid called bile which helps the small intestine break down fats from food, as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
Bile also carries waste out of the body. Bile is mostly made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts. The gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ, releases bile during mealtimes to help the body digest fats. When the body is not actively digesting, such as overnight or between meals, the gallbladder stores bile. The gallbladder can be affected by several potential health conditions. Anything which blocks the normal flow of bile into and out of the gallbladder can lead to health issues.
Not all gallstones cause symptoms. You could have gallstone and not even know it! As long as silent gallstones do not cause symptoms, the gallbladder does not need to be removed. Most of the time, the gallbladder is removed when a problem occurs — especially in the case of gallstones.
Once you have gallstones, they are likely to recur if the gallbladder is not removed. You can live a normal lifestyle without a gallbladder, since bile has other paths to reach the small intestine. Gallstones usually occur when the substances which make up bile are out of balance.
Too much bilirubin or cholesterol can cause gallstones to form. Insufficient bile salts can also lead to gallstone formation. There is no surefire way to avoid gallstones. However, you can help reduce your risk with your diet. Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight are other ways to reduce your risk of developing gallstones. Exercise is a natural way to reduce cholesterol. Even better, exercise is great for your overall well-being!
Some people are at a higher risk of gallstones than others. People at risk for gallstones include:. Having any one of these risk factors increases your chance of developing gallstones. Being proactive about the risk factors which you can control will help reduce your chance.
Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a fairly common procedure. There are several potential reasons why your gallbladder may need to be removed.
When functioning normally, the gallbladder controls the distribution of bile, a fluid which helps the digestive system process fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder when the body is not actively digesting, such as between meals or overnight, and released into the small intestine during mealtimes.
There are several conditions which can interrupt the normal flow of bile. Some people may have gallstones that do not cause symptoms. These gallstones are often found during other medical tests and procedures. The type of gallbladder removal surgery you receive will depend on the source of the problem, the size of any gallstones, and how the gallbladder can safely be removed.
For both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, your surgeon will want to verify that there are no gallstones in the bile duct by taking an X-ray of the area. If any gallstones are found, they will be removed during surgery.
Non-surgical treatment: Some people are unable to have surgery due to pre-existing medical conditions or prior surgery in the upper abdomen. In these cases, non-surgical treatments may be an option. Anesthesia is a frightening concept for many people, leading some to postpone or avoid gallbladder removal surgery.
Untreated, your gallbladder can result in several complications. Caring for your wounds and taking care of your health will speed along your recovery. If you experience fever, jaundice, pain, persistent nausea, or a return of your original symptoms, contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of complications. Surgery and lifestyle changes are two things which often go hand in hand.
Surgeries take place for a wide variety of reasons. Beyond the recovery process, the body usually has to adapt to a new equilibrium. The gallbladder is one organ which is usually removed when something goes awry with how it functions.
Is it possible to live without a gallbladder? It is absolutely possible to live a long and healthy life without a gallbladder. The gallbladder stores a fluid called bile, which is produced by the liver to help break down fats during digestion.
When bile cannot be delivered to the small intestine as normal, the gallbladder is most often removed. Gallstones, which are usually made up of cholesterol or bilirubin, can clog gallbladder ducts and cause pain, nausea, and many other symptoms. Since gallstones often recur after removal, the gallbladder is generally removed.
Swollen or infected gallbladders happen for a variety of reasons and are also candidates for removal. Even though the gallbladder helps digestion, the body has other ways of transporting bile to the small intestine. The main difference is that without a gallbladder, bile is continuously delivered into the small intestine instead of being stored and distributed at intervals. There are several types of gallbladder removal surgery, which is also known as a cholecystectomy.
Open cholecystectomies used to be the most common type of gallbladder removal surgery, but laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery has now become the standard for most cases. After recovering from surgery, you can return to your normal activities without needing to alter or reduce the intensity of your work, workouts, or hobbies.
Your gallbladder was in charge delivering bile to your small intestine during mealtimes and storing bile when not needed, such as overnight. Without a gallbladder, bile is constantly delivered to your small intestine. This means that you may experience some changes in your digestion. For most people, these side effects go away over time. Your body will also digest food differently now that the flow of bile has changed.
Fatty foods, full fat milk and dairy, and spicy foods may cause indigestion in some people. A balanced diet which is high and fiber and low in fat is a good place to start as you determine the right diet for you. You can live a healthy lifestyle without your gallbladder. Finding the right diet for your digestive system may take some time.
Stay positive, experiment with different combinations of food and drink, and always consult your doctor with any questions or concerns you may have. If you experience persistent symptoms, develop jaundice, become weak, or notice significant weight loss after surgery, you will want to speak to your doctor.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ which stores and releases bile, which is helpful in digesting fats. Sometimes, whether as a result of infection, gallstones, or other issues, the gallbladder needs to be removed. One type of gallbladder removal surgery — laparoscopic cholecystectomy LC — is one option to remove a problematic gallbladder. There are two main types of gallbladder removal surgery, open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Prior to the surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia and remains asleep throughout the procedure. Your surgeon may perform a cholangiogram during LC to see if there are any gallstones in the bile duct.
A cholangiogram is a test which identifies any gallstones which are located in the tubes and ducts outside of the gallbladder. A dye is injected into the bile duct to illuminate any stones. Then, an X-ray is taken. If any gallstones are located, they will be removed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not an option for everyone. People who have previous upper abdominal surgery or certain pre-existing health conditions may need an alternate treatment method.
LC is also not viable if the gallbladder is infected, extremely inflamed, or if the gallstones are very large. LC surgery is a safe and effective way to remove a problematic gallbladder. After LC surgery, you can usually resume your normal activities after one or two weeks, depending on how quickly you recover.
Open cholecystectomy is a more invasive procedure than LC, and requires more recovery time and a longer hospital stay. Living without a gallbladder is rarely different than your normal lifestyle. After recovery, you can still be as active as you were prior to your surgery. Most of your lifestyle changes will be diet-related.
Since the gallbladder stores bile and helps digest fats, you may need to cut down on fatty food. You may also need to choose low-fat dairy, high fiber options, and limit foods which trigger side effects. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can also be beneficial to limiting or avoiding side effects.
You generally want to aim for a balanced, healthy diet following any type of gallbladder removal surgery. You may have gallstones and not even know it! People generally have their gallbladders removed when their gallstones cause symptoms. Gallbladders which are not working properly may also need to be removed. However, keep an eye out for the development of emergency symptoms. These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Gallbladder removal usually occurs when a patient has gallstones that cause pain, jaundice, and nausea among other symptoms.
The gallbladder is not an essential organ, and people who have their gallbladders removed can live happy, normal lives. Lifestyle changes after gallbladder removal are mostly diet-centric and should not affect any exercise routines you may have. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Cause Gallstones develop when cholesterol and other substances in the bile form crystals that become hard stones in the gallbladder.
What Increases Your Risk Your chances of forming gallstones that can cause symptoms are higher if you: Are female. Females are twice as likely as males to have gallstones. Are older than Are Native American or Mexican-American.
Have a family history of gallstones. You may also be increasing your risk for gallstones if you: Are overweight. Lose weight rapidly or lose weight by dieting and then gain weight back again.
Are pregnant. Are taking estrogen after menopause or high-dose birth control pills. Get very little or no exercise. Do not eat for a period of time fast. Symptoms Most people who have gallstones don't have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include: Pain in the pit of your stomach or in the upper right part of your belly. It may spread to your right upper back or shoulder blade area.
Pain that may come and go or be steady. It may get worse when you eat. Fever and chills, if a gallstone is blocking a bile duct and causing an infection. Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. What Happens The progression of gallstones depends on whether you have symptoms.
Learn more Pancreatitis. When to Call Call or other emergency services immediately if you: Have sudden or severe abdominal pain. Have trouble breathing. Faint or lose consciousness.
Call your doctor now if you have: Pain that may be caused by gallstones continuous moderate to severe pain in the upper right abdomen along with a fever and chills that are clearly not caused by a stomach infection or any other reason. Pain in the upper midsection or upper right abdomen, along with a yellow tint to your skin and the white part of your eyes, dark yellow-brown urine, or light-colored stools.
Diabetes or an impaired immune system and you have symptoms that may be caused by gallstones. Watchful waiting Watchful waiting means taking a wait-and-see approach.
Check your symptoms Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older. Exams and Tests Most people who have gallstones don't know it because they don't have symptoms. Tests might include: An abdominal ultrasound.
This is the best way to confirm gallstones. A technologist moves a wand across your belly to create pictures on a screen.
A gallbladder scan. Your doctor may do this if your ultrasound didn't show gallstones. In this test, a special dye is injected into a vein in your arm. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram ERCP. This test checks the tubes ducts that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A flexible, lighted scope endoscope and X-ray pictures are used.
Treatment Overview If you don't have symptoms, you probably don't need treatment. Self-Care Rest until you feel better. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. Avoid foods that cause symptoms, especially fatty foods.
These can make the gallbladder tighten and cause pain. Surgery Surgery to remove the gallbladder cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for gallstones that cause moderate to severe pain or other symptoms. Cholecystectomy: Before Your Surgery. Credits Current as of: September 8, Top of the page Next Section: Health Tools. Previous Section: Related Information Top of the page.
When the bile builds up, it can become infected and lead to a rupture or abscess. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders , other conditions may cause symptoms that feel similar to gallbladder pain. Some of these include:. Certain complications of a gallstone attack can be serious or life threatening. You should seek immediate medical care if you develop:. You may want to apply a heated compress to the area to relieve the discomfort.
Usually, the pain will ease once the gallstone has passed. Traditional treatment options for gallbladder attack include surgery to remove your gallbladder or medicines to help dissolve the gallstones.
You might be able to prevent a gallstone attack by reducing your fatty food intake and maintaining a healthy weight. Some other measures that could lower your chances of having gallbladder pain include:. Gallbladder pain is usually caused by gallstones that block bile ducts. This common condition can cause severe pain. For some people, the discomfort will go away on its own. Others may need treatments or surgery to remove their gallbladder.
You can function well and live a full life without a gallbladder. How can you tell if your gallbladder is the source of your problems?
Learn the signs and symptoms of gallbladder problems here. Get the facts on…. The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile. Bile helps the digestive process by breaking down fat from food passed into your intestine. If the gallbladder doesn't empty completely, the remaining particles, like cholesterol or calcium salts, can start to thicken and become biliary….
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