Reasons to Have Gallbladder Removed

Many people personally know someone that has had their gallbladder removed. This is a fairly common procedure that occurs primarily in women. There are various reasons why a patient may need to have their gallbladder removed, but the symptoms associated with each reason are very similar.

Gallstones

Gallstones can exist in the gallbladder and may never cause symptoms. Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside of the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Larger stones that may block the bile duct can cause cramping in the mid to right upper abdomen area. The pain may be dull or sharp and can come and go, but can usually be associated within a period of eating. There are two main types of gallstones, ones made from cholesterol and ones made from pigment stones from too much bilirubin in the bile. Gallstones are usually the culprit behind gallbladder attacks as well.

Infected gallbladder

Cholecystitis is the term for an infected gallbladder. This occurs when the organ itself becomes inflamed. This is usually a very sudden inflammation and causes severe abdominal pain. The symptoms are very similar to having gallstones and tests can be run to verify cause of pain. Many times this infection is caused by gallstones as well due to the duct being blocked and causing bile to be trapped.

Biliary dyskinesia

Gallbladder disease that occurs without gallstones is biliary dyskinesia. This too can either be acute or chronic and typically occurs in patients that have other health disorders. This condition impairs the ability of the gallbladder to contract and release bile and is typically caused by a problem with either a muscle or valve.

Gallbladder Removal

The decision to have a gallbladder removed is typically based on symptoms. Most patients that have symptoms will usually have to have their gallbladder removed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is the most common procedure used today. This procedure has much smaller incisions and allows for faster recovery time than the previous open surgery allowed.

As with any medical treatment, second opinions may need to be obtained as many doctors differ in their reason for surgery. Some gallbladder issues can be resolved with diet. This is dependent on the condition of the patient and the medical decision made by the physician.

"Gallstones." Google Health https://health.google.com/health/ref/Gallstones 11 August 2010.

"Biliary Dyskinesia." Cheboygan Surgical Associates. < http://www.cheboygansurgical.com/biliary-dyskinesia-80/> 11 August 2010.