The Gallbladder and Cholecystectomy

The gallbladder is a small organ that concentrates and stores bile. Connected to the liver by the hepatic duct the gallbladder is normally 3-4 inches in length and 1 inch in width. The gallbladder holds approximately 20 to 50 milliliters of bile. The gallbladder is also spelled gall bladder.

The gallbladder is made up of three sections.

• Fundus is the section that sits to the right of the liver.

• Body is the main section of the gallbladder.

• Neck is where the common bile duct is located.

The gallbladders main functions include storing bile and the concentration of bile. Bile is important to as it neutralizes acids and emulsifies fats. Bile is moved from the gallbladder by the opening of the common bile duct. When the common bile duct opens bile flows into the cystic duct, from there to the duodenum (upper section of the small intestines). This function is what aids in helping digestion run smoothly.

The gallbladder is signal by the intestines to release bile. The bile release is regulated by how much food in consumed. If someone consumes a large meal the intestines will trigger the gallbladder to release more bile to aid in digestion. The intestines signal the gallbladder by releasing a hormone called cholecystokinin, this word is derived by the Greek words "bile", "sac" and "move".

Conditions or diseases that afflict the gallbladder such as gallstones and cholecystitis can lead to needing a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Cholesytectomy is commonly removed via laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscopic surgery is performed by 3-4 small incisions verses having a 5-8 inch incision which leads to longer heal times. During a laparoscopic surgery surgical a video camera and surgical instruments are inserted through the small incisions for removal.

Once a cholecystectomy is completed bile drains directly into the small intestines from the liver ducts. Complications are considered rare during a cholecystectomy. Complications would be considered infections, bleeding, injury to the bile ducts and bile leakage.

Cholecystectomy patients may require changing their eating habits and following a high fiber diet. Increasing fiber through whole grain breads, beans, dried fruits, backed potatoes with skin, nuts and greens. It's unknown why some patients may experience diarrhea.

Normal activity after a cholecystectomy can be resumed following your doctor's orders. Typically following a laparoscopic procedure normal activity can be resumed within 3-5 days and 10-14 for an open cholecystectomy.

Source:

American College of Surgeons: Cholecystectomy

Mayo Clinic: Gallstones