Top Reasons for Having Your Gallbladder Removed (cholecystectomy)

Although the gallbladder plays an important part in your digestive system by storing and releasing bile, there may be reasons why it is necessary to have it removed. You may need your gallbladder removed if you are experiencing one of the following conditions

Malfunctioning gallbladder

The gallbladder sits just below the liver. It stores and releases a digestive liquid produced by the liver called bile. Bile is mostly made from cholesterol and is necessary for absorbing fats, fat soluble vitamins, and certain minerals needed for releasing enzymes from the pancreas. If your gallbladder malfunctions and bile is not properly released or stored, it can lead to gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. When this happens, you will need to have your gallbladder removed.

Painful gallstones

Gallstones are formed when liquid bile hardens inside the gallbladder. The stones can remain inside the gallbladder or block the cystic duct connecting the gallbladder to the small intestine. Although it is possible to pass gallstones or even live with them, you will need to have your gallbladder removed if these gallstones begin to cause pain. Symptoms of troublesome gallstones include pain in the upper right region of the abdomen and even pain in the shoulder area, especially the right shoulder.

Inflammation of gallbladder

Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can occur for a number reasons. Gallstones can become large enough to get caught in the cystic duct and inflame the gallbladder. Other causes for gallbladder inflammation include injury, infection, and tumors. Untreated cholecystitis can lead to tissue damage and an infection that spreads throughout the body. Gallbladder inflammation is frequently the reason for having your gallbladder removed. Symptoms of cholecystitis include abdominal and shoulder pain as well as nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Other reasons for having your gallbladder removed

Some of the less common reasons for having your gallbladder removed include pancreatitis, obesity, and liver problems.

Sources:

Gall Stones: Definition and Symptoms, MayoClinic.com, July 25, 2009

Cholecystitis, MayoClinic.com, September 4, 2009

Cholecystectomy, MayoClinic.com, December 31, 2008

Gallbladder Removal, Medline Plus (National Institutes of Health)