Ake Ngiamsanguan / Getty Images
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
Thegallbladderstoresbile, a fluid the liver makes that helps break down fat.
Gallstonesare predominantly composed of a fatty substance called cholesterol.
Ake Ngiamsanguan / Getty Images
They form within the gallbladder and can stay there or travel to the bile ducts.
In most cases, gallstones cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on imaging tests performed for other reasons.
The pain may travel to the back, usually the right shoulder blade.
Depending on various risk factors, a cholecystectomy orERCP (endoscopic retrogradecholangiopancreatography)is performed for choledocholithiasis.
There are two main approaches to performing a cholecystectomy.
The surgeon then inserts additional surgical tools through the other incisions to take out the gallbladder.
Laparoscopic vs. Open Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred approach for most gallbladder diseases.
Summary
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Emergent cholecystectomy is performed for gallstone complications like gallbladder or pancreas inflammation.
Symptoms of these complications can include constant, severe belly pain, fever, and/or jaundice.
Since the gallbladder is not an essential organ, people can live full, healthy lives without it.
Some people may experience bloating or diarrhea after the surgery, but these symptoms generally improve over time.
2018;53:3-11. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2018.04.019
Saiman Y.Gallstones (cholelithiasis).
InMerck Manual Consumer Version.
Merck & Co., Inc. 2023.
2018;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1660.
doi:10.12688/f1000research.14886.1
Richmond BK.Biliary dyskinesia-controversies, diagnosis, and management: a review.JAMA Surg.
2024;159(9):1079-1084. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2024.0818
American Cancer Society.What is gallbladder cancer?
2015;11(2):113-8. doi:10.4103/0972-9941.140220
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for gallstones.
2023;30(1):37-41. doi:10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_116_22
Zakko SF, Afdhal NH.Approach to the management of gallstones.
In: UpToDate, Chopra S (Ed), Wolters Kluwer.
Kaiser Permanente.What are the risks and benefits of gallbladder surgery?
Lindenmeyer CC.Gallbladder and biliary tract.
InMerck Manual Consumer Version.
Merck & Co., Inc. 2022.
Kaiser Permanente.Gallbladder removal surgery: what to expect at home.
