Understanding the Function, Removal, and Effects of Gallbladder on Digestion

Gallbladder

A muscular sac attached to the liver that secretes bile and stores it until needed for digestion

The gallbladder is a small organ located just below the liver in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and release bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fatty foods in the small intestine.

When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The bile mixes with food to help digest fat and fat-soluble vitamins. The gallbladder may also contain small stones that can cause pain and inflammation, known as gallstones.

It is possible to live without a gallbladder, as the liver can still produce bile and deliver it directly to the small intestine. However, bile may not be released as efficiently without a gallbladder, which can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea and indigestion.

Surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, may be necessary if it becomes inflamed or if large gallstones are present. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common surgical procedure used to remove the gallbladder. In this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a small camera and surgical instruments are used to remove the gallbladder. Recovery time is usually quick, and most people can resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

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