Understanding Gallbladder Functioning & the Effects of Removal

What Does the Gallbladder Do?

The primary role of the gallbladder is to store bile. Bile is a concentrated digestive fluid produced by the liver which works to break down fats from food into fatty acids, which can then cross through the gastrointestinal barrier (National Institute of Health, 2010). Because bile helps to break down fats, it also plays an important role in the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K). The liver uses cholesterol to make bile acid and therefore plays an important role in eliminating cholesterol from the body.

Gallstones & Gallbladder Removal

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form (and accumulate) in the gallbladder (Mayo Foundation, 2021). Scientists aren’t 100% sure why gallstones develop. According to the NHS (n.d.) the currently accepted theory is that they develop due to an imbalance in the chemical makeup of bile. Many people have gallstones without realizing it - gallstones that don’t cause any symptoms usually don’t require treatment, however individuals who experience pain or other symptoms from gallstones typically have their gallbladder removed (Mayo Foundation, 2021). Risk-factors for gallstones include: increased age, sex (gallstones are more common in females), the use of oral contraceptive pills, and having a fatty liver (Mayo Foundation, 2021).

The procedure to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy, and is largely a very safe procedure. A small percentage of patients develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome, wherein they experience symptoms similar to those caused by gallstones including stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, jaundice, and/or a fever with symptoms lasting up to 9 months (NHS, n.d.).

Unfortunately, patients are often unaware of the role that the gallbladder plays in proper digestion, and may fail to make much-needed adjustments to support their digestive health and overall functioning. Individuals who have had their gallbladder removed can experience unpleasant Gi symptoms symptoms like diarrhea or constipation as well as hormone imbalances due to the body’s inability to effectively break down fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Folks with those symptoms should talk to their doctor about using a bile acid replacement supplement or medication. 

References

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, August 20). Gallstones. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

National Health Service. (n.d.). NHS choices. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallstones/

National Institutes of Health . (2010, January 21). How does the gallbladder work? - informedhealth.org - NCBI bookshelf. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279386/