When Is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

The gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. While you can live without it, it can cause significant problems if it becomes diseased, most commonly due to the formation of gallstones.

What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems?

The most common symptom is a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, known as biliary colic. This pain can radiate to your back or shoulder and often occurs after eating a fatty meal. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Bloating and indigestion

When is Surgery Recommended?

While not all gallstones cause symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder (a cholecystectomy) is typically recommended when they do. This is because symptomatic gallstones can lead to serious complications like:

• Acute Cholecystitis: Severe inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas if a stone blocks the bile duct.
• Blockage of the Bile Duct: Leading to infection and jaundice.

The Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Today, the vast majority of gallbladder removals are performed laparoscopically. This minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery involves several small incisions instead of one large one. The benefits include less pain, minimal scarring, and a much faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients can go home the same day or the next day.