Gallbladder Surgery

What is a gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small pouch that is attached to your liver. It is about the size of a lemon or small zucchini. The main purpose of gallbladder is to store digestive enzymes, called ‘bile’. Bile is made by your liver. Your gallbladder does not make anything; it is a storage and release reservoir for bile. Bile helps you breakdown food in your intestines.

Source: https://www.facs.org/for-patients/the-day-of-your-surgery/cholecystectomy

How do gallbladder symptoms feel?

• upper abdominal pain,  1-4 hours after eating
  •  stabbing pain just below your ribs that is ‘on and off’
  • Stabbing pain can radiate to the right side of your stomach and upper right back
  •  May be accompanied with Nausea or vomiting
  •  Often confused with ‘indigestion’ or ulcer pain

What causes gallbladder symptoms?

Most gallbladder symptoms are from gallstones. The digestive enzymes that are stored in your gallbladder can precipitate and form stones. These are known as gallstones. They are formed from concentrated bile. They can be any size, from 0.1mm to 5cm!

When these stones get stuck in the neck of the gallbladder they block the drainage of the gallbladder. This can cause inflammation and pain in the gallbladder. If the stone is stuck for a long time, it can cause an infection of the gallbladder called ‘cholecystitis’.

Not all gallstones cause symptoms, so you don’t need your gallbladder out unless you are having some of the symptoms listed above!

How do I know if I need my gallbladder out?

If you have cramping upper abdominal pain after you eat meals, especially fatty meals, you may have symptoms from your gallbladder.

What is surgery like for your gallbladder?

• Gallbladder surgery is minimally invasive with 4 small incisions
• It is done in the operating room, under general anesthesia (your are completely asleep)
• Most people take 1-2 week off of work and strenuous activity after gallbladder surgery
• You cannot lift more then 10 pounds for 4 week after surgery
• You can walk and go up and down stairs immediately after surgery
• You can ease into a regular diet after surgery,
• There are no medical restrictions on you diet once you gallbladder is removed

Want to read more about the gallbladder and gallstones?

Mayo clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

American college of surgeons: https://www.facs.org/for-patients/the-day-of-your-surgery/cholecystectomy

It is helpful to have an ultrasound of your gallbladder before you see Dr. Goodwin. If you have had one in the past or at a hospital it is helpful to have the information about this test.  She can order it at the time of consultation if necessary.