What Are Gallbladder Diseases? Symptoms, Complications, Treatment
- Medically checked
What Are Gallbladder Diseases?
The gallbladder, often mistakenly referred to as the “bile,” is an organ located in the right hypochondrium, beneath the liver, and attached to its visceral surface. The gallbladder’s role is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide.
Where Is the Gallbladder Located?
The gallbladder is positioned in the gallbladder fossa on the lower surface of the liver. It is a structure specific to vertebrates, connected to the liver—where it receives bile—and to the duodenum—where it releases bile during digestion.
What Are the Diseases of the Gallbladder?
Gallbladder diseases include:
- Inflammatory conditions (acute or chronic cholecystitis)
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- Biliary dyskinesia (sluggish gallbladder function)
Gallbladder Diseases: Symptoms
What may start as simple biliary colic can quickly escalate to an acute cholecystitis attack. The symptoms are very similar, with persistent pain that does not subside. Pain can radiate from the right upper abdomen to the area around the belly button and even toward the left side, sometimes alerting the pancreas. Fever, chills, and a pale complexion may occur, and in some cases, jaundice may be present.
In such situations, prompt medical evaluation is critical. Elderly patients who experience chills are sending urgent warning signs and should be taken to the hospital without delay. Nausea and vomiting are frequently reported, and repeated vomiting may indicate a gallstone that is freely moving through the ducts.
If the liver area becomes firm and increasingly painful to touch, this may indicate biliary peritonitis. Acute cholecystitis can mimic several other conditions such as pancreatitis, perforated ulcer, acute appendicitis, pyelonephritis, myocardial infarction, or lower lobe pneumonia, making accurate diagnosis essential.
Can You Live Without a Gallbladder (Cholecyst)?
Yes, you can live without a gallbladder. It is not a vital organ. After cholecystectomy, bile flows continuously into the small intestine. Some patients may experience temporary bloating or changes in bowel movements, but these symptoms typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks as the body adapts.
Who Is Gallbladder Surgery For?
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended for:
- Individuals with symptomatic gallstones (who have experienced at least one pain episode)
- Patients diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia
- Cases of acute or chronic cholecystitis
- Patients experiencing complications from the above conditions
There is no universal agreement regarding asymptomatic gallstones. Some guidelines recommend monitoring until symptoms occur, while others suggest proactive cholecystectomy.
Types of Surgical Treatment for the Gallbladder
Laparoscopic Method
This is the gold standard for treating gallbladder conditions. It requires four small incisions (two 10 mm and two 5 mm), through which surgical instruments are inserted. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis (with same-day discharge) or with overnight hospitalization.
Classical/Open Method
This approach involves a 10–15 cm incision in the upper right abdomen to remove the gallbladder. It is reserved for cases where laparoscopy is not feasible, such as in patients with significant abdominal adhesions or abnormal gallbladder anatomy. Recovery for this procedure varies but typically takes 3–4 days in the hospital.
Gallbladder Surgery: Potential Complications
Although rare, potential surgical complications include:
- Postoperative bleeding
- General anesthesia-related complications
- Infections
- Embolisms
- Injury to the main bile ducts
- Venous thrombosis
Avoid self-treatment during episodes of biliary colic, even if the symptoms feel familiar. To reduce the risk of flare-ups, avoid fatty or fried foods, heavy sauces, chocolate, and alcohol. In some cases, emergency surgery may be required.
