The gallbladder is a small bag-like organ that stores bile.

Bile aids in the digestion of fats.

Bile is formed by the liver and passes through the bile duct that connects to the first part of the small bowel called the duodenum.

The gallbladder is attached to this bile duct and when fat is eaten the gallbladder contracts forcing bile into the duct and into the intestine.

People frequently develop stones in the gallbladder. For reasons that are not fully understood, this happens much more frequently in women than in men.

When stones develop, several complications including recurring painful attacks, severe infection, pancreatitis and jaundice can occur.

The gallbladder is the problem, which is why the gallbladder, not just the stones, must be removed.

Occasionally people have gallbladder problems without stones. This is called biliary dyskinesia and is cured by removal of the gallbladder.

Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder.

Laparoscopy is the method that the gallbladder will be removed.

Until a few years ago all gallbladders were removed using a formal 6 to 8 inch incision and required a several day hospitalization and several week recuperation.

A laparoscope is a hollow lighted tube with special lenses connected to a video system that allows us to see inside the abdominal cavity through a very small incision.

Additional hollow tubes called ports are also placed through the abdominal wall. Through these ports special instruments are passed that are used to remove the gallbladder.

Usually four small incisions will be used.

There is much less pain and a much faster recovery when the gallbladder is removed this way.

Nothing.

The bile ducts take over the function of continuing to deliver bile to the small intestine (duodenum).

Occasionally people will notice that their bowel movements are a little looser than average for a few weeks post operatively but this almost always goes back to normal within a few weeks.

No.

Frequently before surgery we recommend avoiding fats to prevent gallbladder attacks.

After surgery there are no restrictions.

Just because you had your gallbladder out does not mean that there is anything specific that you must avoid.

Almost everyone (including people who do not have gallbladder disease) have some food intolerances. If something bothers you or gives you distress then don’t eat it.