The gallbladder is a small, hollow organ in the digestive system that stores bile produced by the liver during periods of fasting and releases it into the intestine when you eat.
Where Is The Gallbladder Located?
It is a pear-shaped organ located in the upper right area of the abdominal cavity, attached to the underside of the liver. It connects to the main bile duct, which runs from the liver to the intestine, through its own small duct.
What Is The Function Of The Gallbladder?
The gallbladder does not produce any substances itself. While you are fasting, it stores bile that is produced by the liver. When you eat, especially fatty foods, the gallbladder releases this stored bile into the intestine to aid in digestion. In this way, it acts as an organ that supports the digestive process.
Common Gallbladder Conditions
1. Gallstones: Gallstones are the most common gallbladder problem. The gallbladder’s primary role is to concentrate and store bile. When its ability to concentrate bile is reduced, sediment, sludge, or stones—ranging from tiny to large—can develop inside the gallbladder. These may remain symptom-free or cause issues such as pain (which may radiate to the back), nausea, and discomfort after meals.
2. Gallbladder polyps: These are benign growths that develop from the gallbladder wall. They usually do not produce symptoms, but may increase in size over time. If they grow larger than 1 cm, the risk of cancer development increases.
3. Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition that most often develops when gallstones block the cystic duct. It leads to severe pain in the upper right abdomen and fever, and frequently requires emergency surgical treatment.
4. Obstructive jaundice: If small gallstones (3-5 mm) from the gallbladder pass into the main bile duct and block the flow of bile from the liver, jaundice can develop. However, if these stones move into the intestine on their own, the blockage resolves and the jaundice disappears without further intervention.
5. Gallstone pancreatitis: If a gallstone in the main bile duct also blocks the opening of the pancreatic duct, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. While most cases of gallstone pancreatitis are mild, about 25% can result in serious health complications.
6. Gallbladder cancer: Although rare, gallbladder cancer is highly aggressive. If not detected early, it can quickly spread to the liver and surrounding tissues.
Signs That Indicate Gallbladder Problems
- Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after eating.
- Nausea or vomiting, especially after consuming fatty foods.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), which can occur if stones move into and block the main bile duct.
- Bloating and digestive discomfort.
- Unintentional weight loss and persistent fatigue
How Are Gallbladder Dıseases Treated?
The most common treatment for gallbladder disease is cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Removing the gallbladder does not cause any deficiencies, as the organ does not produce bile; it only stores it. After gallbladder removal, there are generally no dietary restrictions or lifestyle limitations. In fact, people who previously experienced symptoms after consuming fatty foods, chocolate, or eggs can usually enjoy these foods comfortably following the surgery.
- Gallstones: The only treatment is cholecystectomy. Consider the following:
- If gallstones cause symptoms, cholecystectomy should be performed at the most appropriate and timely stage.
- If gallstones are asymptomatic but numerous and/or small, cholecystectomy should be performed at an appropriate time, since small stones may migrate into the main bile duct and cause complications.
- Large stones: These may increase the long-term risk of cancer. Surgery should be considered.
- 1–2 cm stones (without symptoms): These can be monitored, but they may eventually lead to symptoms.
- Gallbladder polyps: Surgery is recommended if gallbladder polyps are close to 1 cm in size or continue to grow over time, as this increases the risk of cancer.
- Cholecystitis: Emergency surgical intervention is required.
- Obstructive jaundice: If jaundice persists and there is suspicion of bile duct stones, the first step is ERCP (endoscopic removal of stones from the duct), followed by cholecystectomy.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: Treatment for gallstone pancreatitis begins with managing the pancreatitis itself, followed by clearing the bile duct and/or performing a cholecystectomy.
- Gallbladder cancer: If gallbladder cancer is detected early and the tumor has not spread beyond the gallbladder wall, treatment consists of a cholecystectomy, which may also include removing nearby liver tissue.
Best Practices for Maintaining Gallbladder Health
1. Follow a Healthy Diet:A diet high in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can lower the risk of developing gallstones. Limit your intake of highly processed foods, excess sugar, and saturated fats.
2. Maintain an Active Lifestyle :Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk of gallbladder disease.
4. Avoid rapid weight gain or loss
5. Stay Hydrated :Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps promote healthy bile flow and supports optimal digestive function.
6. Routine Health Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help identify gallbladder problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications.
7. Monitor Your Risk Factors: If you have a family history of gallbladder disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, consult a specialist to discuss preventive strategies.
Why Choose Liv Hospital for Gallbladder Care?
At Liv Hospital, our dedicated gastroenterology team provides expert diagnosis and leading-edge treatment for gallbladder disorders. We offer a full spectrum of care, from non-invasive diagnostic tests to advanced surgical procedures, all tailored to the individual needs of each patient. If you are experiencing symptoms or wish to maintain optimal digestive health, schedule a consultation with our specialists today for personalized support and compassionate care.
* The Liv Hospital Editorial Board contributed to the publication of this content.* The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not contain information about medicinal health care services at Liv Hospital.