Operations and procedures

The gallbladder is a small pouch-shaped organ whose main function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. Bile is a necessary digestive juice that helps break down food and emulsify fats for better processing in the digestive tract.  When the bile in the gallbladder accumulates, and some of its components crystallize and deposit, gallstones can form. Gallstones are solid particles that can vary in size and shape. They can be as small as sand grains or as large as peas.

Several risk factors contribute to the formation of gallstones, such as:

• Excess cholesterol: When there is an excessive amount of cholesterol in the gallbladder, it can crystallize and form stones.
  Excess bilirubin: High levels of bilirubin can lead to the formation of pigment stones.
  Imbalance of bile acids: Insufficient bile acids in the gallbladder can result in calcified bile, which can eventually turn into stones.
  Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing gallstones.
•  Obesity and diet: Being overweight and consuming a high-fat diet can increase cholesterol content in the gallbladder.
  Age and gender: Gallstones are more common in women and individuals over the age of 40.

Gallstones can be asymptomatic, but sometimes they can move into the bile ducts, leading to gallbladder colic (severe pain in the upper right abdomen), inflammation of the bile ducts, or other complications that may require gallbladder removal surgery. If symptoms related to gallstones occur, seeking medical attention is essential.

Gallbladder removal, known as cholecystectomy, may be necessary if a patient develops gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), or other gallbladder-related issues. Although the gallbladder plays an important role in fat digestion and nutrient absorption, it is not essential for human digestion. After gallbladder removal, the liver’s produced bile flows directly through the common bile duct to aid digestion in the digestive tract. Following gallbladder removal, a person may need to adjust their diet to reduce pressure on the bile ducts due to the absence of the gallbladder.

Cholecystectomy can be performed in two main ways:
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is the preferred method, involving several small incisions in the abdomen, and the gallbladder is removed using a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and specialized surgical instruments.
• Open cholecystectomy: In some cases where laparoscopic surgery is not possible, a larger incision in the abdomen is made to remove the gallbladder.

The type of surgery performed depends on the patient’s specific condition and other medical factors. To begin your treatment journey, start with a consultation with a surgeon!