Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by Lily Connel
Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, a small organ underneath the liver. They can cause pain or infection. Removing the organ is the best way to stop this. If you don’t do it, the pain and infection can get worse.
The removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy, which means “removal of the bile duct.” If you experience any of these symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, itching, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), or right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain with fever, it is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine if getting this surgery is necessary for your health.
Pros and Cons Of Removing Gallbladder – The Differences
| Serial | Pros Of Removing Gallbladder | Cons Of Removing Gallbladder |
| 1. | Gallstones are easily removed by surgery. | Removing the gallbladder is an incredibly complex procedure. |
| 2. | Removing the Gallbladder is a Risk Reduces Of Cancer. | Pancreatitis is a common problem after surgery. |
| 3. | The Gallbladder is a small organ that can get infected, so the best thing to do is remove it. | If you have gallstones, you will eventually need another surgery. |
| 4. | Obese patients who have had their gallbladders removed can lose weight quickly and easily. | People who have had their gallbladder removed are more at risk of pancreatitis. |
| 5. | Most people who have Gallbladder surgery recover within seven days. | If you have gallstones, removing them is not always necessary. |
| 6. | After gallbladder surgery, you are less likely to develop diabetes. | Removing Gallbladder is Costly. |
| 7. | Removing Gallbladder is Less Stomach Discomfort. | Gallbladder patients can’t eat certain Food. |
Pros Of Removing Gallbladder
1. Less Stomach Discomfort
You’ll have less stomach discomfort after gallbladder removal surgery because the gallbladder is responsible for storing bile between meals. Bile can irritate the lining of your stomach, which causes pain and discomfort.
2. Smaller Chances Of Gallstones
Gallstones are more common in those who have had their gallbladder removed; however, the chances of developing gallstones after surgery is smaller than if you left it in your body. If you develop symptoms like pain and discomfort on your right side, fever and chills, and nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor immediately as these symptoms may indicate the presence of a gallstone.
3. Less Risk Of Developing Diabetes
You’re less likely to develop diabetes after having your gallbladder removed because this organ helps absorb fats from food so they can be used for energy. Without a gallbladder, your liver will have to compensate for the inability to absorb fats, which may cause your blood sugar levels to spike.
4. Shorter Recovery Time
While you’ll still have some discomfort after gallbladder removal surgery, you can expect a shorter recovery time than if you left it in your body since most people recover from gallbladder surgery within seven days of their procedure. It’s important to remember that everyone recovers at different speeds so keep this timeline in mind when gauging the speed of your recovery.
5. Allows Obese Individuals To Lose Weight
Gallstones are more common in obese individuals; therefore, having your gallbladder removed allows them an opportunity to reduce their weight and decrease their chances of developing gallstones.
6. Easier Way To Diagnose Problems With The Liver
Since your gallbladder is no longer in your body, it’s easier for doctors to diagnose problems with your liver since the bile that would usually be stored in the gallbladder will flow directly into the liver. This makes it easier to identify any abnormalities or problems with the liver.
7. No More Fear Of Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is a condition that results when the gallbladder becomes inflamed; it’s a common complication associated with gallstones. When you have your gallbladder removed, you no longer have to worry about developing this condition.
8. Prevents Future Infections
Since the gallbladder can become infected, removing it prevents any future infections from occurring.
9. No More Pressure On The Liver
The gallbladder sits on top of the liver and when it’s inflamed, it puts pressure on the liver, causing pain. Removing the gallbladder eliminates this pressure.
10. Reduces Risk Of Cancer
Gallstones are a common cause of cancer and by having your gallbladder removed, you decrease your chances of developing this deadly disease.
11. Prevents Future Problems With The Gallbladder
Removing the gallbladder eliminates your risk of developing any future problems with this organ such as inflammation, infection, or stones.
12. Easier Way To Take Care Of Gallstones
You can easily take care of gallstones by having them surgically removed. This allows you to prevent serious damage to your body caused by the stones.
13. No More Bile Leaks
Because bile leaks are more common after gallbladder removal surgery, this is another benefit allowing you to avoid costly medical bills associated with obtaining treatment for these leaks.
14. Able To Eat Foods You Enjoyed Before Surgery
Due to pain and discomfort, many people have difficulty eating foods they enjoy after their gallbladder has been removed; however, once they recover from their surgery, they can eat the same foods again without any complications or side effects.
15. Fewer Digestive Problems
The digestive system can function more smoothly without the gallbladder and as a result, you’ll experience fewer problems such as constipation and diarrhoea.
16. You’re Less Likely To Develop Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and it’s another common complication associated with gallstones. When you have your gallbladder removed, you no longer have to worry about developing this condition.
17. Easier Way To Deal With Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes that is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood and it’s often a sign of liver disease. When have your gallbladder removed, doctors are better able to treat any problems with the liver, which can help to reduce the likelihood of developing jaundice.
18. No More Pain After Eating
Many people experience pain after eating due to the pressure their gallbladder puts on the stomach. Once you have your gallbladder removed, this pain will disappear.
19. Easier Way To Deal With Indigestion
Indigestion is a common problem that many people experience and it can be caused by many different things such as eating too fast, eating fatty foods, or drinking alcohol. When you have your gallbladder removed, you no longer have to worry about experiencing indigestion after eating.
Cons Of Removing Gallbladder
1. You can’t eat certain foods.
2. The body has to get used to breaking down food without the gallbladder.
3. It’s a major surgery that requires you to take time off of work and adjust your lifestyle.
4. Hospital bills are expensive.
5. Doesn’t prevent future gallstones if you have one but need to remove it later on.
6. Removing the gallbladder does not ensure weight loss, however, many people gain weight after removing their gallbladder because they feel less inhibited when eating fatty foods or at least don’t experience pain in the same way as when they still had their gallbladder preventing them from eating these foods – leading to more overeating at times (weight gain is individualized).
7. You may still experience pain after surgery if you develop stones or other complications.
8. There is a higher risk of developing pancreatitis after gallbladder removal surgery.
9. You are at a higher risk for developing cancer of the gallbladder or bile ducts after surgery.
10. You may have to take medication for the rest of your life if you develop problems with your life after surgery.
11. You will no longer be able to pass gallstones naturally, which means that you will have to go through another surgery if they become an issue.
12. The surgery is not 100% guaranteed and there is always a risk of complications.
13. Recovery time is long and often painful.
14. You may experience other digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhoea.
15. You are more likely to develop pancreatitis after surgery.
16. You may feel overwhelmed with all the changes in your life after surgery – it is a big adjustment!
17. The surgery is more difficult and complex if you have other health conditions.
18. You will no longer experience pain after eating.
19. You are more likely to experience indigestion after eating.
What Is Removing The Gallbladder?
Gallstones and gallbladder disease is a very common conditions affecting about 15% of the population, mostly women. The key causes of this disease are obesity and having children. It can also be hereditary.
Your bile ducts carry bile from your liver to help break down fats in your digestive tract into smaller pieces that can then be absorbed more easily by your body (this is how you digest food). Gallstones form when there is too much cholesterol or bilirubin (a yellow organic pigment) in the liquid state of the bile so it begins to crystallize and become stones. Gallstones often move through the bile duct and impact one side of the gallbladder, causing pain and inflammation as they travel.
The surgery to remove the gallbladder is a relatively simple procedure that can be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) or through traditional open surgery. Recovery time is usually short and most people feel better after surgery.
There are some risks associated with having your gallbladder removed, such as developing diarrhoea or constipation, but these are typically minor and can be managed with medication if necessary.
If you have decided that getting your gallbladder removed is the best course of action for you, make sure to consult with your doctor to schedule the surgery. You will likely need to fast for a day or two before the surgery to ensure that your stomach is empty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different reasons why you may want to have your gallbladder removed after experiencing the symptoms associated with it, but there are just as many cons. You will have an easier time dealing with problems such as indigestion and avoiding pain after eating, however, there are still risks involved. The surgery is major and can be difficult to go through so keep that in mind. Finally, depending on how your body adapts to not having a gallbladder or what kind of diet you continue to have post-surgery you may experience weight gain which could lead to future health problems if you do not change your lifestyle along with this major surgery!
