The surgery for gallbladder removal is popularly known as cholecystectomy, which has emerged as a standard procedure. The gallbladder is a tiny, pouch-type organ located at the upper right side of the tummy. The gallbladder’s primary function is to store bile, and the liver of the human body forms bile that assists in breaking down fatty foods. The gallbladder releases the bile into the small intestine to aid digestion. Below are 11 vital facts that you should be aware of about the gallbladder:
Cholecystectomy surgery removes the gallbladder:
The human body does not necessarily need a gallbladder. And whenever there are complications related to the gallbladder, surgery is often recommended to eliminate it. Cholecystectomy is generally performed after giving general anaesthesia to the patient.
Gallstones are the chief cause of gallbladder removal:
Gallstones are tiny yet hard masses produced from bile salts and cholesterol. When a gallbladder stone forms, it leads to severe pain and other symptoms related to the stone. A congested duct has the potential to aggravate your pancreas. In addition, a gallbladder burst or gallbladder cancer may necessitate cholecystectomy surgery.
Ways of removing the gallbladder:
There are two required methods of removing a gallbladder. These methods know as laparoscopic or keyhole cholecystectomy. Under this method, various incisions make in your abdomen, and with the help of surgical instruments, the gallbladder eliminate. The second method knows as open cholecystectomy. Under this method, only one big incision make on your abdomen to remove the gallbladder.
The recovery period after the gallbladder removal:
It does not take long to recover from keyhole surgery. Several people discharge from the hospital the same day or the next day. You can come back to your everyday life within just two weeks. After two weeks, you can perform your routine activities. However, it may take longer when you opt for open surgery to remove the gallbladder. You may have to stay in the hospital for 4 to 5 days. To recover fully, you may need at least 6 to 8 weeks.
Life without a gallbladder:
Your everyday life will not hamper without a gallbladder, and you can easily lead a simple life without it. It is because the liver can still produce adequate bile to digest the food. However, the bitterness will consistently drip down to your digestive system instead of getting stored in the gallbladder. You will recommend following a special diet before the surgery, and you do not have to continue this diet after surgery.
Common issues after surgery:
You may go through some issues after gallbladder surgery. These may include diarrhoea or bloating. However, it will improve after a few weeks, and you need not worry about it. These issues are generally standard. If you find that some specific foods or drinks are causing such symptoms, you may avoid them.
Risks:
You may face some risks when you undergo gallbladder surgery, just like any other type of surgery. The common complications may be wound infection, bile getting leaked into your stomach or harm to one of the openings or ducts carrying bitterness out of the liver. Sometimes blood clotting also takes place. It is ideal to speak to your doctor whenever you feel any discomfort. Also, you may talk to your doctor to find out the risks and advantages of your operation.
Opt for low cholesterol and a low-fat diet:
Gallbladder stone is usually developed due to cholesterol. Therefore, following a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet is imperative to keep the gallbladder healthy. A diet suitable for your healthy heart will also be ideal for your gallbladder. You must eliminate food that may increase your cholesterol, bringing down the possibility of gallstone formation.
Opt for a polyunsaturated diet:
It has become highly significant to take a balanced diet. It is worth mentioning that polyunsaturated fats must be integral to a balanced diet. It s found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and vegetable oil. long-term effects of gallbladder removal
Sudden weight loss:
Apart from a healthy diet, it is crucial to maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight will lead to the effective functioning of the gallbladder. If you suffer from obesity, the risk of forming gallbladder stones will reduce significantly. But, you must avoid going for a crash diet to eliminate weight issues. Sudden weight loss may also cause gallbladder stones.
The definitive test for gallstone:
Ultrasound has emerged as the best test for gallstones. Ultrasound is instant, safe, provides adequate details about how the gallbladder looks and has excellent accuracy.