Overview

Gallbladder conditions include gallstones (cholelithiasis), inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, and bile duct obstruction. The gallbladder plays a role in digestion by storing and releasing bile to help break down fats.

Key Facts

The gallbladder can hold about 30–50 ml of bile. Gallstones affect millions worldwide, with women more commonly affected than men. Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is one of the most common surgical procedures globally.

Causes

Causes include cholesterol or bilirubin imbalance leading to gallstone formation, obesity, rapid weight loss, high-fat diets, pregnancy, genetics, diabetes, liver disease, and certain medications (e.g., estrogen therapy).

Symptoms

Symptoms include right upper abdominal pain (especially after fatty meals), pain radiating to the back or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, fever (with infection), and jaundice (if bile duct is blocked).

Risk Factors

Risk factors include being female, age over 40, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, high-fat diet, diabetes, family history, Native American or Hispanic ethnicity, and use of birth control pills or hormone therapy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves abdominal ultrasound (gold standard for gallstones), CT scan, MRI/MRCP, HIDA scan (to assess gallbladder function), and blood tests to check liver enzymes and bilirubin levels.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding rapid weight loss, eating a high-fiber diet with less saturated fat, staying physically active, and managing diabetes or cholesterol levels effectively.

Celebs Affected

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton underwent gallbladder surgery for gallstones, bringing attention to this common health condition.

Specialist to Visit

General surgeons typically treat gallbladder conditions requiring surgery. Gastroenterologists manage gallbladder and bile duct diseases, while dietitians may help with dietary adjustments.

Treatment

• Asymptomatic gallstones: Often monitored without intervention.
• Symptomatic gallstones/cholecystitis: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder).
• Non-surgical patients: Medications (ursodeoxycholic acid) to dissolve stones and dietary changes.
• Bile duct obstruction: ERCP (endoscopic removal of stones).

Home-Care

Patients can follow a low-fat diet, eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, avoid rapid weight loss, exercise regularly, and manage blood sugar. Warm compresses may ease mild abdominal discomfort.

Complications

Complications include gallbladder infection, bile duct infection (cholangitis), gallbladder rupture, pancreatitis, liver damage, sepsis, and increased risk of gallbladder cancer in chronic cases.

Alternative Therapies

Some use natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, or milk thistle to support liver and gallbladder health. Yoga and stress reduction may help manage symptoms, but these should complement—not replace—medical care.

Living with

Living without a gallbladder is generally safe; bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. Patients may need to adopt a low-fat diet, eat smaller meals, and adjust gradually to digestive changes after surgery.

FAQs