Can You Survive Without A Gallbladder?

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

What is a gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a very small organ that is located inside our abdomen right behind the liver. It is a part of the digestive system and is connected to the liver via the common bile duct. The gallbladder acts as a storehouse for bile juice before it is released into the small intestine. Bile is a very important digestive enzyme that helps out the body to break down the food that we eat. The gallbladder releases a certain amount of bile every single time we eat something, so as to break down the fats present in the food.

What is cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is one of the most common opted laparoscopic surgery training courses in India. The procedure can be carried out either by the traditional open surgical techniques or laparoscopic or minimally invasive techniques carried out with the help of a very small camera and tiny instruments and equipment. The procedure is usually used to treat patients suffering from the following conditions:

Biliary colic - it refers to the chronic pain caused by the gallstones that temporarily block the common bile duct. The pain is usually experienced after meals and is likely to stay for a few hours.

Acute cholecystitis - the condition is marked by inflammation in the gallbladder which eventually leads to disturbance in the normal flow of bile. The condition can be very painful and lead to infection, fever, chills and increased WBC production.

Cholangitis - the condition is marked by inflammation and infection in the pancreas and biliary system due to blockage in the common bile duct.

Gallbladder cancer - the condition is marked by the production and accumulation of malignant cells in the gall bladder which eventually replace all the healthy cells and damage the organ beyond repair. The procedure is known to increase gallbladder cancer life expectancy. A lot of patients prefer to undergo gallbladder cancer treatment in Delhi as the services offered here are pocket-friendly and at par with International standards.

Can we survive without a gallbladder?

Yes, it is possible to survive without a gallbladder and this is the reason why you can easily opt for cholecystectomy when the need arises. Gall bladder acts as a storehouse for bile juice. In patients whose gallbladder has been removed, the bile juice flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. However, a very small percentage of people undergoing surgery are likely to experience nausea and diarrhoea. However, these problems are temporary and go away with time.

Change in lifestyle and diet after cholecystectomy

As far as your normal lifestyle is concerned, you do not need to make any serious changes. Just try to be more active to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Join a gym, go out for walks, try cycling and swimming. You can even opt for pilate and yoga.

Gallbladder removal is followed by certain changes in your digestive system as well. Hence you need to keep the following things in mind:

Limit your fat intake. Avoid consuming food products that contain more than 3 grams of fat per serving. Make sure you read the labels on dairy products and other packed foods. You can take healthy fats in moderation but make sure you consult your doctor before doing so.

Cut down on the consumption of sausages, beef, fried food products, chips, chocolate, full-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, cream, poultry food, peanuts, canola and olive oil.

Make sure that only 30 per cent if your diet is fat and not more than that.

Do not starve yourself. Eat after regular intervals. Mid snacks are important. Instead of eating three full-fledged meals try to break these down as overeating can overwhelm your digestive tract and make it difficult for your body to break down the food as the liver does not produce enough bile. This can even lead to excessive strain on your liver which can eventually lead to liver damage.

Limit fibre intake. Fibre surely has a lot of benefits and is recommended by doctors worldwide but in the case of patients who have undergone cholecystectomy, it can lead to bloating, abdominal pain and indigestion. Cut down in the consumption of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, nuts, such as peanuts and almonds high-fibre breads, such as whole-grain or whole-wheat and high-fibre cereals. However, make sure that you do not eliminate these food products from your diet completely.

Limit your caffeine intake and try to drink as much water as possible.