What is The Gallbladder For?
The gallbladder is a tiny organ shaped like a pear. Its main function is to store and release bile, one of the digestive fluids produced by the liver. Together with enzymes and other digestive juices, it helps digest the nutrients from the foods we eat.
Essentially, this is the function of the gallbladder. Unfortunately, this tiny organ may become inflamed or develop other problems, which will require treatment in these cases. On that note, if you are interested in your options regarding gallbladder surgery in Miami, feel free to contact our expert staff at Surgical Solutions of Miami after reading this article.
Our experienced team is here to educate you not just about the gallbladder’s function but also to help you learn more about its medical problems and the most effective treatments to address them.
Still, before you reach out to us, read this article until the end since we’ll be covering the essentials of the gallbladder.
The Function of The Gallbladder
First, where is the gallbladder located? The organ can be located in the abdomen’s upper right part, sitting just under the liver.
Regarding its function, as mentioned above, the organ is an essential part of the human body’s digestive system. Its main role is to release and store bile. Bile is a digestive juice that helps the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract to break down fats. To be more precise, bile can be best defined as a mixture of bile salts, cholesterol, and bilirubin.
Furthermore, the organ is connected to other parts of the body’s digestive system via the biliary tract, which is comprised of several bile ducts. The biliary system is described as pipe-like and transports bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
When it comes to the actual functions of the gallbladder, when people start eating, their gallbladder is usually filled with bile. When a person begins to eat, the gallbladder gets signals from the brain, ordering it to contract and empty the stored bile via the biliary system. Then, the bile travels through these pips, finding its way to the common bile duct, which is the biggest duct in the entire system. Bile will also pass through here, reaching the duodenum, which can be described as the small intestine’s first part. Here, the bile mixes with the food awaiting digestion. After eating, the gallbladder will be empty, more or less looking like a deflated balloon, waiting to get filled up again.
Disorders and Conditions of the Gallbladder
There are several conditions that may lead to problems with the gallbladder. The most common medical condition is gallstones, which are usually benign but may lead to complications in rare cases. The most common gallbladder diseases include:
- Cholecystitis: This is a condition when the gallbladder becomes inflamed. It can develop when a gallstone manages to block bile from leaving the organ. The condition can cause pain and fever. Usually, it will be treated with surgery.
- Gallstones: These are tiny, pebble-like objects consisting of bile material that originate from the bile ducts. They can be as tiny as sand grains, but in some cases, they may grow as large as a golf ball. They are typically benign but may lead to inflammation, nausea, or pain.
- Gallstone pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which develops when a gallstone manages to block the pancreatic duct at a common point in the bile duct just before entering the drainage into the small intestine.
- Gallbladder cancer: This is a rare condition that may result in pain around the abdomen’s right upper quadrant. Cancer develops when mutated cells in the organ start to grow and multiply uncontrollably.
Gallbladder Problems: Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of gallbladder issues exhibit variability among individuals. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms or be unaware of the presence of gallstones. However, when gallstones obstruct the normal flow of bile, they have the potential to impact the functioning of the gallbladder or pancreas. That said, people may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the upper-right abdomen.
- Pain in the upper-mid abdomen.
- Pain after eating fatty meals
- Abdominal pain in the upper right area radiating to the back or the right shoulder.
- Fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- Jaundice
- Chills
- Light-colored stools and light-brown urine.
Treatemnts For Gallbladder Problems
The predominant approach to addressing most gallbladder problems involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a procedure known as cholecystectomy. It’s important to note that the gallbladder is not considered an indispensable organ, and individuals can lead normal lives even after its removal. When a surgeon performs a cholecystectomy and removes the gallbladder, bile will no longer be stored in the gallbladder but will instead flow directly from the bile ducts into the digestive system.
Surgeons will typically perform gallbladder removal surgery in three major ways:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: As the name suggests, this approach uses the minimally-invasive laparoscopic method, in which the surgeon makes several smaller incisions, in which they insert the necessary medical instruments to remove the gallbladder. This approach grants faster recovery times and less scar tissue.
- Robotic gallbladder removal surgery: This is essentially laparoscopic surgery, where robotic arms hold the medical instruments, with the surgeon controlling the arms via a computer console.
- Open cholecystectomy: In this case, surgeons make one large incision. Recovery is usually slower, and more scar tissue may remain after the intervention.
The Gallbladder and Lifestyle Choices
Individuals who are overweight, particularly women, are at a higher risk of developing gallstones. This heightened risk is attributed to the potential for increased cholesterol levels in the bile of overweight individuals. Elevated cholesterol in the bile can contribute to the formation of gallstones. Moreover, overweight individuals may have larger gallbladders that may not function optimally.
It’s worth noting that rapid weight loss can also elevate the risk of gallstone formation. However, a gradual and steady approach to weight loss may help in preventing their development.
Although the gallbladder is not considered essential, it plays a role in digesting fatty foods. Following gallbladder removal, it is advisable to steer clear of fried and greasy foods. After the surgery, it’s recommended that fat calories constitute no more than 30% of one’s diet. When reintroducing high-fiber foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, it’s advisable to do so gradually to prevent potential discomfort like severe bloating and gas that can occur if these foods are consumed too quickly.
To Sum It Up
Situated in the upper right abdomen, the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ tasked with storing and releasing bile, a substance crucial for aiding the digestive system in breaking down fats. The most prevalent issue associated with the gallbladder is the development of gallstones, which are small, pebble-like formations composed of bile material. In many instances, gallstones go unnoticed and do not lead to any complications.
However, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms like upper right abdominal pain following the consumption of fatty meals, along with nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or fever. If the gallbladder is identified as the source of the problem, gallbladder removal may be recommended. It’s important to note that the gallbladder is not considered an essential organ, and its removal is generally well-tolerated, often resulting in improved well-being.
All that said, if you want to learn more about this tiny organ and the conditions that may affect it, schedule an appointment with us today.