Gallbladder Surgery – Basic Information

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped small organ behind the liver. It functions to secrete bile that aids in the digestion of fats. It may not be a very important body part but it has a role in making our life easier. It helps alleviate the liver from the difficult task of having storage for bile.

There are two types of gallbladder diseases. One is cholecystitis which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. The other is cholelithiasis which is presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.  Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen is one of the usual symptoms of gallbladder diseases. In severe conditions, this body organ had to be removed through surgery.

Gallbladder surgery is known as cholecystectomy; this procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder. There are two known types of gallbladder surgery. These are open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The open surgery is more invasive wherein a 7 to 9 inch incision is made to remove the gallbladder. In the more modern laparoscopic procedure, four tiny holes or incisions are made for its removal.  Hospital confinement is shorter with the laparoscopic procedure and it also has a faster healing period.

After surgery, you should be more watchful of your diet – less fats and more amount of dietary fiber. This is also a time for you to minimize or do away with fast foods and red (pork and beef) meats. Freshwater fish and chicken breast along with vegetables and fruits are best for someone who had lost his or her gallbladder.