The gallbladder is a little pear-shaped pouch located behind the liver that has a not-so-little job. This organ is responsible for storing bile (and other fluids), the fluid our body uses to break down fats and digest food. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to have issues with their gallbladder, including gallbladder disease.
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A person may develop gallbladder disease from too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile which can lead to gallstones, acute or chronic inflammation, or bile duct stones. These can all cause uncomfortable symptoms that may lead to either open or laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. Here are 20 things you should know about the procedure and what to expect afterwards…
1. Function of the Gallbladder
Healthline says although the gallbladder is not essential to live, it does perform a rather important function. The tiny digestive organ sits alongside your liver, connected to it via the “common bile duct.”
“This duct transports bile from the liver through the hepatic ducts, into the gallbladder, and into the duodenum – the first part of your small intestine,” it adds. In short, your gallbladder is a storage facility for bile, and without it, it’s a bit more difficult for your body to break down fatty or high-fiber foods, notes the source.