12 Complications that May Arise After Gallbladder Removal | Dr. Berg

Devi ShivaShanmi
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The gallbladder is an organ that is not necessary for survival, but it has an important role in the body’s digestive system. The gallbladder stores bile, which is produced by the liver and used to digest fats. In some cases, the gallbladder may need to be removed, and this procedure is called cholecystectomy. Although this surgery is common and considered safe, there are potential complications that can occur after the procedure. In this article, we will discuss the potential complications of gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy, explained by Dr. Berg.



Why a person may experience complications after gallbladder removal


Before we discuss the potential complications of gallbladder removal, it is important to understand why someone would experience those symptoms. Bile is made by the liver and drains down through a duct into the gallbladder, where it is stored. When you eat, you need less bile to digest food because it is very concentrated. Without a gallbladder, all you have is the tube from your liver to the small intestines, and it trickles down, but it is not concentrated. Typically, the complications from not having a gallbladder have to do with a lack of bile. However, there are exceptions to that, sometimes there is a situation where we have too much bile going into the small intestine, in which case you have to take a certain medication to block the production of bile. What we will talk about is the symptoms that occur with not enough bile.


What is bile?


Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It is an essential part of the digestive system, particularly in the digestion of fats. Bile is made up of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and other substances. A good analogy to help understand what bile is, is that it is soap or a detergent. Detergent is both water-soluble and fat-soluble. In other words, you can put it on fat like greasy hands and rub it all around, and it will break down the fat, and it's more water-soluble, so you can wash your hands, and it can actually go down the drain. This is oil and this is detergent. When you release bile, it will break down fat into small particles to allow the pancreas to release an enzyme called lipase and to make it easy to digest that to an even smaller particle where you can absorb it in your intestine.


Complications of Gallbladder Removal


The medical term for complications that occur after gallbladder removal is post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Over 700,000 surgeries are done every single year, and 40% of the people who had their gallbladder removed have complications. Here are twelve potential complications of gallbladder removal.

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1. Difficulty Digesting Fats

One of the primary functions of the gallbladder is to store and release bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. After the gallbladder is removed, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. However, the bile may not be released in sufficient amounts to aid in fat digestion. This can result in bloating, indigestion, gas, and burping.


2. Constipation

Bile also helps lubricate the colon, aiding in bowel movements. Without bile, you may experience constipation. However, if you have too much bile due to a large duct or opening, you can get diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea, it is not recommended to take more bile as a supplement, as this can worsen the situation.


3. Gas, Bloating, and Stomach Pain

The inability to properly digest fats may lead to increased gas and bloating. In some cases, this may result in stomach pain.


4. Jaundice

Bile helps to eliminate bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cells, from the body. If there is a blockage in the liver or bile ducts, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, leading to a yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition known as jaundice.


5. Gallstones

Bile helps to dissolve gallstones and prevent their formation. Without enough bile, concentrated cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones.


6. Hypothyroidism

Bile triggers the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to the active thyroid hormone (T3). Without enough bile, hypothyroid symptoms may arise.


7. Right Shoulder Pain and Tightness

Congestion or blockage of the bile ducts can cause pressure and irritation that may result in referral pain in the right shoulder and neck, as well as headaches. It can also lead to tightness underneath the right rib cage.


8. Dry Skin and Eyes

Bile helps to break down and absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Without enough bile, deficiencies in these vitamins can occur, leading to dry skin and eyes.


9. Vision Problems

A deficiency in vitamin A, which is essential for vision health, can result in blurry vision, glaucoma, and even cataracts.


10. Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

Bile acids play a critical role in maintaining the health of the colon. A lack of bile may increase the risk of colon cancer.


11. Nutrient Deficiencies

Bile aids in the absorption of nutrients from food. Without enough bile, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals may occur.


12. Weight Gain

Bile helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats. Without sufficient bile, weight gain may occur due to the inability to properly digest and absorb fats.


What to Do if You Experience Complications after Gallbladder removal Surgery


Also Read: 

9 Important Benefits of Purified Bile Salts (Gallbladder) | Dr. Berg



If you experience any of the above complications after gallbladder removal, purified bile salts may help. Taking one or two after a meal may result in quick relief. If you experience right shoulder pain or tightness underneath the right rib cage, you can take one on an empty stomach and another later in the day. This will help your liver drain properly and reduce the sensation.

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