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Can gallbladder removal surgery cause digestive problems?

The gallbladder plays an important part in our digestive system. Know the digestion problems that a gallbladder removal surgery can cause.
Know what can happen to your digestive system after gallbladder removal. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Tribhuvan Gulati Published: 1 Sep 2022, 11:30 am IST
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Did you know that not only a gallbladder removal surgery, but any kind of medical procedure can have some side effects on the patient. Likewise, digestive problems are a common occurrence after gallbladder removal.

What does a gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ and a vital part of the digestive system. Are you aware that it is located under the liver and regulates the flow of bile (helps to break down food). Hence, the gallbladder’s responsibility is to push the right amount of bile via bile ducts to the small intestine. But, a large number of people encounter various problems related to the gallbladder.

One can encounter fatal issues such as gallstones, common bile duct stones, gallbladder cancer, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), perforated gallbladder, and even chronic gallbladder disease, and one may require a gallbladder removal surgery. But, you need to be careful after the surgery as you can experience many side effects and one of them can be digestive problems.

Keep your digestive health in check. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Can gallbladder removal surgery cause digestive problems?

Here are some health issues that can be caused by removal of gallbladder:

* Diarrhoea:

One with gallbladder removal will have temporary diarrhoea which will go away on its own. In case, you have had it for more than 3 days then you need to consult the doctor. Along with diarrhoea there can be even abdominal pain and cramping.

* Temporary constipation:

Yes, that’s right! Just like diarrhoea one can also get constipated after the surgery and this will also go away on its own.

* Retained stone:

If the gallstone is there even after the surgery then there can be symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and even abdominal pain.

* Inability to digest fatty foods

It is advised that the patient eats a low-fat diet after a gallbladder surgery.

Avoid trans fats after gallbladder surgery. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How to take care after gallbladder surgery?

* Try to stick to a low-fat diet for about a month or two. Do not eat foods that are loaded with trans fat. It can invite more health issues. Also, drink enough water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, or smoking which can worsen your health further.

* To deal with constipation, eat fiber-rich foods such as berries, peas, barley, avocado, and apples. Do not eat food that can cause gas like beans, lentils, and broccoli

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* You need to stay away from junk, processed, oily and canned food. So, no Chinese, pizza, burger, bakery items, or desserts. You need to be careful when it comes to your health. Adopt healthy lifestyle practices to stay in top shape.

Dr Tribhuvan Gulati

Dr Tribhuvan Gulati Expert Diabetes, Thyroid, Metabolic Disorders Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi ...Read More

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