Gallbladder removal

Posted By  HFHSM.D.-rf on April 22, 1999 at 22:40:03
Topic Area: Gallbladders
  Is it necessary or preferred to remove an otherwise healthy gallbladder incident to gastric bypass surgery?  I was told that the Gallbladder may shut down post gastric bypass and should be removed.  However, I have read that resultant bile dumping upon removal of the gall bladder could lead to increased risk of cancer.  Also, what non-surgical treatments (prescriptions) are available to treat an inflamed gall bladder or gall stones?

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

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Dear Samantha,
Are you having gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery for your obesity?  Gastric banding reduces the size of the gastric pouch, thereby limiting how much you can eat at any one time.  For gastric banding I do not believe that cholecystectomy is needed.
There have been epidemiologic studies suggesting that there is an increased risk of colon cancer for those who have had their gall bladders removed.  It should be emphasized however, that the increased risk is very small and that most doctors are not worried about colon cancer after recommending cholecystectomy.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: morbid obesity, colon cancer, cholecystectomy
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