Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

HELP GALL BLADDER!

Can any one tell me the pros and cons to removing my gallbladder?  It only functions at 4% - but I have uncontrollable diahrrea. I feel as if I should stay home most of the time to be safe!
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
82861 tn?1333453911
I didn't have stones and had a relatively decent ejection fraction - somewhere around 23% if I remember correctly.  Normal is in the 30's.  Had to insist on a surgeon at least taking a peek inside since all the extensive tests were normal.  My gallbladder was infected and ready to rupture so I was very glad when it came out.  With the infection, I also developed a ton of scar tissue on my small intestines that gives me grief to this day.

Everyone has to make his own decision where surgery is concerned.  A doctor can't force a patient into surgery, but can only recommend it.  The final decision to go into the OR is the patient's.  No outcome is ever guaranteed with any surgery.  With such a low ejection fraction, your gallbladder is barely working and it will eventually need to come out.  It's certainly not doing you any favors now as it is.
Helpful - 0
1105423 tn?1258006976
I had my gallbladder removed at 17 because I had gallstones. They were the worst feeling in the world. You would cramp up in 2 and it would hurt to breathe because your whole stomach would be in a knot.
Having your gallbladder removed doesn't really change much of anything in your stomach. It's pretty much just there for looks and not a neccessity. You don't need to change your lifestyle, but probably with certain foods. My stomach cannot handle spicy food anymore as it makes me feel nausous and I go directly to the bathroom.
All in all, pros; 1. Won't change your lifestyle too much. 2. Will get rid of pain. Cons; After the surgery, your stomach will hurt a lot (mine did anyway) but only for that night. I couldn't swallow down any foods, not even Jell-o because it came right back up. Puked up bile. So just drinking lots of fluids will work wonders on it. Oh, another pro! You can have anyone be your slave because you'd stay in bed or on the couch the entire time and just ring a bell and get someone to get something for you since you can't get up. :) Good luck!
Helpful - 0
1103688 tn?1257894552
You said your ejection rate is low - 4% - do you have stones as well, or is your gall bladder just not functioning properly?  Are there any other abnormalities such as dilated ducts (common bile or pancreatic)?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My Dr. says it has pros and cons, but does not tell me which is the best way to go. I have had many tests and all else is clearexcept my liver and am scheduled for biopsy on Mon.  Do you know if there is any danger of leaving it in?
Helpful - 0
1100598 tn?1413127426
I had mine removed and am glad I did.  I had a lot of pain and nausea, couldn't eat much.  As soon as I woke up from the surgery, I could tell a big difference.  The only food I cannot eat now is peppers.  I had the laparoscopy surgery, was in the hospital for a little more than 24 hours, only because the doctor was late on his rounds.  I was back to work in 5 days and eating normally within 1 day.  No stitches.  Back to my normal routine within 2 weeks.  

They will tell you that approx 30% of patients will have the same problems as before, mainly because the problem ends up going into the pancreas or liver.  I say it is worth the risk, because if you don't have the gallbladder removed, you will most likely end up with an infection or gallstones and have it removed anyway.  

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That is a low ejection rate, mine is 23% and I have pain/discomfort with most anything I eat. My surgeon recommended removing it based on med's I have tried so far (Nexium like meds) and the EGD was normal. I am having it removed on Thursday ... what does your dr. say and what other tests have you had done?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Does anybody answer these posts?  I have two on the gallbadder, but no one responds!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem