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.
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!
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)?
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?
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.
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?
Does anybody answer these posts? I have two on the gallbadder, but no one responds!