That headline is too alarming as written. Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a common and generally safe operation, and most people can live normally without a gallbladder.
N
nhs.uk
+1
What actually happens after gallbladder removal?
The liver continues making bile, but instead of being stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, bile flows more continuously into the intestine. Most people can digest food normally.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
Some people experience:
Diarrhea or looser stools, sometimes related to bile acids reaching the colon. It usually improves, although persistent cases can occur.
M
Mayo Clinic
Bloating, indigestion or abdominal discomfort, particularly during the early recovery period.
N
nhs.uk
Difficulty tolerating large or very fatty meals for a while; smaller meals and moderating fat may help.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
+1
Does surgery cause “3 diseases”?
There isn’t good evidence that gallbladder removal routinely causes three specific diseases. Surgery does have recognized complications, including infection, bleeding, bile leakage, bile-duct injury and blood clots, but serious complications are uncommon.
N
nhs.uk
More importantly, “avoid surgery if possible” isn’t appropriate advice for everyone. People with symptomatic gallstones or complications such as acute cholecystitis may actually be advised to have the gallbladder removed because untreated gallstones can cause serious problems, including pancreatitis and jaundice.
N
nhs.uk
+1
If you’re considering surgery yourself, the key question is why the gallbladder needs to be removed. The risks and benefits are very different for incidental, symptom-free gallstones versus recurrent attacks, infection, obstruction, or pancreatitis.
N
G
M
Sources
