The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store bile, and the liver produces this digestive fluid to help break down fats in the small intestine. Although the gallbladder aids digestion, it is not needed for survival, and the body can function normally without it. Doctors typically recommend gallbladder removal, known as a cholecystectomy, when gallstones form and cause blockages, infection, or significant pain. Understanding when to seek medical advice regarding this organ can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Key Symptoms to Discuss with Your Doctor

Gallbladder issues often present with distinct signs that should prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider. Some individuals may have gallstones without any symptoms, and others experience acute discomfort that indicates a blockage or inflammation. Monitor your body for changes, especially after eating fatty or greasy meals. If you experience any of the following, schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms:

  • Sudden and intense pain: This typically occurs in the upper right portion of your abdomen or the center of your abdomen.
  • Radiating discomfort: Pain may spread to your right shoulder or the area between your shoulder blades.
  • Digestive distress: Nausea and vomiting are common, particularly following a heavy meal.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes: This condition, known as jaundice, suggests a bile duct blockage.
  • Changes in waste: Urine may appear tea-colored, or stools may become unusually light or clay-colored.
  • Fever or chills: These systemic symptoms often indicate an infection within the gallbladder or bile ducts.

How Doctors Diagnose

If you have gallbladder concerns, your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. The doctor may gently press on the upper right abdomen to check for tenderness or the Murphy’s sign, which is a specific reaction to pressure in that area. Your physician will likely order imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis; most commonly, an abdominal ultrasound provides clear images of gallstones without radiation. Other tools include HIDA scans, which track bile flow, and CT scans, which show detailed images of abdominal organs. Doctors may also perform blood tests to screen for signs of infection, jaundice, or other complications involving the liver or pancreas.

When Gallbladder Removal is Considered

Not every instance of gallstones requires surgical intervention. If gallstones are found incidentally and cause no symptoms, doctors often recommend simply monitoring the condition. Doctors consider surgery the standard treatment once symptoms become recurrent or severe. Your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal if you experience frequent “gallbladder attacks,” which are episodes of intense pain caused by temporary blockages. Surgery is also strongly advised if complications arise, such as gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis), or a common bile duct obstruction. Cholecystectomy is a common procedure, and it is often performed laparoscopically, involving small incisions and quicker recovery than open surgery.

Talk to Your Doctor Today

Doctors can offer effective treatments to help you regain comfort if you are experiencing abdominal pain, so seek professional guidance if you suspect your symptoms are related to your gallbladder. Your doctor can assess your specific situation and determine if removal is the right path forward for your long-term health. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent emergency situations down the road.