When Is Gallbladder Surgery Recommended?

The gallbladder is a small organ beneath your liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. While you might not think much about it day to day, issues with your gallbladder — especially gallstones — can lead to serious discomfort and complications. 

In some cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder becomes the best option for lasting relief and better health. 

If you’re having gallbladder issues, turn to gallbladder surgery specialist Dr. Aliu O. Sanni at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia. He has the expertise and experience to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

Common reasons for gallbladder surgery

Here are five reasons you may need to consider having your gallbladder removed:

Gallstones

The most common reason for gallbladder surgery is gallstones. These small, hardened deposits of bile can block the flow of digestive fluids, causing pain, nausea, and bloating, especially after meals. If gallstones cause recurring symptoms, Dr. Sanni may recommend surgery.

Gallbladder inflammation 

When gallstones block a bile duct, it can lead to inflammation and infection. This condition often causes severe pain in your upper right abdomen, fever, and vomiting. If not treated promptly, it can lead to complications like abscesses or a ruptured gallbladder, making surgery urgent.

Bile duct blockage

Sometimes gallstones migrate and block the bile ducts, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools. This can be dangerous and signal that you need surgery to prevent more serious complications like pancreatitis.

Gallbladder dysfunction

In some cases, your gallbladder itself may not empty properly, even without stones. This condition can cause chronic pain and digestive issues. If testing shows poor gallbladder function, you may need to have your gallbladder removed.

Gallbladder polyps or cancer

Although rare, if you have a polyp larger than a centimeter or suspected gallbladder cancer, Dr. Sanni will most likely recommend surgery. While most polyps are harmless, larger ones can pose a cancer risk and are typically removed along with the gallbladder.

When to reach out to our medical team

If you're experiencing constant upper right abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods, along with nausea or bloating, it’s worth getting checked. Dr. Sanni can use imaging to assess your gallbladder and determine if surgery is the right step.

What to expect during and after surgery

Dr. Sanni performs gallbladder surgery using the minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery, resulting in a short recovery time. Once your gallbladder is removed, you should be able to live a healthy life, but you may need to adjust your diet to avoid digestive upset.

If you’re dealing with recurring abdominal pain or digestive issues, don’t wait. Gallbladder problems are common and very treatable. Talking to Dr. Sanni can help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you.

Click here now to book an appointment at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery or call us at 201-565-0876.