The gallbladder is an organ that collects and stores bile, a digestive fluid that is made by the liver. The removal of the gallbladder is known as a cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy may be necessary if you experience pain from gallstones that block the flow of bile. Gallstones occur when bile hardens. According to MayoClinic.com, cholecystectomy is a common surgery, and it carries only a small risk of complications.
Bile Leak
According to Mayoclinic.com, a bile leak is one of the problems that can occur after the removal of the gallbladder. The Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association describes a bile leak as the escaping of bile from the bile ducts into the surrounding organs. This may occur due to an injury during the cholecystectomy. The bile may also leak from the gallbladder bed or the cystic duct. Biliary drainage through a drain tube is the treatment for a patient with a bile leak.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is another problem that can occur after the removal of the gallbladder. MedlinePlus describes pancreatitis as an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for the production of hormones that control the amount of sugar in the blood. It also produces juices that aid in the digestion.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea can occur following an cholecystectomy. According to MayoClinic.com, as many as one in three patients who have had a cholecystectomy will develop chronic diarrhea that may last for years. This occurs because diarrhea is caused by an increase in bile or bile acids that may be entering the patient's large intestine. Once the bile or bile acids are in the large intestine, they act as a laxative causing the chronic diarrhea. Treatment for chronic diarrhea includes antidiarrheal medications and medications that reduce the absorption of bile acids in the large intestine.
