From the Research
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that serves as a storage reservoir for bile, concentrating and storing it until it's needed for digestion, and its removal can still allow for normal digestion, albeit with less concentrated bile flowing directly from the liver to the intestine 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) by releasing bile into the small intestine, where it emulsifies fats, making them easier to digest and absorb. Some key points about the gallbladder include:
- It concentrates bile up to ten times its original strength, making it more effective at fat digestion
- It's not considered an essential organ, and many people live normal lives after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
- After removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine, though it's less concentrated and flows more continuously rather than in targeted releases during meals
- The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been studied in the context of gallstone disease, with some evidence suggesting it may be beneficial in reducing the risk of biliary pain and acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis in patients with cholesterol gallstones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the primary function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile, and its removal can still allow for normal digestion. It's worth noting that the evidence on the use of UDCA in gallstone disease is not yet complete, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 1. In terms of the gallbladder's role in digestion, it is essential for the proper digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, but it is not essential for survival, and many people live normal lives after its removal.