The gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ, plays a supporting role in the digestive system. Located beneath the liver in the upper right abdomen, this small organ is typically about 7 to 10 centimeters (approximately 2.7 to 3.9 inches) long and up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) across at its widest point. While not directly involved in producing digestive substances, it is an important component of the biliary system, a network of ducts that transport bile, a fluid essential for breaking down fats.
Storing and Concentrating Bile
The liver continuously produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in digestion. Between meals, a significant portion of this bile is diverted from the liver and flows into the gallbladder for storage. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile.
One of the gallbladder’s primary functions is to concentrate this stored bile. It achieves this by actively removing up to 90% of the water and electrolytes from the bile. This process results in a concentrated bile solution. The concentrated bile is then ready for release into the small intestine when food, especially fatty food, is consumed.
Bile’s Role in Fat Digestion
Bile is a complex mixture primarily composed of water, bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and phospholipids. Among these, bile salts are particularly important for fat digestion.
When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts, releasing concentrated bile into the duodenum. The bile salts then surround large fat globules, breaking them down into smaller droplets, a process known as emulsification. This emulsification increases the surface area of the fat, allowing digestive enzymes called lipases to break down the fats into absorbable components. Without this action, fat digestion and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins would be impaired.
Digestion Without a Gallbladder
When the gallbladder is surgically removed, a procedure known as a cholecystectomy, the body adapts. The liver continues to produce bile, but without the gallbladder’s storage capacity, bile flows continuously into the small intestine. This continuous, less concentrated flow can sometimes lead to digestive adjustments.
Some individuals may experience temporary digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloating, or gas, particularly after consuming high-fat foods. This occurs because the constant, diluted bile flow may not be as effective at emulsifying large amounts of fat, and bile salts can have a laxative effect. To manage these symptoms, dietary adjustments like eating smaller, more frequent meals and limiting high-fat foods are recommended. Most people’s bodies gradually adapt, and they can resume a regular diet.