Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed abdominal surgeries, especially among individuals affected by gallstones or chronic gallbladder disease. Although the procedure is widely regarded as routine and generally safe, the gallbladder plays an important role in digestion, which often leads people to wonder how the body functions once it has been removed.
Despite its small size, the gallbladder serves a specific and useful purpose. This pear-shaped organ sits beneath the liver and acts as a storage reservoir for bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is essential for breaking down dietary fats and helping the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. When food is consumed, particularly meals containing fat, the gallbladder releases stored bile into the small intestine to aid digestion.
