Signs & Symptoms You May Need Your Gallbladder Removed

Abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive discomfort can often be brushed off as something minor—but in some cases, these symptoms may be your body’s way of telling you there’s a bigger issue with your gallbladder. At Premier Surgical Cleveland, we help patients find relief from gallbladder-related conditions through expert evaluation and, when needed, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy).

What Is the Gallbladder—and Why Might It Need to Be Removed?

The gallbladder is a small organ located just beneath the liver. Its job is to store and release bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. However, this seemingly small organ can cause significant problems when it becomes inflamed, infected, or blocked by gallstones—solid particles that form from bile. Your gallbladder can also be low-functioning or hyper-functioning, which can cause ongoing and worsening symptoms. 

In these cases, gallbladder removal surgery is often the safest and most effective treatment.

Common Signs You May Need Your Gallbladder Removed

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to talk to your PCP about ordering diagnostic testing to determine if your gallbladder is causing any of these issues:

🟢 Pain in the upper right or middle abdomen
This is one of the most common symptoms. The pain may come and go (especially after eating fatty foods), or it may be sharp and persistent.

🟢 Nausea or vomiting
Frequent nausea or vomiting, particularly after meals, may indicate gallbladder dysfunction or inflammation.

🟢 Bloating, gas, or indigestion
Chronic digestive discomfort can be a sign that your gallbladder is not functioning properly.

🟢 Fever or chills
These may indicate an infection in the gallbladder, which requires prompt medical attention.

🟢 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
This may occur if a gallstone is blocking the bile duct, preventing bile from draining properly.

Gallbladder Removal: A Common and Safe Procedure

Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S., with more than 700,000 procedures done each year. It’s typically recommended when the gallbladder is:

• Infected or inflamed
• Dysfunctional and causing chronic pain or digestive issues
• Triggering pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Affected by calcification (a hardened gallbladder wall)

At Premier Surgical Cleveland, most gallbladder removals are performed laparoscopically or robotically. These minimally invasive approaches involve a few small incisions, through which a small camera and surgical instruments are inserted. Laparoscopic and robotically-assisted surgery generally offers:

✔️ Less pain
✔️ Smaller scars
✔️ Quicker recovery

In some cases, such as severe inflammation or prior surgeries, an open approach may be necessary. Our experienced general surgeons, Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger will discuss your options and ensure you receive the safest and most effective treatment for your situation.

Trust Premier Surgical Cleveland for Expert Gallbladder Care

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a gallbladder problem, don’t wait to seek help. At Premier Surgical Cleveland, TN, our skilled surgeons are here to guide you to find your diagnosis, and to treat, and guide you through your recovery with compassion and expertise.

📞 Call us today at (423) 472-5423 or request an appointment online to learn more.