Introduction
The gallbladder stores and concentrates the bile that is produced in the liver. If food passes through the stomach into the duodenum, the bile juices are conducted from the gallbladder into the intestine and mixed with the chyme. The digestive enzymes contained, especially lipases, are responsible for fat digestion.
If the gallbladder is surgically removed, the bile is conducted directly from the liver into the intestine without being stored and concentrated beforehand. Under normal circumstances, fat digestion continues as usual. Over time, the performing bile ducts can expand somewhat and thus take over the storage function of the gallbladder. Digestion is usually not restricted after a gall bladder removal.
How bowel movement changes after gall bladder surgery
Immediately after the operation, constipation may occur for a few days. Until the digestion gets going again, it is important to ensure a sufficient fluid intake and light exercise. If necessary, light laxatives can be taken after consultation with the doctor.
Other patients may experience diarrhea after the operation (postcholecystectomy syndrome), a possible cause is the uncontrolled release of bile fluid/enzymes. Normally, bile acids are resorbed in deeper sections of the small intestine (absorbed from the intestine into the body) and recycled. If too much bile is secreted, bile acids reach the colon.
This irritates the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to severe diarrhea (chologic diarrhea). A powder of colestyramine can provide relief here. In contrast, a lack of bile can also result.
Due to a lower amount of fat digestive enzymes, fat is transported undigested through the intestines. Fat makes the stool soft and voluminous, and malodorous fatty stools (steatorrhea) can develop. Artichoke preparations can be taken for therapy.
In addition to the consistency, the color of the stool may also change after a gall bladder removal. Normally, the stool is brown in color, but due to changes in the emptying of the bile, the stool may be yellow in color. In the case of active bleeding, especially in the upper digestive tract, the stool turns black. A black coloration is an emergency and a doctor must be consulted urgently.
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