Prognosis
After the removal of the gallbladder, the affected person is considered cured. However, the prognosis worsens in the case of an accompanying pancreatitis (lat: pancreatitis = pancreas) or a rupture of the gallbladder (lat: rupture) with subsequent life-threatening peritonitis. After the removal, the affected person is faced with an almost normal life. Only large, high-fat meals may cause discomfort, otherwise normal whole food can be consumed and only foods that actually cause problems such as abdominal pain or diarrhea should be avoided. Only in rare cases does the so-called postcholecystectomy syndrome occur after the removal of the gallbladder, which is accompanied by frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea and causes pronounced discomfort to those affected.
Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis of an inflammation of the gall bladder is only possible by preventing the development of gallstones. This can be achieved by a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Furthermore, overweight and high-fat food is considered a risk factor and, conversely, weight reduction and sports activities are considered protective and risk-reducing.
Fat should not be avoided completely, but eaten in moderation and vegetable fats should be preferred to animal fats, as they are easier to digest. Boiled eggs in particular contain very large amounts of fat and cholesterol and should rarely be on the menu. Smaller meals lead to a more even demand for bile and prevent a long-lasting concentration in the gall bladder with the increased risk of forming gallstones.
Since air in the intestine, i.e. flatulence, also increases the pressure on the gall bladder, flatulent foods such as cabbage or pulses should be avoided if they can provoke pain in the gall bladder. From the field of medicinal plants, artichokes, chicory, dandelions or milk thistle are suitable for increasing the bile function. Field mint, bear’s garlic, artichoke, mugwort, tarragon, nutmeg, sage, radish, black cumin or chicory also stimulate bile production.
