Have you or someone in your vicinity ever undergone gallbladder removal? This procedure, referred to as cholecystectomy, ranks among the most frequently performed surgeries according to the National Institutes of Health. However, what occurs post-surgery? A prevalent symptom experienced is diarrhoea, often accompanied by an urgent need to use the restroom shortly after eating. In a recent video, Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and YouTuber, provided insights into this phenomenon.

What does a gallbladder do?

Dr. Rajan shared a video on Instagram in which he combined a clip posted by a woman who had recently undergone gallbladder removal surgery. The woman titled her video ‘Life without a gallbladder driving home after dining out’. The clip opens with her experiencing difficulties after her meal. During the video, she is asked if she has ‘s**t herself yet?’ to which she responds, “I have to fart so many times, and I haven't trusted it because I'm gonna explode.”

According to the physician, individuals who undergo gallbladder removal may encounter unexpected episodes of diarrhoea. He clarified that the liver typically produces bile, which is essential for fat digestion, functioning similarly to a specialized detergent. The surplus bile is stored in the gallbladder.

“When a meal is consumed, particularly one rich in fat, the gallbladder releases bile to assist in the digestion of that fat, while any excess bile is absorbed by the small intestines,” he further explained.

What causes diarrhoea following gallbladder removal? What occurs post-surgery? Dr. Rajan noted that while the liver continues to produce bile, it does so in a continuous manner, akin to a leaky faucet, allowing it to drip into the small intestine. “This steady flow of bile may not suffice for the digestion of all fats present in a meal, leading to undigested fat that can produce a laxative effect, resulting in loose, floating stools,” he elaborated.

“Regrettably, diarrhoea may still occur even when fatty foods are avoided. The persistent bile flow from the liver could overwhelm the small intestine's capacity to absorb it, causing bile to reach the colon, irritate its lining, and result in bile acid diarrhoea. In such instances, a specific medication known as bile acid binders may alleviate this symptom,” the doctor added.

However, there is no need for concern, as he reassured us that over time, the liver will adjust and modify its bile flow.

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