Final answer:
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, indicated for conditions such as gallstones or inflammation. After removal, bile flow continues from the liver to the intestines, though it is more dilute and less regulated. Diagnostic procedures like ERCP are used to identify issues like gallstone blockages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical removal of the gallbladder is known as a cholecystectomy. This procedure is often advised when the gallbladder becomes infected, inflamed, or contains gallstones. After a cholecystectomy, bile still flows from the liver to the duodenum, although it is more dilute and not as closely tied to food arrival. The cystic duct is the duct through which bile originally drains and enters the gallbladder. Gallstones, which can lead to complications like jaundice if they block the bile duct, are formed from substances like cholesterol and can be diagnosed with imaging techniques such as a gallbladder scan or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
While the gallbladder's role in storing and concentrating bile is important, especially for the digestion of lipids, its removal does not typically have serious effects on overall digestion. Postoperatively, some individuals may experience digestive problems, particularly after consuming high-fat meals, because the liver's bile is more dilute and its release is no longer as regulated by meal intake.