Final answer:
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine for digestion. It may be removed if there are gallstones, infection, inflammation, or perforation of the gallbladder.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, hollow organ located under the right side of the liver. Its main function is to store bile produced by the liver and release it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
There are various reasons why a cholecystectomy may be necessary, including gallstones, infection, inflammation, or perforation of the gallbladder. In some cases, the gallbladder may need to be removed laparoscopically using a specialized endoscope.
After the gallbladder is removed, digestion can still occur because bile is still produced by the liver. However, the bile is more dilute and its secretion into the small intestine is not as closely tied to the arrival of food.