Can Gallbladder Surgery Cause Ibs

Sphincter Of Oddi Dysfunction

If you are experiencing ongoing upper abdominal pain following gallbladder removal, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider about a possible problem with your sphincter of Oddi .

The sphincter of Oddi is a valve found within the small intestine that regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juices. A very small number of people may experience sphincter of Oddi dysfunction , a functional gastrointestinal disorder . In SOD, the sphincter does not relax as it should, preventing the bile and pancreatic juices from entering the small intestine.

SOD is characterized by pain in the central and upper right regions of the abdomen that lasts for at least 30 minutes and radiates to the back or shoulder.

This type of pain generally occurs a short time after eating. Some people report nausea and vomiting. The pain symptoms of SOD are thought to be the result of the excess accumulation of the juices in the ducts.

SOD is most often seen in postcholecystectomy patients or in those who have pancreatitis. It’s hard to gauge SOD’s actual prevalence after gallbladder removal as studies report prevalences ranging from just 3% up to 40%. SOD can be treated with medication or a procedure known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography .

What Causes Gallbladder Problems With Ibs

Scientists are still trying to understand what causes gallbladder problems with IBS. One study has suggested a possible explanation. Its results showed that IBS patients respond abnormally to a chemical called cholecystokinin octapeptide.

This chemical is found inside the intestines and brain. It stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas.

These findings could go some way to explaining why some people suffer from gallbladder problems and IBS together. However, more research still needs to be done.

When you live with irritable bowel syndrome, itâs nearly impossible to shake the embarrassment but there are ways in which you can beat IBS embarrassment.

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery And Incontinence Treatment Options

The first step towards successful recovery from gallbladder surgery and any resulting incontinence issues is reaching out to a physician for a consultation to help put you on the path leading to a happier, more confident life.

For many, changing ones behavior can help treat these incontinence issues. Some examples of such changes are listed below:

• Diet Modification Changing what one eats to increase fiber intake and fluid consumption.
• Increase Bowel Habits Making sure one drinks plenty of liquids, gets proper exercise, and allowing their body regular bowel movements can help.
• Physical Therapy In some cases, attending physical therapy can help treat fecal incontinence.

Other non-invasive procedures to help with incontinence resulting from gallbladder removal are:

• Medications It is recommended one speaks with a physician about medications that can help with their unique situation.
• Biofeedback Therapy This therapy is a painless, personalized method to help the patient learn how to control their muscles.

Fecal incontinence can cause significant embarrassment, anxiety and even depression, but the good news is, today there are lots of treatments that can be used to control symptoms,.

Studies have shown many people with fecal incontinence are too embarrassed to speak to their doctor about their symptoms. As a result, they live with unnecessary shame and inconvenience. If you suffer from fecal incontinence, remember: your doctor has heard it all before.

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Ibs And Your Gallbladder

Home » Blog » IBS Causes » IBS and Your Gallbladder

Dr. Stephen Wangen is the award winning author of two books on solving digestive disorders, and a nationally recognized speaker on IBS. He has been on ABC, NBC, and Fox as well as public radio. He was recently named one of Seattles Top Doctors by Seattle Magazine.

Diarrhea After Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Diarrhea after gallbladder removal surgery is relatively common. Some studies suggest that as few as 1 in 100 individuals develop diarrhea after gallbladder removal surgery, while others suggest that frequency may go as high as 1 in 3 individuals.1 While the diarrhea should be short-term for most cases, some people may experience chronic diarrhea for several years.

Experts believe that it is caused by increased bile levels entering the large intestine. Without the gallbladder to regulate bile production and storage, the liver sends a steady stream of bile into the small intestine.

The small intestine has a limited ability to absorb the bile back into the system, forcing it to send some of the bile, in the form of bile acids, into the large intestine. The bile acts as a laxative, resulting in loose, watery stools. Along with diarrhea, bile acid malabsorption may result in bloating, abdominal pain, and incontinence.

Diarrhea caused by bile acid is often diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea subtype but is more accurately diagnosed as bile acid malabsorption.

However, one study found among multiple patients who have had gallbladder surgery is that the diarrhea is multifactorial. These patients still had diarrhea even though they were being treated for bile acid malabsorption.6

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The Relationship Between Ibs And Gallbladder Problems

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the large intestine, the final section of the digestive tract. The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water from the undigested portion of food. It turns this semi-liquid substance into something more solid that can be passed as stools.

The gallbladder is another organ that plays a vital role in the digestive process. It is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located next to the liver.

The role of the gallbladder is to store bile and release it into the small intestine after a meal. Bile helps break down the fats from food, making them easier to digest.

Since the large intestine and the gallbladder are both involved in digestion, they can cause similar symptoms when things go wrong. Therefore, some people who have gallbladder problems mistake their symptoms for IBS and vice versa.

Some of the symptoms that IBS and gallbladder problems have in common include:

• Bloating after eating
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

With gallbladder problems, these symptoms may be worse after eating fatty or greasy food. The pain from gallbladder problems is usually on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. IBS can also be triggered by certain foods, but these often vary from person to person.

Yellow Diarrhea Or Smelly Bowels After Gallbladder Removal

Some people may experience yellow diarrhea or smelly poop after gallbladder removal. The larger amounts of bile reaching the colon may cause irritation resulting in diarrhea with a yellow hue. The increased amounts of bile salt can also make ones bowel movements have a more potent smell as well. As your body adjusts after the gallbladder removal, these usually go away in a few weeks. If it continues to persist, consulting your doctor would be recommended.

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Urinary Incontinence After Gallbladder Surgery

Some people report experiencing urinary incontinence after gallbladder removal. However, the reason for this was stress, aptly known as stress urinary incontinence, from the procedure. This is a common type of urinary incontinence and consulting your doctor about treatment plans is recommended.

Take our Urinary Incontinence Self-Assessment

Gallbladder Health Part I: Be Good To Your Gallbladder Its There For A Reason

Gallbladder problems including gallbladder attacks are very common reasons for which people seek medical care. The pain and discomfort can unfortunately result in the removal of the little green organ followed by dietary restrictions . But of course, all of our organs are there for one reason or another and although we can live without the gallbladder, removing it is simply removing a symptom of a problem, not the actual cause. In this two-part article on the gallbladder Ill discuss why you have a gallbladder, why you should want to keep it , warning signs that your gallbladder isnt working well, risk factors, and natural treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your gallbladder and overall health yeah! If I can just save one more gallbladder Ill be a happy guy.

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More Than An Upset Stomach

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is inflammation of the large intestine and colon. IBS creates issues like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The condition requires lifestyle changes and diet to prevent flareups. IBS is hard to diagnose, as there is no test to confirm the condition. However, there could be underlying conditions causing these symptoms. An endoscopy can be valuable as a doctor can perform a biopsy. The doctor removes a small piece of tissue for testing. Biopsies help rule out issues like celiac disease or microscopic colitis.

Digestion After Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder digestion by storing and concentrating bile. Normally, bile flows from the liver into the gallbladder for storage. When you eat a meal, the gallbladder normally releases a pool of bile into the small intestine to begin digesting fat. But this job is not critical for digestion or good health.

Without the gallbladder, the liver still produces the bile necessary to digest fat in food. But instead of entering the intestine all at once with a meal, the bile continuously drains from the liver into the intestine. This means it may be harder and take longer for your body to digest fat.

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Tips To Aid Digestion

Many people worry that they wont be able to eat normally after gallbladder removal. Generally, you can eat what you likeit just may take a few days for your appetite to return. If you find youre having symptoms after your appetite returns, there are things you can try to help your digestion. Try making the following changes to your diet:

• Eat a low-fat diet. Avoid fried foods, junk foods, whole-milk dairy products, and fatty meats.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of a few, large ones.
• Limit butter, oil and sweets.
• Avoid rich, creamy soups, sauces and gravies.
• Avoid spicy foods.
• Add fiber to your diet. Cereals, whole-grain breads, nuts, beans, vegetables, and fruit add bulk to your stool. These foods can worsen gas, so add them to your diet gradually.

Problems with digestion after gallbladder removal are usually temporary. If your digestive problems persist, talk with your doctor. Together, you can work out a treatment strategy that meets your needs.

Loss Of Gallbladder Function

Your gallbladder has 2 main functions :

• First, it concentrates the bile secreted from the liver.
• On-demand secretion of bile with eating.

The majority of patients dont experience prolonged symptoms. However, a considerable subset develops a post-cholecystectomy digestive problem.

The removal of your gallbladder leads to the continuous flow of the secreted bile into your intestine regardless of eating. The secreted bile is also not concentrated enough.

Loss of the normal physiology of bile storage and concentration is a major contributor to gallbladder problems which may last for years.

Continous bile flow may lead to bile acid malabsorption and bile reflux problems.

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When To See Your Healthcare Provider

If you are experiencing ongoing problems with abdominal pain and/or diarrhea, you should work with your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. The range of possibilities for your ongoing problems is fairly varied:

• Common bile duct stones
• Pancreatic cancer
• SOD

If you are experiencing fever, chills, or signs of dehydration, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Does Gallbladder Removal Make Ibs Worse

IBS Following Gallbladder Removal People who have had their gallbladders removed may be at risk for BAM, a condition in which there is dysfunction with the way that bile acids are processed within the body. Research on this topic is still light, so its best to work with your doctor to diagnose and resolve this issue.

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Is There A Link Between Ibs And Gallbladder Problems

Since the large intestine and the gallbladder are both involved in digestion, they can cause similar symptoms when things go wrong. Therefore, some people who have gallbladder problems mistake their symptoms for IBS and vice versa. Some of the symptoms that IBS and gallbladder problems have in common include:

How Is Ibs Treated

Diet modification is one of the cornerstones for managing IBS. Gastrointestinal symptoms related to food are reported by approximately 84% of patients with IBS. This is especially true for food that contains incompletely absorbed carbohydrates and fats.

Several diet options may provide relief for patients such as the FODMAP diet which restricts gluten, fructose, sorbitol, sucrose, and lactose. FODMAPs include foods such as wheat, barley, rye, legumes, mango, honey, pears, apples, mushrooms, cauliflower, onions, sugar-free candies, gum, garlic, and lactose. Although this is a very restricted diet, some studies suggest that it may be helpful. Other possible dietary restrictions can include a low-fat or PALEO diet.

In addition, medication intervention may include prescription anti-spasmodic medicines, over-the-counter probiotics, fiber, and prescription antibiotics. As well, the way people handle stress can also impact gut health. There is a high level of association between IBS and depression and anxiety which is why mental health therapy may also be helpful for people with IBS.

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What To Do About Ibs Symptoms After Gallbladder Removal

Digestive enzymes are supplements that help break down the food you eat to make absorption easier, which may also help with some common IBS symptoms like diarrhea. 11 How do probiotics help with IBS symptoms after gallbladder removal?

Gallstones are normally treated by removing the whole gallbladder, an operation called a cholecystectomy. Humans can live without a gallbladder because bile is still released into the intestines by the liver. However, this operation may lead to digestive issues such as IBS.

Gallbladder function tests also may indicate that the gallbladder is not functioning at 100 percent and doctors often site a poorly functioning gallbladder as logic for its removal. Interestingly, doctors rarely discuss what may have led to a poorly functioning gallbladder.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Or Gallbladder Pain

Because people who have gallstones and gallbladder disease often experience gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, they will note that irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems share many similarities and they may wonder if these conditions are related to each other.

Gallbladder problems can certainly cause digestive symptoms, however, the common, conventional medical recommendation- to surgically remove the gallbladder- does not alleviate IBS symptoms and often, will not relieve the symptoms associated with gallbladder disease either.

For instance, the pain of gallbladder attacks due to bile duct blockages, can still occur as gallstones may form in the liver ducts after gallbladder removal when the underlying causes for their formation are not treated.

Difficulty Digesting Fats After Surgery

Difficulty digesting high fat meals and fried foods is a typical gallbladder symptom before gallbladder removal, due to stones and inflammation blocking the gallbladders function and bile flow. After surgery, difficulty digesting high fat meals remains a problem.

Can Gallbladder Removal Cause IBS?

After gallbladder removal, the bile, which is created in the liver trickles steadily into the small intestine without customized concentration or volume adjustments related to the meals we eat. Constant bile contact with GI tissues in the absence of food leads to chronic inflammation and more serious disorders including cancer in some cases and IBS.

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Will Removing Your Gallbladder Relieve Ibs Symptoms

It is often tempting for physicians to blame the gallbladder for abdominal pain and digestive problems even when there is little or no evidence that the gallbladder is the culprit. Removing the gallbladder is a relatively simple procedure, and its assumed that most people dont miss it too much.

If stones are present, then the decision to remove the gallbladder is an easy one to make. However, in many cases physicians recommend the gallbladder be removed even when stones are not apparent on any exams.

Large studies have shown that patients with IBS symptoms and/or abdominal pain are susceptible to having unnecessary gall bladder removal surgery when they do not have gallstones. In fact, in the past some 80% of gallbladder surgeries in IBS patients has been unwarranted. This exposes the patient to the increased risks of surgery and to further digestive problems caused by the absence of a gallbladder.

Once the procedure has been performed, justification is always given for its removal. No doctor ever says, Well, I guess we should have left it in. Patients often are informed that sludge or sand was found in the gallbladder, giving the impression that its removal was necessary. However, those generally do not cause symptoms and often go away on their own. Another interesting post- surgical diagnosis is that there was scarring found in the gallbladder. This is a sign the the gallbladder is being damaged, which leads us to

Countless Tests Zero Answers

First, I went in for a hepatobiliary scan which tests your gallbladder function. During the scan, the technician injects you with a radioactive tracer that flows through your gallbladder. Everything was fine, I felt okay, until that tracer was sent through my system. Immediately, like the flick of a switch, I felt painfully sick. I thought I was going to vomit, while simultaneously feeling like I was about to faint. It was awful. I asked the technician if this was normal, and they said yes.

Next up were the colonoscopy , endoscopy, gastric emptying test , and a few others. Additionally, I was told to try the GERDdiet, the FODMAP diet, and was given Omeprazole to take regularly. None of these did the trick. Additionally, I should mention I saw absolutely no pattern between the pain and my diet. It was completely random, just like my IBS.

After two months of doctor visits, two ER visits, and countless tests, every single test came out negative. Every time I received my test results, I was told that nothing was wrong with me. Or that I was probably just stressed.

I was convinced that something was up, despite the test results. I began researching . Every single thing that I was feeling, was the definition of gallbladder dysfunction, to the T. I didnt know what to do nothing is more frustrating than being in excruciating pain and having technology tell you nothing is wrong.

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