What happens when the gallbladder is shrivelled?

When the gallbladder shrivels or atrophies, it can lead to several consequences:

Bile Accumulation: The gallbladder serves as a storage organ for bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats. With a shrivelled gallbladder, the bile accumulates in the liver and may not be released effectively during meals. This can lead to digestive problems such as indigestion, discomfort after eating, and even the formation of gallstones.

Impaired Fat Digestion: Bile is crucial for the emulsification and breakdown of dietary fats. Without sufficient bile release from the gallbladder, the digestion and absorption of fats become impaired. This can cause nutrient malabsorption, leading to potential weight loss, diarrhoea, and deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K) that require bile for absorption.

Biliary Pain and Inflammation: The accumulation of bile in the liver and bile ducts can cause abdominal pain, tenderness, and inflammation. This is known as biliary dyskinesia and can lead to further complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts).

Reduced Gallbladder Function: A shrivelled gallbladder loses its ability to contract and release bile effectively. This can result in chronic digestive problems and an increased risk of gallstone formation.

In some cases, a shrivelled gallbladder may not cause any noticeable symptoms and may be found incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions. However, if symptoms do occur, medical evaluation and management may be necessary to address the underlying cause, prevent complications, and relieve any discomfort or digestive problems.