The other half flows directly into the small intestine, where most digestion occurs. The gallbladder is an important organ that allows us to eat and digest larger meals, but it is not essential for life. Although removal of the gallbladder eliminates the storage place for half the bile produced, the body can compensate for this if large amounts of fat are not consumed at one time. The symptoms of such overload include bloating, gas and diarrhea. The most common gallbladder disorder is inflammation of the lining, usually with the formation of gallstones.
Gallstones are more common in women than in men and increase in incidence in both sexes with aging.
Most gallstones form in the gallbladder and those found in the bile ducts travel there from the gallbladder. Gallstones that remain in the gallbladder usually don't cause any symptoms. This is often related to eating a meal, especially one with a lot of fats. Chills and fever may also occur. When gallstones pass from the gallbladder to the bile ducts, they can obstruct the flow of bile.