A cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, which is a small storage organ located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores a fluid called bile, produced by the liver, which helps digest fat. When we eat, a hormone called cholecystokinin tells the gallbladder to squeeze and release bile into the small intestine through a small tube called the common bile duct. Although the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, it's not essential for survival because bile can still reach the small intestine through other ways. Therefore, removing the gallbladder is a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder problems. The main issues with the gallbladder are gallstones, which are hard deposits of bile that can block the ducts and cause pain (known as biliary colic), and inflammation of the gallbladder called cholecystitis. A cholecystectomy is the procedure to remove the gallbladder and is the most effective way to treat gallstones or other gallbladder diseases. If you want to learn more about cholecystectomy and why it's important, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist at The Gut Clinic UK. They will provide you with further information and guidance.