The most common reason for removal of the gallbladder is because the patient has painful gallstones which have been a persistent problem and cannot be treated via a different method.
It is possible that some patients may find that gallstones do not cause any symptoms. However, occasionally the presence of gallstones can stop the flow of bile which causes significant pain for the patient (in the upper abdomen region). The severity of the pain may mean that surgery is necessary. It is also possible that some patients may be at risk of jaundice.