Gallbladder surgery enhances IBS?
After gallbladder surgical removal 20 years ago, my gastric issues became much worse. Prior to the surgery, I had occasional heartburn. I have a friend, who had gb surgery 3 years ago. She blames her surgery for her GI problems. Her symptoms are IBS-D. She hasn’t seen a GI specialist.
Now I’m wondering if there might be a correlation between IBS and gallbladder surgery?
This has been an interesting topic in our community. From what I have gathered, many say when they remove their GB, their IBS worsens. I haven't had this procedure so I can't speak from personal experience, but this has been what I have read. -Elizabeth (team member)
That is very interesting. I’ll try to search the topic and report back.
Yes please, let us know what you find! We'd love to hear it. 😀 ~Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
Hi,
I found a quantitative study. It’s validity is questionable because it relied on self report. However, the study conclusion was that there was a correlation between gallbladder removal and new IBS diagnosis and/or worsening of IBS symptoms after surgery. I didn’t link the study because it was, as my graduate school professors called it, “a raise your hand study.” There was no causal relationship found. Interesting but I will look for valid research.
I just wanted to share the following two articles with you, in case you haven't seen them already :
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/clinical/gallbladder-removal-ibs
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/gallbladder-surgery
They also talk about people's personal experiences, but I thought that you might find all the different comments interesting to read.
Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)thank you!
yes, I had my GB removed in December 2018 and I noticed that my IBS-D got worse. Unfortunately this has been a common trend in our community. You aren't alone. I hope you improve soon. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
