Cholecystectomy

What this procedure is

A cholecystectomy (ko-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-me) is a surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below your liver on the upper right side of your belly. Its main job is to store bile, which is a fluid made by the liver that helps your body digest fats.

Most of these surgeries are done using a laparoscopic approach. This means the surgeon uses a tiny camera and special tools through a few small incisions (cuts). In some cases, a surgeon may perform an open surgery, which uses one larger incision to remove the organ. Your clinician will help determine which method is safest for you.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is most often used to treat gallstones. These are hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder and cause pain, nausea, or blockages. Your clinician may recommend surgery if these stones are causing symptoms or leading to other health issues.

Common reasons for the surgery include:

• Cholecystitis: Inflammation or swelling of the gallbladder.
• Bile duct stones: When gallstones move into the tubes that carry bile to the small intestine.
• Gallbladder polyps: Small growths on the inside lining of the gallbladder.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can sometimes be caused by gallstones.

How common it is & where it's done

Cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States and Canada. Because it is so frequent, surgical teams are highly experienced in performing the procedure and managing the recovery process.

The surgery is usually done in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Many patients are able to go home the same day of their procedure, while others may stay in the hospital for a short time to recover. Your care team will decide the best setting for you based on your overall health and the type of surgery being performed.

Recovery: What to Expect

Most people have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which uses small incisions (cuts). If you have this type, you may go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. If you have an open surgery with a larger incision, your clinician may have you stay for a few days to ensure you are healing well.

During the first week, it is normal to feel some tiredness or mild soreness. Your care team will likely encourage you to walk around your home to help your body recover. You should avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks to give your muscles time to mend.

Risks & Possible Complications

While this is a very common and generally safe procedure, all surgeries have some risks. These can include bleeding, infection, or a bile leak (when the fluid that helps digest fat escapes the bile ducts). In rare cases, nearby structures like the bile duct or liver could be injured.

It is important to watch for signs that you need to contact your clinician. Please reach out if you experience:

• A fever or chills.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Pain that gets worse instead of better.
• Redness or swelling around your incisions.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of this surgery is to stop the pain and discomfort caused by gallstones. Most patients find that their symptoms disappear completely after recovery. You can live a healthy life without a gallbladder because your liver will still produce bile to help you digest food.

Instead of being stored in the gallbladder, bile will now flow directly into your small intestine. Some people may notice softer or more frequent bowel movements for a short time after surgery. Your clinician may suggest slowly adding fats back into your diet to see how your body reacts.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is natural to feel nervous before any surgery. Remember that cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the United States. Surgeons perform this procedure often, and the vast majority of patients recover quickly and return to their normal activities without further issues.

Focusing on the long-term relief from gallbladder attacks can help ease your mind. If you have specific concerns about the procedure or your recovery, your surgical team is there to support you and answer your questions.

Why doctors recommend it

Doctors usually suggest a cholecystectomy (surgery to remove the gallbladder) when gallstones cause pain or other health problems. Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile to help digest fat. If these stones block the flow of bile, they can cause a "gallbladder attack," which often feels like sharp pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

Your clinician may also recommend this surgery if you have:

• Cholecystitis: An inflamed or infected gallbladder.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones.
• Gallbladder polyps: Small growths on the inside lining of the gallbladder.
• Biliary dyskinesia: A condition where the gallbladder does not empty bile correctly, even without stones.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In many cases, gallbladder surgery is a planned (elective) procedure. This means you and your doctor have time to schedule the surgery after you have experienced recurring bouts of pain. Planning the surgery allows you to prepare and often results in a shorter recovery time using minimally invasive techniques.

However, some situations require urgent or emergency surgery. If a gallstone causes a severe blockage or a serious infection, your clinician may recommend removing the gallbladder right away. This helps prevent the condition from getting worse or causing damage to other organs like the liver or pancreas.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of removing the gallbladder is to stop the pain and discomfort caused by gallstones or inflammation. Because the gallbladder is not an essential organ, most people can live a healthy life without it. After surgery, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine to help with digestion.

Other important goals include:

• Preventing future gallbladder attacks.
• Reducing the risk of serious complications, such as a ruptured gallbladder or severe infection.
• Helping you return to your normal diet and daily activities without fear of sudden pain.

Success usually means you are free from the symptoms that led to the surgery, allowing for a better quality of life.

Who may benefit

A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile to help your body digest fat. This procedure is most often recommended for people experiencing pain or complications from gallstones. These are hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder and block the flow of bile.

Your clinician may suggest this surgery if you have:

• Cholecystitis: This is an inflammation of the gallbladder that can cause severe pain, fever, and nausea.
• Choledocholithiasis: This occurs when gallstones move into the common bile duct, which is the tube that carries bile to the small intestine.
• Gallstone pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone blocking a duct.
• Gallbladder polyps: These are small growths on the lining of the gallbladder that may need to be removed if they are large or cause concern.

When it may not be the right option

Surgery is not always the first or best choice for everyone. Many people have "silent" gallstones, which are stones that do not cause any symptoms or pain. In these cases, your care team may suggest a "watchful waiting" approach, where you monitor for symptoms rather than having immediate surgery.

There are also certain health conditions that might make surgery more complex. For example, if a person has a severe bleeding disorder or advanced liver disease, the risks of surgery might outweigh the benefits. Additionally, if someone has a very high risk for complications from anesthesia due to serious heart or lung issues, other treatments may be explored first.

In some instances, your clinician might recommend managing symptoms through diet or other medical treatments before deciding on surgery, especially if the symptoms are mild or infrequent.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is an important step in your health journey. It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointment to ensure you feel comfortable with the plan. You might consider asking:

• Why is removing my gallbladder the best option for me right now?
• Will this be a laparoscopic surgery (using small incisions and a camera) or an open surgery?
• What are the specific risks and benefits based on my personal health history?
• How long will the recovery take, and when can I return to work or normal activities?
• Will I need to make any permanent changes to my diet after the gallbladder is removed?
• What are the chances that my symptoms will return after the surgery?

In the procedure room

When you are taken into the operating room, the surgical team will help you get settled onto a comfortable table. You will likely have an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm or hand if one was not started earlier. This line allows the team to provide fluids and medicine during the surgery.

The room may feel cool, but the staff will provide warm blankets to keep you comfortable. You will see various monitors and equipment that the team uses to keep a close eye on your health throughout the process.

High-level steps

Most gallbladder removals are performed using a laparoscopic approach. This means the surgeon makes a few small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. They insert a tiny camera called a laparoscope and specialized tools through these small openings to see and remove the gallbladder.

To create space for the surgeon to work, your abdomen may be gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas. Once the gallbladder is detached from the liver and bile ducts, it is removed through one of the incisions. If the surgeon determines it is safer for you, they may perform an "open" surgery, which involves one larger incision on the right side of your abdomen.

Anesthesia and pain control

You will receive general anesthesia for this procedure. This means you will be in a deep, medicine-induced sleep and will not feel any pain or be aware of the surgery while it is happening. A breathing tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe while you are asleep.

Your clinician may also use local numbing medicine around the incision sites. This helps reduce discomfort immediately after you wake up. After the surgery, you may feel some soreness or pressure, but your care team will provide medicine to help manage any pain.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority for the surgical team. They will use specialized equipment to constantly monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. These monitors stay active from the moment you fall asleep until you are fully awake.

Before the surgery begins, the team typically performs a "time-out." This is a standard safety check where everyone stops to confirm your identity and the specific details of the procedure. These steps are designed to ensure the highest level of care and accuracy.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room. Nurses will watch you closely as the anesthesia wears off and you begin to wake up. You might feel groggy, slightly nauseated, or have a dry throat from the breathing tube.

It is common to feel some mild pain in your shoulder. This is caused by the gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery and usually goes away within a day or two. Your care team will encourage you to take deep breaths and may help you sit up or walk a short distance when you are ready.

Typical procedure length

A cholecystectomy usually takes about one to two hours to complete. The exact time can vary depending on whether the surgeon uses the laparoscopic or open method and your specific medical situation. Your surgical team will keep your family or friends updated on your progress.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

There are two main ways surgeons perform a cholecystectomy. The goal of both is to remove the gallbladder safely.

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is the most common method, often called minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon makes a few very small cuts (incisions) in your abdomen. They insert a tiny video camera and special tools to remove the gallbladder. To create space to work, your abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide). This approach usually results in less pain and a faster recovery.
• Open cholecystectomy: In this approach, the surgeon makes one larger incision, usually below the ribs on the right side. This allows them to see the gallbladder directly. This method may be chosen if you have severe scar tissue from past surgeries, bleeding issues, or if the anatomy is difficult to see clearly.

Sometimes, a surgery starts as a laparoscopic procedure, but the surgeon decides to switch to an open surgery during the operation. This is done for your safety if the surgeon needs a better view to protect your internal organs.

Partial vs total

In most cases, the surgeon removes the entire gallbladder. This is called a total cholecystectomy. It is the standard goal to prevent gallstones from returning.

However, if the gallbladder is severely swollen, infected, or stuck to nearby blood vessels or bile ducts, removing the whole organ might be risky. In these difficult cases, the surgeon may perform a partial (or subtotal) cholecystectomy. This involves removing as much of the gallbladder as possible while leaving a small piece behind attached to the liver. This is done to avoid damaging vital structures.

Revision or repeat procedures

Because the gallbladder is usually removed completely, needing a repeat surgery is rare. However, if a partial cholecystectomy was performed, the small remaining part can sometimes develop new stones or become infected. If this happens, a second procedure might be needed to treat the remaining tissue.

Additionally, if a gallstone slipped into a bile duct and was not found during the first surgery, a follow-up procedure might be required to remove it. This is often done using a specialized scope passed down the throat rather than a second surgery involving incisions.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To plan your surgery safely, your healthcare team will check your overall health and the condition of your gallbladder. You will likely have a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Your clinician may also order a few common tests:

• Blood tests: These help check your blood cell counts and see how well your liver is working.
• Ultrasound: This painless imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of your gallbladder and look for gallstones.
• Heart and lung checks: Depending on your age and health history, you might need an EKG (a test that records heart activity) or a chest X-ray.

Medication adjustments

It is important to tell your clinician about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you currently take. Some medicines can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with the anesthesia used during surgery.

• Blood thinners: You may be asked to stop taking drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, or other blood thinners several days before your procedure.
• Supplements: Your doctor may ask you to pause certain herbal supplements.
• Daily pills: Ask your healthcare team which medicines you should take on the morning of your surgery and which ones to skip.

Note: Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your surgical team will give you a checklist to follow before you arrive at the hospital or surgery center. Following these steps helps prevent infection and complications.

• Fasting: You will usually be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a specific period, often starting at midnight the night before surgery.
• Bathing: You may need to shower using a special antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of your appointment.
• Morning medications: If you are told to take specific pills on the day of surgery, take them with just a small sip of water.
• Arranging a ride: Because anesthesia causes drowsiness, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up.

General surgical risks

Cholecystectomy is a very common procedure that is generally safe. However, all surgeries carry some standard risks. Your surgical team takes many precautions to prevent these issues and will monitor you closely while you recover.

• Infection: Bacteria can sometimes cause an infection at the incision site or inside the abdomen.
• Bleeding: While rare, excessive bleeding can occur during or after the operation.
• Blood clots: Staying still for too long during recovery can lead to clots in the legs. Your care team will encourage you to walk soon after surgery to lower this risk.
• Anesthesia reactions: Some people may have a reaction to the medication used to put them to sleep, such as nausea or breathing difficulties.

Procedure-specific complications

There are also risks specific to removing the gallbladder. These complications are not common, but it is helpful to be aware of them.

• Bile leak: In a small number of cases, bile fluid may leak into the abdomen after the gallbladder is removed.
• Bile duct injury: The surgeon must carefully separate the gallbladder from the common bile duct (the tube that carries fluid from the liver). Rarely, this duct may be cut or injured.
• Injury to nearby structures: Because the gallbladder is close to other organs, there is a slight risk of injury to the liver, small intestine, or blood vessels.
• Digestive changes: Some patients experience frequent loose stools, gas, or abdominal pain after surgery. This is sometimes called post-cholecystectomy syndrome.

How complications are treated

Most complications are treatable if they occur. For example, if you develop an infection, your clinician may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. If you experience digestive changes, these often improve over time as your body adjusts to living without a gallbladder.

If a bile leak or injury to the bile duct happens, doctors can often treat it without a large incision. They may place a temporary stent (a small tube) or a drain to help the area heal. In rare cases where a complication is more serious, a second operation may be required to repair the issue.

Pain control medicines

Managing discomfort is a priority after gallbladder removal. Your clinician may use a combination of different medicines to help you feel comfortable. This often includes over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Using these together can sometimes reduce the need for stronger medications.

In some cases, your care team may prescribe stronger pain relievers, known as opioids, for a short period. Because these can be habit-forming and may cause side effects like constipation or drowsiness, they are typically used only when necessary. Your surgeon might also use local anesthetics, which are numbing medicines applied directly to the surgical site during the procedure to help block pain early on.

It is important to tell your clinician about any allergies or if you have a history of liver or kidney issues. Your clinician will tailor this plan to ensure the medicines are safe for you and do not interact with other drugs you may be taking.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. Before your cholecystectomy, your clinician may give you a dose of antibiotics to lower the risk of an infection at the site of the surgery. This is a common preventive step for many surgical procedures.

If your gallbladder was severely inflamed or infected before the surgery—a condition called cholecystitis—you might need to continue taking antibiotics for a few days afterward. Your care team will determine the right type and duration based on your specific health needs.

Be sure to mention any known drug allergies, especially to penicillin or similar antibiotics. Your clinician will choose an alternative if you have had a reaction to certain medications in the past.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

To help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs after surgery, your clinician may use blood-thinning medications. These medicines help keep the blood flowing smoothly while you are less active during recovery. In addition to medicine, your team will likely encourage you to walk soon after surgery to help with circulation.

If you already take daily blood thinners for other health conditions, such as aspirin or warfarin, your clinician will provide specific instructions. They may ask you to stop taking these for a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Your medical team will carefully review your history to balance the risk of clots with the risk of bleeding. Always follow their specific guidance on when to stop or restart any regular medications to ensure a safe recovery.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to recognize signs that require immediate attention. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience symptoms that suggest a serious reaction to anesthesia, heart issues, or severe internal problems.

• Trouble breathing: Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath.
• Chest pain: Any new or severe pain in your chest.
• Signs of shock: Fainting, passing out, or feeling extremely lightheaded and clammy.
• Severe abdominal pain: Sudden, intense belly pain that is not relieved by your pain medication.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Most recovery issues can be managed by your surgical team if caught early. Contact your clinician if you notice signs of infection, bile leakage, or other recovery delays.

• Fever: A temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C) or chills.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.
• Wound issues: Redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage (pus) coming from your incisions.
• Digestive problems: Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking fluids, or if you have not had a bowel movement for several days despite using stool softeners.
• Pain changes: Pain that gets worse instead of better, or pain accompanied by a swollen, hard abdomen.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovering from a cholecystectomy involves some discomfort as your body heals. Knowing the difference between normal healing and concerning symptoms can help you stay calm.

• Gas pain vs. Chest pain: It is common to feel pain in your shoulder or upper back for a few days due to the gas used during laparoscopic surgery. However, chest pain combined with shortness of breath is not normal and requires emergency care.
• Digestion changes: You may have loose stools or diarrhea as your body adjusts to the continuous flow of bile. This is usually temporary. However, gray or clay-colored stools can be a sign of a bile duct issue and should be reported to your doctor.
• Incision healing: Mild bruising, itching, or a small amount of clear fluid is often normal. If the area becomes hot to the touch or extremely red, it may be infected.

Non-surgical treatments

If your symptoms are mild, your clinician may suggest non-surgical ways to manage gallstones (hardened deposits of digestive fluid). One option is taking oral medications to help dissolve the stones. These medicines work best for small stones made of cholesterol, but they can take months or even years to work effectively.

Another approach involves making dietary changes. Since the gallbladder helps digest fat, eating a low-fat diet may help reduce the frequency of gallbladder attacks. However, these treatments do not always prevent new stones from forming, and symptoms may return if the medication is stopped.

Watchful waiting

In many cases, gallstones do not cause any symptoms. This is often called "asymptomatic" gallstones. If your stones were found during a test for another issue and are not causing you pain, your clinician may recommend watchful waiting. This means monitoring your condition closely without starting immediate treatment.

During this time, you and your care team will look for signs of "biliary colic," which is a steady pain in the upper right side of your abdomen that often happens after eating. If you remain symptom-free, you may never need surgery. However, if you begin to experience regular discomfort, your clinician will likely discuss more active treatment options with you.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery is usually recommended when gallstones cause repeated pain or lead to more serious health problems. If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, or if the stones return, removing the gallbladder is often the most effective way to stop the symptoms permanently.

Your clinician may suggest surgery if you develop complications such as:

• Cholecystitis: Severe inflammation or infection of the gallbladder.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone blocking a duct.
• Bile duct blockage: When a stone gets stuck in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Because the gallbladder is not an essential organ, most people can live a healthy life without it. Removing it prevents the risk of future attacks and protects you from more dangerous infections or blockages.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is one of the most common operations performed in the United States and Canada. Most people have this procedure in a general surgery department. These departments are staffed by surgeons who specialize in operations on the abdomen and digestive system.

Depending on your health and the type of surgery needed, you may visit an outpatient surgery center or a full-service hospital. Outpatient centers are designed for patients who can safely go home the same day. If your clinician recommends a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (a minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera), it is often done in these settings. If you require an open cholecystectomy (using one larger incision), you will likely stay in a hospital for a few days for monitoring.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals provide educational resources to help you feel prepared. This often includes pre-surgery guides that explain how to get ready and what to expect during recovery. Organizations like the American College of Surgeons offer detailed patient education programs to help you understand the steps of the procedure.

After your surgery, you may have access to several support services to help you heal:

• Dietary Counseling: A dietitian can help you plan meals while your body adjusts to digesting food without a gallbladder.
• Pain Management Teams: These specialists work with you to manage discomfort using a combination of medications and home care instructions.
• Post-Surgical Nursing Support: Many facilities provide a dedicated phone line where you can ask questions about your recovery or your incision once you are home.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing the right facility and surgical team can help you feel more confident. Your clinician may suggest a specific hospital, but you can also research options based on your needs. Consider using this checklist when speaking with your surgical team:

• How many gallbladder removals does the surgeon perform each year?
• Is the facility equipped to handle both laparoscopic and open surgery if the plan needs to change during the procedure?
• Does the hospital have a dedicated recovery area for abdominal surgery patients?
• What kind of support is available if I have questions after I am discharged?
• Will I be able to go home the same day, or should I prepare for an overnight stay?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

A cholecystectomy is a common surgery used to remove the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile. Your clinician may recommend this procedure if you have certain conditions that cause pain or interfere with digestion.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): These are hard pieces of material that form in the gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile and cause discomfort.
• Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): This occurs when the gallbladder becomes swollen or irritated, often because a gallstone is trapped in a duct.
• Bile Duct Stones: Sometimes stones move out of the gallbladder and into the tubes (ducts) that carry bile to the small intestine.
• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas. It can sometimes happen if a gallstone blocks the path where the pancreas and bile ducts meet.
• Gallbladder Polyps: These are small growths on the inside wall of the gallbladder. While often harmless, larger polyps may lead a clinician to suggest surgery.

Related symptoms people search for

Symptoms related to gallbladder issues can vary. They often happen in "attacks" that may last for a few minutes or several hours. If you experience these, it is important to have an evaluation by a healthcare professional.

• Upper Abdominal Pain: Many people feel a sharp or cramping pain in the upper right side or the center of the abdomen.
• Back or Shoulder Pain: The discomfort may sometimes spread to the right shoulder or the area between the shoulder blades.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms often occur alongside abdominal pain, especially after eating a meal high in fat.
• Bloating and Indigestion: A feeling of fullness or gas in the upper belly can be associated with gallbladder concerns.
• Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. It can occur if a stone blocks the bile duct.

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health issues, your clinician may use imaging tests or blood work to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.

Evidence overview

Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, is one of the most frequently performed operations in North America. Medical evidence and clinical guidelines support this procedure as the standard treatment for gallstones that cause pain or infection. Because the gallbladder is not an essential organ, removing it is widely accepted as a safe way to resolve symptoms and prevent future gallbladder attacks.

Most gallbladder surgeries today are laparoscopic, meaning they are minimally invasive. This method uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small cuts in the abdomen. Research consistently shows that compared to traditional open surgery (which uses one large incision), the laparoscopic approach typically leads to less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time.

Safety notes and individualized care

Although cholecystectomy is considered a routine and generally safe procedure, all surgeries involve some level of risk. Your surgical team will take specific precautions to keep you safe. General risks associated with anesthesia and surgery include infection, bleeding, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.

There are also specific risks related to removing the gallbladder, though serious complications are rare. These may include:

• Bile leaks: Digestive fluid can sometimes leak from the ducts, which may require a follow-up procedure to fix.
• Injury to nearby structures: In rare instances, the bile duct, liver, or small intestine may be injured during the operation.
• Digestive changes: Some people experience changes in bowel habits, such as more frequent loose stools, after the surgery.

Your care is individualized based on your medical history. For example, if you have severe inflammation or scar tissue from past surgeries, your surgeon may determine that an open surgery is safer than a laparoscopic one. Switching from a small incision to a larger one during the operation is not a failure; it is a safety measure taken to protect your internal organs.

Sources used

The content above is based on medical evidence and patient education materials from the following organizations:

• Mayo Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• American College of Surgeons
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
• The New England Journal of Medicine