Bile is constantly produced by the liver to help break down fats, but when not needed in digestion, it is stored in the gallbladder. When the intestines detect fats, a hormone is released causing the gallbladder to contract, forcing bile into the intestines to help digest fat.
However, excess cholesterol in bile can form gallstones, which can block the tiny pipes that move bile around. When this happens, people may need their gallbladder removed. The surgery is known as cholecystectomy. Every year, about 70, people have this procedure in the UK.
Many people have gallstones that don't cause any symptoms, others are not so fortunate. In , an Indian woman had 12, gallstones removed — a world record. The appendix is a small blind-ended worm-like structure at the junction of the large and the small bowel. Initially thought to be vestigial, it is now believed to be involved in being a " safe-house " for the good bacteria of the bowel, enabling them to repopulate when needed.
Due to the blind-ended nature of the appendix, when intestinal contents enter it, it can be difficult for them to escape and so it becomes inflamed. This is called appendicitis. In severe cases, the appendix needs to be surgically removed. A word of warning though: just because you've had your appendix out, doesn't mean it can't come back and cause you pain again.
There are some cases where the stump of the appendix might not be fully removed, and this can become inflamed again, causing " stumpitis ". People who have had their appendix removed notice no difference to their life.
The surgery is known as cholecystectomy. Every year, about 70, people have this procedure in the UK. In , an Indian woman had 12, gallstones removed — a world record. The appendix is a small blind-ended worm-like structure at the junction of the large and the small bowel.
Due to the blind-ended nature of the appendix, when intestinal contents enter it, it can be difficult for them to escape and so it becomes inflamed. This is called appendicitis. In severe cases, the appendix needs to be surgically removed. People who have had their appendix removed notice no difference to their life.
Most people have two kidneys, but you can survive with just one — or even none with the aid of dialysis. The role of the kidneys is to filter the blood to maintain water and electrolyte balance, as well as the acid-base balance. It does this by acting like a sieve, using a variety of processes to hold onto the useful things, such as proteins, cells and nutrients that the body needs.
There are many reasons people have to have a kidney — or both kidneys — removed: inherited conditions, damage from drugs and alcohol, or even infection. If a person has both kidneys fail, they are placed onto dialysis. This comes in two forms : haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The first uses a machine containing dextrose solution to clean the blood, the other uses a special catheter inserted into the abdomen to allow dextrose solution to be passed in and out manually.
Page last reviewed: 03 May Next review due: 03 May Spleen problems and spleen removal. What does the spleen do? The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells it controls the level of blood cells white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells Spleen problems The spleen is not working properly If the spleen does not work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells.
This can lead to: anaemia , from a reduced number of red blood cells an increased risk of infection, from a reduced number of white blood cells bleeding or bruising, caused by a reduced number of platelets A painful spleen Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.
A damaged or ruptured spleen The spleen can become damaged or may burst rupture after an injury, such as a blow to the abdomen, a car accident, a sporting accident or broken ribs. Rupture can happen straight away or it may happen weeks after the injury. Signs of a ruptured spleen are: pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area dizziness and a rapid heart rate a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss Sometimes if you lie down and raise your legs, you can feel the pain at the tip of your left shoulder.
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency, as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. An enlarged spleen The spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury.
An enlarged spleen does not always cause symptoms. Otherwise, look out for: feeling full very quickly after eating an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs anaemia and fatigue frequent infections easy bleeding Doctors can often tell if you have an enlarged spleen by feeling your abdomen. Surgery to remove the spleen You may need an operation to remove your spleen, known as a splenectomy, if it's not working properly or it's damaged, diseased or enlarged.
Sometimes just part of your spleen can be removed, which is called a partial splenectomy. Laparoscopy Most operations to remove spleens are carried out using keyhole surgery laparoscopy.
The procedure involves: making several small cuts in your tummy guiding a laparoscope into your body through one of the cuts so doctors can see what they're doing passing thin instruments into your tummy through the other cuts to remove your spleen gas will be pumped into your tummy to make this easier The cuts are then stitched up or sometimes glued together.
You may be able to go home the same day, or you may need to stay in hospital overnight. If you go home the same day, someone will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Open surgery Open surgery is where one large cut is made.
Recovering from spleen surgery It's normal to feel sore and be bruised after a splenectomy, but you'll be given pain relief. Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator.
In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes. Home The Human Body How many organs in the body could you live without?
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