The gallbladder is an organ that aids in digestion. Bile, which is produced by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder and released to break down the fats in the foods you eat. In people with chronic cholecystitis (also known as gallbladder inflammation), scar tissue can sometimes form on the organ and lead to the development of inflammatory polyps.
Not everyone who experiences gallbladder polyps develops symptoms. In this case, doctors may opt not to treat the condition or might suggest a wait-and-see approach instead. Medical staff will monitor the polyps with ultrasound to determine the best course of action.
If symptoms do occur, your doctor will likely discuss gallbladder removal, as it is not possible to remove individual polyps. While the gallbladder plays an important role in digestion, most people can lead a healthy life without it. Once the organ has been removed, bile will flow from the liver to the small intestine directly.
Polyps also have a small risk of becoming cancerous, which doctors will consider when deciding whether surgery is necessary. The size of the polyp can help doctors understand the risk a patient faces when it comes to cancer. Accordingly, polyps larger than one centimetre in diameter often indicate that gallbladder removal is needed