Can Gallbladder Problems Cause Diarrhea?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Yes, gallbladder problems can cause diarrhea in several ways. When the gallbladder is removed or not functioning properly, bile flows directly into the small intestine instead of being stored and released during meals. This continuous bile flow can irritate the intestinal lining and disrupt normal fat digestion, leading to loose, watery stools. Post-cholecystectomy diarrhea affects approximately 10-15% of patients after gallbladder removal. Gallstones blocking the bile duct can also cause digestive issues including diarrhea. Additionally, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) may trigger digestive symptoms as the body struggles to process fats effectively without proper bile regulation.
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