Gallbladder surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the U.S. In fact, too many such surgeries are performed because most doctors do not understand how patients can maintain a healthy gallbladder.

Rather, physicians are trained to diagnose a problem with the gallbladder and have a surgeon remove it.

If a doctor suspects a problem with the gallbladder, he or she will usually order an ultrasound to visualize the organ. An ultrasound is good for identifying gallstones and inflammation around the gallbladder.

The procedure can also help determine if the bile is too thick and literally gets stuck in the bile duct.

But ultrasounds aren’t perfect. They can miss a diseased gallbladder.

Next, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. A CT provides a more detailed view of the gallbladder, but also exposes the abdomen to damaging ionizing radiation.

I try to avoid performing CT scans if possible, but there are cases that require them.

A final test to determine if the gallbladder is functioning is called a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, which involves injecting a radioactive dye that binds to bile-producing cells.

A HIDA scan allows a doctor to ascertain the function of the gallbladder by observing whether or not it concentrates the radioactive dye.

I occasionally order a HIDA scan, but a gallbladder diagnosis can usually be made based on a physical exam and history. Radiological tests merely confirm the diagnosis.