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Gallbladder Surgery in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

Our comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about gallbladder surgery in Singapore, from symptoms and treatments to costs and recovery.

Gallbladder surgery is an essential treatment for individuals dealing with gallbladder diseases, such as gallstones or inflammation, that can affect their quality of life. In Singapore, advancements in minimally-invasive techniques, performed by experienced surgeons, have made gallbladder surgery a reliable and effective solution.

This guide explores everything you need to know about gallbladder surgery in Singapore, from symptoms and treatments to costs and recovery.

Understanding Gallbladder Diseases

What does the Gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats. However, issues can arise when bile flow is disrupted, often due to gallstones.

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, and these blockages can lead to intense pain. If left untreated, the implications of gallstones can progress to serious problems.

Common Symptoms of Gallstones and Gallbladder Diseases

Gallstones can be symptomatic, meaning they may not cause noticeable symptoms, but when they do, they can lead to significant discomfort and pain. Common symptoms include persistent pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or shoulder blade, especially after eating fatty meals. This pain, known as biliary colic, can last a few minutes to several hours.

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion. In severe cases, gallstones can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, or fever and chills, which may indicate an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder.

Why do Gallstones Require Treatment?

Left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder caused by blockage of the bile duct, leading to severe pain, fever, and infection.
  • Choledocholithiasis: When gallstones migrate to the common bile duct, they can obstruct bile flow, causing jaundice, pain, and potentially life-threatening infections.
  • Cholangitis: A severe infection of the bile ducts resulting from blockage, which can cause fever, chills, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct, leading to intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Gallbladder Rupture: Rare but dangerous, this occurs when the gallbladder becomes severely inflamed or infected, causing it to burst.
  • Jaundice: A yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by bile buildup in the bloodstream due to blocked bile flow.
  • Gallbladder Cancer: Although rare, chronic inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder due to gallstones may increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer over time.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of gallstones are crucial to avoid these complications and protect your overall health. If you suspect gallstones, consulting a specialist is an important step toward effective management.

Diagnosing Gallbladder Diseases

How are Gallbladder Diseases Diagnosed?

Gallbladder diseases are diagnosed using a combination of medical evaluations, imaging tests, and lab work:

  1. Medical History and Physical Examination: Doctors assess your symptoms and medical history, examining the abdomen for tenderness or swelling.
  2. Imaging Tests Such As:
    • Ultrasound: Detects gallstones and inflammation.
    • CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding organs.
    • MRCP: An MRI-based test to detect bile duct blockages.
  3. Blood Tests: Check for infection, inflammation, or bile duct obstruction by measuring liver enzymes, bilirubin, and white blood cell levels.
  4. Endoscopic Procedures:
    • ERCP: Examines and treats bile duct blockages.
    • Endoscopic Ultrasound: Offers detailed imaging of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

When to See a Specialist

Consult a specialist as soon as you experience symptoms or suspect gallstones. Gallstone-related pain can be debilitating and recur, disrupting your daily activities. Seeking medical advice allows you to explore treatment options or manage your condition effectively.

Treatment for Gallstones and Gallbladder Diseases

Gallstones and gallbladder diseases can be managed through both non-surgical and surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced.

Non-Surgical Approaches

Non-surgical options are typically recommended for managing mild symptoms or for individuals who are not immediate candidates for surgery:

  1. Medications: Certain medications, such as bile acid pills, may help dissolve
    small gallstones, though this process can take months and is not always
    effective.
  2. Dietary Changes: Adopting a low-fat diet can reduce gallbladder stress and
    help alleviate symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.
  3. Monitoring and Lifestyle Adjustments: For asymptomatic gallstones, a
    “watch and wait” approach may be taken while making lifestyle adjustments to
    reduce risk factors.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Gallbladder Surgery)

When symptoms are severe or problems arise, surgery is often the most effective treatment. The most common surgical method is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, also known as keyhole gallbladder surgery.

This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the gallbladder through small incisions, resulting in faster recovery, reduced pain, and minimal scarring. It is considered the gold standard for treating gallstones and related diseases.

Your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment approach based on your condition and overall health.

Overview of Gallbladder Surgery in Singapore

What is Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)?

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a procedure carried out to remove the gallbladder, effectively addressing the root cause of gallstone-related problems. By removing the gallbladder, the risk of future gallstone formation and complications such as infections, blockages, and inflammation is eliminated. This makes gallbladder surgery a definitive solution for patients experiencing severe or recurring symptoms.

Open vs Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery

When it comes to gallbladder removal, the two main surgical options are open surgery and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Each approach has its advantages and is decided based on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s assessment.

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

  • Performed through small incisions using a camera and surgical tools.
  • Minimally invasive, resulting in less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery (1-2 weeks).

Open Surgery

  • Involves a larger incision for direct access to the gallbladder.
  • May be preferred for complicated cases, such as severe inflammation or suspected cancer.
  • Longer recovery time (4-6 weeks) and risk of more postoperative pain or complications.

Who is a Candidate for Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe or recurring symptoms caused by gallstones or other gallbladder conditions. You may be a candidate for surgery if you have:


  • Symptomatic Gallstones: Persistent or intense pain, particularly in the upper right abdomen, often after eating fatty meals.
  • Complications: Conditions such as cholecystitis (inflammation), jaundice, pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction.
  • Frequent Episodes: Recurrent bouts of gallstone-related pain that disrupt daily life.
  • High Risk of Severe Outcomes: Gallbladder issues that could escalate into serious conditions if untreated.

Additionally, individuals with asymptomatic gallstones may be considered for surgery if they have underlying health conditions (e.g. diabetes) that increase the risk of disorders or if the gallstones are unusually large, increasing the likelihood of future problems.

A specialist will assess your symptoms, overall health, and risks to determine if gallbladder surgery is the best option for you.

What to Expect During the Surgical Process

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will review your medical history, perform necessary blood tests, and may request imaging studies such as an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Medication Adjustments: You may need to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.
  • Fasting: You’ll be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure.
  • Pre-Surgical Instructions: Your doctor will provide guidance on what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day of surgery.

The Day of Surgery

  • Check-In and Preparation: Upon arrival at the hospital, you’ll change into a surgical gown, and the medical team will prepare you for the procedure. This includes setting up an IV line for medications and anaesthesia.
  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia will be administered to ensure you’re asleep and pain-free during the operation.
  • The Procedure: For laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon will make small incisions to insert a camera and surgical tools, removing the gallbladder with
    precision. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary if challenges arise.
    The procedure typically lasts 1-2 hours.

Post-Surgery Recovery

  • Immediate Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room to be monitored as you wake up from anaesthesia.
  • Hospital Stay: Most patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery can go home the same day, while those who had open surgery may stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
  • At-Home Recovery: Expect some mild pain and soreness around the incision sites, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery, while recovery from open surgery may take 4-6 weeks.
  • Follow-Up Care: Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address concerns.

Cost of Gallbladder Surgery in Singapore

Based on the Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmarks, the cost of gallbladder surgery in Singapore typically ranges between SGD 6,200 and SGD 9,600 (before GST). This estimate applies to the surgeon’s fees only and does not include hospital charges or consumables.

Consultation fees at our clinic begin at SGD 200 (before GST), with varying rates for after-hours appointments.

Please note that these figures are approximate, and the final cost will depend on the specific procedures performed and the complexity of the case.

As gallbladder surgery is assigned with a surgical code, you may utilise your insurance health plan or Medisave to subsidise the cost of your procedure. For detailed information please reach out to our clinic for assistance.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes after Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Following gallbladder removal surgery, it is important to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle to support digestion and promote a smooth recovery. While most people go on to lead normal lives without a gallbladder, these changes can help minimise discomfort and optimise long-term health:

Dietary Adjustments

  • Low-Fat Diet: Focus on lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding greasy or fried foods.
  • Smaller, Frequent Meals: Reduce digestive strain by eating smaller portions throughout the day.
  • Gradual Food Introduction: Reintroduce foods slowly to identify any triggers.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit caffeinated or fizzy drinks.

 

Lifestyle Changes

  • Light Exercise: Engage in gentle activities like walking to aid recovery.
  • Healthy Weight Maintenance: Prevent strain on digestion by managing your weight.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Seek medical advice if discomfort persists.
  • Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Support digestion and overall health by limiting these habits.

At Surgicare, we adhere to a personalised approach and utilise evidence-based procedures to provide our patients with safe and optimal outcomes.

When surgical intervention is necessary, we prioritise minimally invasive techniques to reduce postoperative discomfort, facilitate quicker recovery, and ensure a smoother healing process.

If you suspect gallstones or gallbladder disorders, consult our specialist for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment plans tailored to your condition.