When gallbladder cancer is caught at a stage where surgery is possible, outcomes can be better than many patients expect.
At Nexus Surgical, our gallbladder surgeons provide the full range of procedures, from simple cholecystectomy to complex extended resections.
Surgery is recommended when the cancer is localised, but whether surgery is suitable depends on several factors:
In early-stage gallbladder cancer (stage I), surgery alone may be sufficient. In later stages, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of a broader treatment plan.
Not all cases of gallbladder cancer are operable at the time of diagnosis, and the decision to operate will be based on a full review of your staging investigations and overall health.
The type of gallbladder surgery recommended depends on the stage and extent of the cancer. Our gallbladder surgeons manage both straightforward and complex gallbladder cancer cases.
A simple cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder alone. This approach is appropriate for very early-stage gallbladder cancer (stage IA), where the tumour is confined to the inner lining of the gallbladder and has not grown into the deeper muscle layer.
The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically (using keyhole techniques), which means smaller incisions, less post-operative discomfort, and a faster recovery compared with open surgery.
For cancer that has grown beyond the innermost layer of the gallbladder (stage IB and above), a more extensive operation is required. An extended cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder and a margin of liver tissue immediately adjacent to it, as well as the regional lymph nodes in the area.
Depending on how far the cancer has spread, additional structures may need to be removed, including part of the bile duct or nearby portions of the bowel. This is a more complex procedure, and can be performed either laparoscopically or with open surgery.
Gallbladder cancer is sometimes discovered unexpectedly after a routine cholecystectomy carried out for gallstones or other benign conditions. This is referred to as incidental gallbladder cancer.
When this occurs, the pathology report from the removed gallbladder determines whether further surgery is needed. If the cancer is confined to the innermost layer (pT1a), no additional surgery is generally required.
For deeper tumours (pT1b and above), a second operation to remove additional tissue is typically recommended to improve the likelihood of complete cancer clearance.
Once the appropriate procedure has been identified, here is what to expect from start to finish.
As with any major surgery, gallbladder cancer surgery can carry a degree of risk. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail.
General surgical risks (all procedures):
Additional risks (extended cholecystectomy):
The cost of gallbladder cancer surgery in Singapore varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the length of your hospital stay, and any additional treatments required.
Patients with MediSave and MediShield Life coverage may be eligible to use these to offset a portion of the costs. If you hold a private integrated shield plan, coverage will depend on your insurer and plan terms. You can find more information about financing options here.
No. Surgery is the primary treatment when the cancer has not spread beyond a point where removal is possible. When it has spread widely, the focus shifts to other treatments such as chemotherapy or care aimed at managing symptoms and quality of life.
It depends on how deeply the cancer has grown into the gallbladder wall. Cancers that have not grown beyond the innermost layer (pT1a) do not require further surgery. For cancers staged deeper than this, surgeons typically recommend a second operation to remove additional tissue around the original site.
It varies by procedure. Keyhole surgery generally allows a faster recovery than open surgery. Individual factors such as age, overall health, and whether any complications arise, also affect the timeline. Your surgeon will give you a clear picture of what to expect before you leave the hospital.
Not always. Where the cancer was found at a more advanced stage, your surgeon may recommend adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy to reduce the risk of it returning. This decision is based on your surgical results and overall health.
Yes, recurrence is possible. The risk depends largely on the stage of the cancer at the time of surgery. Regular follow-up appointments, including imaging and blood tests, help detect any changes early.
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, taking the time to understand your surgical options is an important first step. Our gallbladder surgeons in Singapore are available to answer your questions and guide you through what to expect.
There is no obligation. A consultation is simply an opportunity to get clear, honest information so you can make a decision about your care.
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
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Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY
Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.
Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:
We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.
We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!
Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.
Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!
Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better.
Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.
We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.
