Gallbladder surgery is a common treatment for gallstones that can cause an uncomfortable ache under your ribs that spreads to your back or shoulder, and keeps coming back after meals.
At Nexus Surgical, we provide comprehensive surgical care for gallstones, from initial assessment through to recovery.
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile. They develop when substances in bile, most commonly cholesterol or bilirubin, become concentrated and crystallise over time.
Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a few centimetres across. Some people carry them for years without any symptoms, while others experience painful episodes called biliary colic, where a stone blocks the flow of bile and triggers intense abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Left untreated, gallstones can lead to complications, including:
Gallbladder surgery is generally recommended if you are experiencing:
There are two main surgical approaches for gallstones. Both involve removing the gallbladder, which is a procedure known as cholecystectomy. The majority of gallbladder removal procedures at Nexus Surgical are performed laparoscopically, including for cases involving acute infection.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the more commonly performed approach for gallstone surgery.
It is a minimally invasive procedure carried out through four small incisions in the abdomen. A thin, camera-equipped instrument called a laparoscope is inserted to give the gallbladder surgeon a magnified view of the operative area, and the gallbladder is removed using small surgical instruments.
Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery typically experience a shorter hospital stay, less post-operative pain, and a faster return to normal activities compared to open surgery.
Open cholecystectomy involves a single, larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove the gallbladder directly. This approach may be recommended when laparoscopic surgery is not suitable, typically in cases of significant inflammation, scarring from previous abdominal surgery, or complications identified during the procedure.
Recovery from open surgery typically takes longer than laparoscopic surgery, and your surgeon will advise you on what to expect based on your specific situation. Once you and your surgeon have agreed on the right approach, here is what the process typically looks like from start to finish.
Gallbladder removal surgery is a commonly performed procedure with a well-established safety record. As with any surgery, there are risks to be aware of.
These include:
In a small number of laparoscopic cases, your gallbladder surgeon may determine during the procedure that conversion to open surgery is necessary to complete it safely. Your surgeon will discuss the likelihood of this with you beforehand.
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome, where some patients experience ongoing digestive symptoms after gallbladder removal, is also possible, though it affects a minority of patients.
The cost of gallstone surgery in Singapore depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the complexity of your case, the hospital facility, and your type of ward or room.
Nexus Surgical works with a broad range of insurance providers and third-party administrators.
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Gallbladder removal surgery is typically recommended when gallstones cause recurring symptoms or lead to complications such as acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis. Asymptomatic stones can often be monitored instead.
Oral dissolution therapy can dissolve certain cholesterol stones, but it suits only a subset of patients, takes a long time, and carries a meaningful risk of recurrence. Surgery remains a reliable long-term solution.
Yes. Bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine after removal, and patients are able to adapt without dietary changes. While some experience mild digestive sensitivity initially, it typically settles within a few weeks.
You can return to normal activities within one to two weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery typically takes longer. Your surgeon will give you a personalised timeline at your consultation.
Gallstones cannot form in a gallbladder that has been removed. In rare cases, stones may develop in the bile duct afterwards. Your surgeon will discuss this risk and any preventive steps at your initial review.
If gallstones are affecting your daily life, getting the right assessment early can make a meaningful difference. Dr Chan Chung Yip and Dr Ho Choon Kiat bring decades of experience in gallbladder surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and personalised care.
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Nexus Surgical provides comprehensive financial services to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience.
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.
