Laparoscopic gallbladder removal can be done as day surgery in Singapore.

Dr Sulaiman Bin Yusof is a Senior Consultant colorectal and general surgeon offering laparoscopic, or keyhole, gallbladder removal at five private clinic locations across Singapore.

A gallstone attack can feel alarming. The pain typically peaks within an hour and may last several hours before subsiding. Between attacks, many people feel completely well, which makes it easy to delay seeking medical attention.

Some people carry gallstones for years without any symptoms. Others experience repeated attacks that become more frequent or more severe over time.

Gallstones cannot be dissolved or eliminated with medication alone. Dietary changes may help manage symptoms in the short term, but they will not remove existing stones or prevent further attacks. For patients experiencing symptoms from gallstones, surgery is the only definitive treatment.

The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This procedure is typically performed to treat gallbladder issues such as gallstones, inflammation, or infections that cause pain and digestive problems. The primary goals are to relieve pain and prevent further complications.

Consult your surgeon to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options. They will help determine if laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the most appropriate approach for your condition.

The 3 to 4 incisions used in laparoscopic surgery are each less than 1cm in length, compared to the 5 to 7cm incision required for open cholecystectomy. This results in less tissue damage and considerably smaller scars.

Yes. Dr Sulaiman can combine a diagnostic gastroscopy with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in the same operating session. This is relevant for patients with concurrent upper GI symptoms such as acid reflux, persistent indigestion, or suspected peptic ulcers.

Before laparoscopic gallbladder removal, Dr Sulaiman will request an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests. Where needed, a CT scan or MRI may also be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and assess for stones in the bile duct. This evaluation is carried out at your pre-operative consultation.

Patients taking warfarin, aspirin, or diabetes medications such as insulin should inform Dr Sulaiman at their pre-operative consultation so that adjustments can be planned safely. Certain supplements, including fish oil, vitamin E, and garlic tablets, may also need to be paused before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Administration of general anaesthesia ensures that the patient is asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery. The surgeon monitors the patient's vital signs and adjusts the anaesthesia as needed.

Dr Sulaiman makes 3 to 4 incisions in the abdominal wall, each less than 1cm in length. Open cholecystectomy, by comparison, typically requires a single incision of 5 to 7cm. These small incisions serve as entry points for the laparoscopic instruments and camera, and result in significantly less tissue damage to the surrounding area.

Trocars are hollow tubes that are inserted through the incisions. A laparoscope, a thin tube containing a light and a camera, is inserted through one of the trocars. The camera provides a high-definition view of the abdomen on a monitor, guiding the surgeon throughout. The surgeon identifies the gallbladder and its associated structures, such as the cystic duct and cystic artery. Using specialised instruments, the surgeon carefully clips and cuts the cystic duct and artery, disconnecting the gallbladder from the liver and its blood supply.

The gallbladder is carefully isolated and placed in a small bag for extraction. It is removed through one of the small incisions and may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Most patients return to desk work within five to seven days and resume normal activities within one to two weeks of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting are typically restricted for two to four weeks.

Most patients manage discomfort after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Stronger prescription analgesia is available if required.

Avoid fatty, fried, and greasy foods for the first one to two weeks. Begin with small, light meals and gradually reintroduce your normal diet. A full normal diet is typically possible within four to six weeks. Some temporary changes in digestion, such as loose stools or bloating, are common and usually resolve as the body adjusts.

Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine, which can affect digestion. Some patients may experience temporary changes such as diarrhoea, bloating, or gas, but these usually improve as the body adjusts.