Gallbladder Surgery Singapore | Expert Hepatologist at Alps Clinic

Gallstone Removal Surgery by
Dr. Shridhar Iyer

More than 25 yr+ experience in complicated gall bladder surgery.

Performed more than 3000 gallbladder procedures.

Expertise in minimally invasive, robotic & general HPB surgeries.

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CONTACT US AT +65 6513 7806

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Why Patients Trust Us

18 yrs of experience in liver transplant, 20 yrs + experience with Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgery.
President of Society of Transplantation, Singapore.
Past president of Hepato-pancreato biliary association, Singapore (HPBAS).
Published numerous papers on gall bladder surgery & safety.
Performed and assisted trained surgeons in more than 500 transplant cases.
Led a liver transplant in one of the earliest combined liver and kidney transplants in Singapore.

Why treat gallbladder issues early?

Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain, often being the second most common reason to visit the Emergency Room. ( can create a small banner, no need to make it very big)

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Symptoms May Worsen If Left Untreated

Look out for these common signs of gallstones — early detection can prevent complications.

Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right or middle abdomen (“gallbladder attack”)

Pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases: fever, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)

Indigestion, bloating, or discomfort after fatty meals

Nausea or vomiting

When is surgery needed?

Not all gallstones require surgery — some people have them without any symptoms (“silent gallstones”). But surgery (usually cholecystectomy, gallbladder removal) is needed if gallstones cause:

Repeated pain attacks (biliary colic) – sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals.
Complications such as:

Cholecystitis → gallbladder infection/inflammation (pain, fever, nausea).
Choledocholithiasis → gallstones blocking the bile duct, causing jaundice or infection.
Gallstone pancreatitis → when stones block the pancreatic duct, leading to life-threatening inflammation.
- Large gallstones (usually >2 cm) – higher risk of complications.
- Gallbladder polyps or suspicion of cancer.
- Weakened immune system (higher risk if infection develops).

Surgical Techniques for Gallstones

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery)

The most common method worldwide. Surgeons make 3–4 small cuts in the abdomen, insert a camera and instruments, and remove the gallbladder.
Benefits of Laparoscopic white box

Benefits of
Laparoscopic Surgery

Safe in elderly.
Safe in patients with previous surgery.
Less pain after surgery compared to open procedures.
Low risk of open conversion
Faster recovery
Smaller scars

Open Cholecystectomy

A larger incision is made in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder.
Usually done if:
- Gallbladder is severely inflamed, scarred, or infected
- Recovery takes longer (hospital stay of several days, full recovery in 4–6 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Surgery

Preparation: You’ll have blood tests, imaging scans, and a health check to confirm fitness for surgery.
Fasting: Usually no food or drinks 6–8 hours before the procedure.
Anesthesia: The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel pain.

During Surgery

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Cholecystectomy – most common.
- 3–4 small incisions are made.
- A tiny camera and instruments remove the gallbladder.
- Usually takes 1–2 hours.

Open Cholecystectomy – less common, done if there’s severe infection, scarring, or complications.
- One larger incision in the abdomen.
- Longer procedure and recovery.

After Surgery

Recovery Room: You’ll wake up in a recovery area where nurses monitor you.
Hospital Stay:
- Laparoscopic → most patients go home the same day or next.
- Open surgery → may need 3–5 days in hospital.

Diet: Start with light meals; avoid greasy/fatty foods for a while.
Pain: Mild soreness or shoulder pain (from the gas used in laparoscopy) is common but improves in a few days