Gallbladder Surgery Singapore | Expert Hepatologist at Alps Clinic

Advanced Liver-Biliary Pancreatic & Surgical Clinic

DID YOU KNOW?

Gallbladder Pain Is the Second Most Common Reason to Visit the Emergency Room

start

What is Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, medically known as a cholecystectomy, is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located under your liver. The gallbladder’s main job is to store bile (a digestive fluid made by the liver) and release it into the small intestine to help digest fats.

When the gallbladder becomes diseased, usually due to gallstones or inflammation, it may need to be removed to prevent pain and complications.

What is gallstone?

A gallstone is a hardened deposit that forms inside the gallbladder — the small organ under your liver that stores bile (a fluid that helps digest fats). Bile is made of cholesterol, bile salts, and waste products. When the balance of these substances is off (for example, too much cholesterol or not enough bile salts), crystals can form and harden into stones.

Symptoms of Gallstone

Not everyone with gallstones will feel symptoms. But when stones block the bile ducts, you may experience:

Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right or middle abdomen (called a “gallbladder attack”)
Pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting
Indigestion, bloating, or discomfort after fatty meals
In severe cases: fever, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)

Why Choose
Dr. Shridhar Iyer

More than 25 yrs of experience in complicated gall bladder surgeries.
Performed more than 3000 gallbladder procedures with low conversion rate.
Performed & assisted trained surgeons in more than 500 liver transplantation cases
Led a liver transplant in one of the earliest combined liver and kidney transplantation in Singapore
Led one of the earliest altruistic-directed as well as non-directed living donor surgery in Singapore
Led several quality improvement projects at the National University Hospital including reducing length of stay and efficient discharge processes
18 years in liver transplant, 20 years with Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgery

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious disease where abnormal cells grow in the tissues of the gallbladder — the small organ beneath the liver that stores bile (a digestive fluid).

Because the gallbladder is hidden under the liver, cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages. It’s usually discovered late, which makes it harder to treat.

UP TO 1 IN 20 ADULTS IN ASIA

have gallstones; symptomatic stones appear to be rising alongside metabolic risk (e.g., NAFLD - non-alcoholic fatty liver disease))

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).

What to expect during & after the procedure

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.

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: smaller scars, less pain, faster recovery (most patients go home same day or next).

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).

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) (less common)

Uses only one incision (usually through the belly button) instead of multiple.
Better cosmetic result (almost scarless).
Technically more challenging and not available everywhere.

Robotic Cholecystectomy (in some hospitals)

A robotic system (e.g., da Vinci Surgical System) assists the surgeon with more precise movements.
Provides better visualization and control, especially for complex cases.

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

Adj A/Prof Dr. Shridhar Iyer

Adj A/Prof Dr. Shridhar Iyer is a distinguished general surgeon with subspecialty expertise in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, liver transplantation, organ transplantation, surgical oncology, and general surgery. He is proficient in minimally invasive, robotic, and general HPB surgeries, and currently practices at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. His illustrious career spans over 20 years, marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing surgical care.