Advanced Liver-Biliary Pancreatic & Surgical 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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Past president of hepato-pancreato biliary association, Singapore HPBA(S)
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PRESIDENT, Society of Transplantation, Singapore
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Published numerous scientific papers on gall bladder surgery and safety
Why Patients Trust Us
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18 yrs of experience in liver transplant, 20 yrs + experience with Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgery.
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President of Society of Transplantation, Singapore.
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Past president of Hepato-pancreato biliary association, Singapore (HPBAS).
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Published numerous papers on gall bladder surgery & safety.
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Performed and assisted trained surgeons in more than 500 transplant cases.
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Led a liver transplant in one of the earliest combined liver and kidney transplants in Singapore.
Symptoms May Worsen If Left Untreated
Look out for these common signs of gallstones — early detection can prevent complications.
Types of Gallbladder Disease
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Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
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Acute Cholecystitis
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Chronic Cholecystitis
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Biliary Dyskinesia
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Gallbladder Polyps
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Choledocholithiasis
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Gallbladder Empyema or Gangrene
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Gallbladder Cancer
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.
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:
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Repeated pain attacks (biliary colic) – sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals.
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Complications such as:
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Cholecystitis → gallbladder infection/inflammation (pain, fever, nausea).
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Choledocholithiasis → gallstones blocking the bile duct, causing jaundice or infection.
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Gallstone pancreatitis → when stones block the pancreatic duct, leading to life-threatening inflammation.
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Large gallstones (usually >2 cm) – higher risk of complications.
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Gallbladder polyps or suspicion of cancer.
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Weakened immune system (higher risk if infection develops).
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Surgical Techniques for Gallstones
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery)
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The most common method worldwide. Surgeons make 3–4 small cuts in the abdomen, insert a camera and instruments, and remove the gallbladder.
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Benefits of Laparoscopic white box
Open Cholecystectomy
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A larger incision is made in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder.
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Usually done if:
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Gallbladder is severely inflamed, scarred, or infected
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Recovery takes longer (hospital stay of several days, full recovery in 4–6 weeks)
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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))
CONTACT US AT +65 6513 7806
Because these symptoms are similar to gallstones or liver problems, it’s important to see a doctor if they persist or worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Liver-Biliary Pancreatic & Surgical Clinic
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEE YOU IN OUR CLINIC @ MOUNT ELIZABETH, ORCHARD
(ALPS Clinic Liver Surgery Singapore) #08-01, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510