Gallstones Removal Singapore: Is Surgery Required?

Gallstones can be a confusing and quite stressful health issue to deal with. So it is natural if you think that you have them and already wondering if surgery is the only solution. Or wondering, how much does gallstones removal cost in Singapore?

We created this guide to explain what gallstones are. We also explain the specific symptoms they can cause and the various treatment options you have including when you may need surgery. But we will not stop at that.

We will also explain the recovery process and long-term lifestyle adjustments post-surgery. This means that when you read to the end of this page, you should have a clear understanding of what gallstones are and how to best address them. Keep reading!

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones can simply be explained or defined as hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. Just so you know, the gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver.

Its function is storage and concentration of bile from the liver. When needed, the gallbladder releases bile into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine to help your body break down and absorb fats from your food.

Back to gallstones, they can vary in size and number, which explains different variations in symptoms and complications. Usually, they develop when you have an imbalance of the substances that make up bile. There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones, which are the most common, and pigment stones, which are composed of bilirubin.

What are the Major Risk Factors of Gallstones?

There are several factors that are believed to contribute to gallstones formation. High cholesterol levels in bile, too much bilirubin, or insufficient emptying of the gallbladder are some of the most notable contributors. The major risk factors for gallstones include:

• Gender and Age: Women, especially those over 40, are more prone to gallstones. Also, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or due to hormone therapy, can increase risk.
• Ethnicity: Native Americans and people of Mexican descent are at higher risk due to genetic factors. Mexican Americans' high gallstone risk may be due to Native American genetic admixture.
• Body Weight and Diet: Being overweight or obese contributes significantly to gallstones formation. A diet high in fat and cholesterol but low in fiber can also elevate risk.
• Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle and rapid weight loss can both play a role in gallstone formation.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, can increase susceptibility.
• Medications: Use of estrogen-containing medications, like oral contraceptives or hormone therapy, may also increase your risks of getting gallstones.

What is it like to have Gallstones?

In many cases, those people who have gallstones do not experience symptoms. However when the symptoms appear and you're recommended gallstones removal in Singapore, you may experience;

• Pain in the abdomen, often in the upper right or center of the abdomen, which can last from a few minutes to several hours.
• Nausea and vomiting especially after eating a fatty meal.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes which indicates a blockage in the bile ducts.

If gallstones are suspected, you will be referred to a specialist doctor like a gastroenterologist for further assessment and accurate diagnosis. A good provider will use a wide range of diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of gallstones. For example, they might do;

• An ultrasound to detect gallstones.
• CT scans to capture detailed images of your gallbladder and bile ducts.
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection, jaundice, or pancreatitis related to gallstones.

How are Gallstones Removed?

Gallstone removal in Singapore isn't always necessary unless you have gallstones which are causing a blockage in your biliary tract. If this happens and they cause problems your doctor will want to remove all the gallstones to prevent a potential recurrence of the blockage. Here are some of the most used approaches for gallstone removal in Singapore;

• Medications: You may be prescribed medications for gallstone removal if you are not a good candidate for a surgical procedure. Medications like ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time. However, this treatment can take months or even years to be effective and is not suitable for all types of gallstones.
• Dietary Changes: Other than medications, you may only need to adjust your diet to manage gallstones. A low-fat diet reduces the workload on your gallbladder and may prevent the formation of new stones. Foods rich in fiber and healthy fats, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are recommended.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This is a minimally invasive procedure for gallstones removal. It uses sound waves to break gallstones into smaller pieces that can be passed through the digestive system.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This is another minimally invasive procedure for gallstones removal in Singapore. It combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to remove or fragment stones in the bile ducts.

When do Gallstones Require Surgery?

To begin with, cholecystectomy is the most preferred procedure for gallstone removal in Singapore. A cholecystectomy can either be laparoscopic or open.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is the most common and minimally invasive involves the use of a camera and small incisions to guide the removal of the gallstones. Open cholecystectomy is often reserved for complex cases or when having laparoscopic surgery isn't feasible.

It involves a larger incision and consequently requires an extended recovery period. Here are three primary instances when surgery may be recommended for your gallstone removal in Singapore;

• If you're experiencing severe pain and frequent symptoms that disrupt your daily life.
• If your condition comes with infections and complications like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis, or cholangitis (bile duct infection).
• If you're dealing with a case of blocked bile ducts that is causing jaundice or other serious issues.

Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically takes about one to two weeks, while open cholecystectomy may require a longer recovery period of four to six weeks. Post-operative care includes managing pain, preventing infection, and gradually resuming normal activities.

You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during the initial recovery phase. After gallbladder removal, your body will gradually adjust to digesting food without the organ.

This may necessitate long-term dietary changes. A balanced diet with moderate fat intake is recommended to avoid digestive issues. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider ensure that any complications are promptly addressed.

In Closing

While there are non-surgical treatments available for gallstones, surgery is often preferred for severe cases or when there are complications. If you're experiencing symptoms of gallstones, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for your situation.

If you're in Singapore, please get in touch with a specialist at Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles for a thorough assessment and tailored treatment. See details for appointment setting below;

Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles - Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore

6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block,

Singapore 258500

+65 6355 5773

https://gastrohealth.com.sg/