
Dr. Lee Ser Yee, Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon at Surgical Associates based in Mount Elizabeth Hospital explains what gallstones are, who is at risk of gallbladder disease and how to prevent it.
Surgery is not necessary for individuals who do not have symptoms. In these cases, risks
that come with surgery, albeit low, pose a greater concern than the risk of developing
symptoms and complications from the gallstones. However, gallstones that cause abdominal
pain and other symptoms and/or complications in the past need to be surgically addressed.
It is important to highlight that occasionally, the first realisation of having gallstones
is a gallstone-related complication occurring such as acute cholecystitis, jaundice or pancreatitis.
Gallbladder removal surgery is the ideal treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Surgery to
remove just the gallstones and leave the gallbladder intact is not usually recommended as it
does not effectively treat the diseased gallbladder and makes it more likely for gallstones
to come back. Moreover, removal of the gallstones alone without the gallbladder is a riskier
procedure.
Gallbladder surgery in Singapore can be done in one of two ways:
People who frequently experience recurrent or substantial abdominal pain or discomfort or previous complications due to gallstones are usually the ones who will benefit from gallbladder removal.
Some preparations that patients need to do prior to a gallbladder removal surgery include:
At least 4 hours before the surgery, patients must not consume any food or water. They can only have sips of water if they are taking approved medications.
Stop medications that are not prescribed by doctors as advised. Avoid blood-thinning medications such as, Aspirin, Plavix, as this can increase risk of bleeding and impede fast recovery.
While a cholecystectomy is commonly a day surgery, there are instances when the patient may be asked to stay overnight for observation.
Patients who opt for gallstone removal in Singapore can expect the following:
Once discharged, most patients can perform light duties and most activities of daily living. Most of the patients can return to work within a week or less after the surgery, after a follow-up review with the surgeon. A minority of patients may still feel some bloating and some may have loose stools after the surgery as the body gets used to the absence of the gallbladder. Most symptoms will usually resolve within a couple of weeks.
This is generally a safe operation with very low complication rates. The risks of gallstones
surgery include risks related to general anaesthesia, infection, bleeding and injury to nearby
organs, some of which may require repair of the injury. Hernia may form at the incision sites,
especially in obese patients that may require repair in the future (<1%). Occasionally (< 3%),
stones may drop into the bile duct during the surgery or it may be undiagnosed before the
surgery, these may require subsequent procedures (e.g., ERCP) to treat if necessary.
In the event of conversion of the laparoscopic approach to an open procedure, the risks will remain the same as above with similar good outcomes. However, post-operative recovery and hospital stay may be slightly longer.
Patients are able to go back to their normal lives and diet after having a gallbladder
surgery, rarely, but they may experience some differences in how they process fatty/oily
foods. This includes experiencing symptoms such as loose stools, bloating, and cramping.
This usually resolves in a couple of weeks with some simple diet modifications. The vast
majority of patients have a better or normal digestive habits after surgery.
Patients who have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy can go back to their regular
routines a week or less after surgery, while those who had an open procedure may take a few
more weeks to make a full recovery.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054
|
Fax: 6764 0054
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Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg
Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054
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Fax: 6271 0054
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