Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is used to treat problems of the gallbladder.
This form of treatment is usually recommended for treating gallstones and gallbladder infections.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions, thereby ensuring a shorter downtime with lowered risk of complication.
Through keyhole cholecystectomy, our doctor makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts special instruments through these incisions. These instruments allow our doctor to remove the diseased gallbladder entirely.
Contrary to most beliefs, most people who undergo surgery to remove their gallbladder do not have any problems with biliary function thereafter and are able to enjoy a normal lifestyle with minimal changes.
What Is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallstones are a common problem for people in Singapore and as a result gallstones removal and gallbladder surgery is a common procedure. Laparoscopic (or keyhole) gallbladder surgery is the removal of your gallbladder.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common type of operation performed to remove the gallbladder. During the procedure, several small incisions are made in the abdomen and a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through one of these incisions. The laparoscope is used to view the inside of the abdomen and the surgeon uses special instruments to remove the gallbladder through one of the other incisions.
The procedure is also minimally invasive, carries less risks, and reduces the downtime of the patient in the process, thus ensuring shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
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Why Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery may be required if you experience pain or other symptoms resulting from gallstones. You may also need to undergo this surgery if your gallbladder is not functioning normally. As compared to traditional methods, keyhole surgery for gallbladder is a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions. It involves lower risk of complications and less visible scarring, allowing patients to return to normal activities in a shorter time.
What Will Happen If My Gallbladder Is Removed?
The gallbladder is an organ that can be removed without affecting your ability to digest food. After a gallbladder operation or gallstones treatment, you can lead a perfectly normal and healthy life. Most people who undergo surgery to remove their gallbladder do not have any problems with biliary function thereafter. This is because the body is able to cope with losing its additional storage space for bile by filling the bile ducts, which transport bile from the liver to the small intestine. With less space to store bile, bile is constantly being delivered into your intestine.
Am I Suitable For Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?
Most people are suitable candidates for keyhole gallbladder surgery. However, if you have previously had surgery in your abdomen, bleed a lot or if you have any issue that would make it hard for our doctor to see your gallbladder, an open surgery may work better for you. Our doctor will assess you and decide which type of surgery is more suitable for you.
How Many Incisions Are Needed For Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?
The most significant advantage to a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is that it requires only four small incisions in order for our doctor to carry out the treatment. At G&L Surgical, we will usually require patients to consult our doctor prior to recommending if the treatment. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gallbladder disease, such as pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, or vomiting, consult our team for advice.
What To Expect?
Before your gallbladder surgery procedure
Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. (Fasting Timing depends on your surgery timing).
Take the drugs our doctor told you to take with small sips of water.
Stop all regular medications unless absolutely necessary under a doctor’s supervision. This will lower your risk of bleeding during surgery.
Refrain from smoking and alcohol.
During your gallbladder surgery procedure
The operation requires only four small incisions in the abdomen.
Your surgeon will advise you on the specific details.
After your gallbladder surgery procedure
If you do not have any problems, and once you are able to drink fluids easily and your pain can be controlled with painkillers, you will be discharged on the day of the procedure or the next day.
Schedule a follow up appointment with our doctor within two to three weeks of the procedure.
You will likely be able to resume daily activities within a week.
What Will My Diet Be Like After My Gallbladder Is Removed?
For the first few days after your gallbladder is removed, consume a high-fibre, low-fat diet. A healthy meal will consist of small amounts of lean protein e.g. fish, poultry or non-fat dairy as well as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods that contain high fibre will help to normalise bowel movements. Avoid fatty food such as fried and oily foods. Eat smaller and more frequent portions. This will help to ease digestion and prevent abdominal discomfort and other side effects.
What Are The Possible Risks Of A Gallbladder Surgery?
As with all surgeries, a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery comes with its own risks as well.
Some of these risks include:
Injury to the bile duct leading to an obstruction of the duct or leaking of bile. This requires additional surgeries to resolve.
An infection in the surgical wounds due to bacteria. This requires antibiotics treatment, and possible drainage of pus.
Possible injury to nearby organs, although this is highly unlikely.
Gallbladder Surgeon: Dr Ganesh Ramalingam
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G&L Surgical in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduce recovery period. Dr Ganesh strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort and is experienced in performing advanced laparoscopy gallbladder surgeries in Singapore.
Why Choose Us For Your Gallbladder Treatments In Singapore?
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing gallbladder surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our gallbladder procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on gallbladder treatments in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Removing The Gallbladder A Serious Surgery?
Removing the gallbladder is a surgical procedure that is typically performed using laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive technique. While it is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure, there are still risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia.
What Is The Average Age For Gallbladder Surgery?
The average age for gallbladder surgery is 45, although the procedure can be safely performed on people of all ages. If you suspect that you may have gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder, consider seeking professional advice on how you can better manage your condition.
How Long Is Bed Rest After Gallbladder Surgery?
In general, patients are able to return to normal daily activity after a few days to a week. However, recovery time will differ depending on the individual, and it may take longer for some people to recover.
How Many Hours After Gallbladder Surgery Can You Be Discharged?
If you do not have any complications, are able to drink fluids easily, and your pain can be controlled with painkillers, you will be discharged on the day of the procedure or the next day.
How Common Are Gallstones After Gallbladder Removal?
While gallstones are removed during a cholecystectomy, gallstones can recur even when you have had your gallbladder removed. This is caused by an inflammation of the bile duct, also known as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Which can lead to new gallstones despite the absence of a gallbladder.
Maintaining a healthy diet low in fat could be vital in preventing further inflammation in the years ahead.
I always knew I had gallstones but didn’t know how bad it was until 2 weeks ago when the pain finally got to me.
I was in so much pain until I couldn’t get out of my bed and had to get my wife arrange for an
emergency visit to the hospital. Dr Ganesh was the doctor that saw me and after our checks, he recommended that I proceed with my gallbladder surgery, since the inflammation was quite bad.
The surgery went smoothly and the pain was gone within 2 weeks. Dr Ganesh also gave me some diet advice as it seems what I’m eating is a likely cause. Thanks to his advice, I don’t think I feel different even after the surgery.
Thank you G&L clinic.
5
I had a great experience seeing Dr Ganesh. I had gallstones for many years and had to go for a surgery because the condition was starting to bother me. Dr Ganesh and his team arranged everything swiftly and made sure that all my concerns were addressed so I had a worry-free procedure.
My operation was also fairly smooth with no hiccups. He gave me great advice on how to speed up my recovery and I could already start light exercises slightly more than a week after my surgery.
Thank you Dr Ganesh and the staff of G&L.
5 Stars
A kind doctor with a great heart. My father couldn’t understand English and Dr Ganesh immediately arranged for a staff to translate the entire consultation for him. My dad had gallbladder issues and it started getting worse so we had to arrange a surgery for him.
Lisa helped arrange for him to be seen in the quickest time possible and we had the surgery scheduled within the week. The team at G&L is efficient and detailed, filling us in on what we need to look out for leading to the procedure and helped us make sure the process was as seamless as possible.
Special thanks for Ann and Jiaxin for running around to help us secure arrangements necessary for my dad as we understood it was a mad rush with everything.
He is recovering well all thanks to all of you. Great work G&L Surgical Clinic!
5 Stars
Through a friend’s referral, I brought my mum to see Dr Ganesh as she had been complaining about abdominal pain for days. She lost her appetite and was in a lot of pain. My greatest fear was cancer. Thankfully, from the CT scan, Dr Ganesh diagnosed that the cause of the pain was gallbladder stones. He proceeded to schedule a procedure for my mother to have the stones removed and the operation was very successful.
We also went for further checks and thankfully, ruled out cancer. My mother who is now in her 70s is now feeling much better under the care of the G&L team.
Thank you for the great work, Dr Ganesh and team. God Bless!
5 Stars
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Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
As a strong proponent of treating the patient holistically instead of just their condition, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam advises patients as to how they can manage their daily habits and diets to lead healthier lifestyles. As a consultant with G&L Surgical Clinic specialising in General Surgery, he sees many patients with conditions related to the stomach and is skilled in bariatric surgery, upper GI and hernia surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopies, and trauma.