Gallbladder issues may cause discomfort that affects your overall quality of life. If not addressed on time, the condition may lead to long-term health complications. Upon experiencing any symptom, it is advisable to contact your doctor and get diagnosed with any concerning issue. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a gallbladder removal surgery in Singapore.
What is Gallbladder Removal Surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a procedure to remove a diseased gallbladder. The doctors recommend it in case of problems like inflammation in the gallbladder, gallstones, or infection. It is also recommended for patients who experience symptoms resulting from gallbladder dysfunction.
Cholecystectomy is commonly performed due to gallstones that tend to obstruct the bile ducts and lead to severe pain, inflammation, and infection in the stomach. Other causes of performing this surgery include cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps or abnormal growth which may potentially become cancerous, biliary dyskinesia, and more.
What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease?
Gallbladder diseases may be of different kinds, each characterised by various symptoms. While some of them may not be threatening and treated with medication, others may require more serious medical attention. It is advisable to be watchful of the following symptoms:
- Persistent pain in the right abdomen that worsens with time
- Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Clay-coloured stools.
What does Gallbladder Removal Surgery Entail?
Depending on your overall condition, the doctor may decide on one of the following surgeries for gallbladder removal:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
It is a minimally invasive gallbladder removal surgery that involves making small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon uses a laparoscope and surgical instruments to enter your body through the incision and removes the infected gallbladder. This procedure causes minimal tissue damage.
Open Cholecystectomy
An open cholecystectomy is a traditional surgery involving making a larger incision in the abdomen which provides direct access to the gallbladder so that the surgeon could remove it. Compared to other forms of cholecystectomy, it requires longer recovery.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Under this procedure, the surgeon makes only a single incision at the belly button and removes the gallbladder. This approach leads to minimum scarring and makes way for faster recovery.
Robotic Cholecystectomy
Robotic cholecystectomy uses robotic technology to assist the gallbladder removal surgery. This procedure can be performed with enhanced precision and control as the robotic system translates the hand movements of the surgeon, leading to a high level of accuracy.
What to Expect During the Surgery?
- The surgeon will administer anaesthesia intravenously during the surgery so that you don’t feel anything during the procedure. A tube will be inserted into the throat to facilitate breathing.
- Depending on your overall health and the recommendation of the doctor, they will perform one of the above-listed surgeries. After removing the diseased gallbladder, the surgeon will insert stitches and take you to the recovery room.
- In the case of laparoscopic or robotic surgery, you may be discharged on the same day within a few hours of the operation. If required, the doctor will advise you to stay overnight. However, in case of an open cholecystectomy, you will be required to stay in the hospital for a few more days.
How Much Does Cholecystectomy Cost in Singapore?
The gallbladder removal surgery in Singapore may cost around $17,900-$22,000, respectively. The surgery cost varies depending on several factors, such as the medical facility you choose, the complexity of the procedure, and your medical insurance coverage.
In Singapore, laparoscopic, single-incision, robotic, or open cholecystectomy surgeries have different costs due to their complexity and resources involved. Furthermore, the cost of the operation is characterised by the medical facility you choose. For instance, a private hospital may charge you higher than a public medical facility. However, getting an appointment in a public hospital may be a lengthy process. It is best advised to make an appointment with your specialist to save time. Other factors that affect the overall cost include anaesthesia and medication, pre and post-operative diagnostic tests and consultations, length of hospital stay, etc.
Takeaway
Owing to advancements in medical science, gallbladder removal surgery has become a common procedure. Schedule an appointment with the doctor upon experiencing symptoms and select the most suitable approach to treat your condition.
