Keyhole gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is the standard treatment when gallstones cause pain, inflammation or infection. Senior consultant surgeon Dr Kan Yuk Man performs it at Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Farrer Park Hospital.
At KYM Surgery, we provide evidence-based care for patients requiring gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). It is commonly performed for gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and related complications.
Our lead surgeon, Dr Kan Yuk Man, is a Senior Consultant General Surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal surgery. He trained in recognised centres in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia, and is accredited at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) and Farrer Park Hospital.
Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need treatment. Surgery is offered when they do:
Repeated episodes of pain from gallstones (biliary colic). Keyhole removal is offered, often as a planned day-surgery procedure.
Cholecystitis is best treated with early keyhole surgery, ideally within a week of diagnosis.
Bile duct stones (cleared by ERCP or during surgery; Dr Kan performs both), gallstone pancreatitis, and gallbladder polyps of 10 mm or more.
Not sure whether you need surgery? See all gallstone treatment options.
The surgeon makes several small cuts on the abdomen and inserts tubes (ports). A laparoscope, a thin telescope with a tiny video camera, goes through one port so the surgeon can see inside, and small instruments go through the others to remove the gallbladder.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for some hours beforehand. Dr Kan will explain the operation, its benefits, risks and alternatives.
Done under general anaesthesia. It often takes about an hour, longer if the gallbladder is inflamed or scarred.
Many planned operations are done as day surgery or with a short hospital stay; Dr Kan will advise on yours.
Like all surgery, gallbladder removal carries risks such as bleeding, infection, bile leakage and, rarely, injury to the bile duct. Occasionally the operation has to be converted to open surgery to finish it safely. Patients are counselled individually before proceeding.
You can live normally without a gallbladder: bile flows straight from the liver into the gut. Before surgery, it helps to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms; after your gallbladder is removed, you should not need to avoid them. A few people have looser stools for a while. If eating triggers symptoms after you have recovered, see your doctor.
The Ministry of Health fee benchmarks for cholecystectomy in private hospitals, including GST:
Facility fees (operating theatre, ward and consumables) vary by hospital and length of stay. MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans can be used where applicable, and Dr Kan is on several Shield plan specialist panels. Actual fees depend on case complexity, other medical conditions and the hospital stay.
Source: MOH fee benchmarks for surgical procedures.
What patients most often ask before gallbladder surgery.
Keyhole gallbladder removal is offered to people whose gallstones cause symptoms, such as attacks of pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), stones in the bile duct or gallstone pancreatitis. It is also used for gallbladder polyps of 10 mm or more. Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need surgery.
Yes. Bile flows straight from the liver into the gut. A few people have looser stools for a while after surgery. Most people do not need to avoid any foods once their gallbladder has been removed.
Many planned keyhole operations are done as day surgery or with a short stay. If the gallbladder is badly inflamed, or you have other medical conditions, a longer stay may be needed. Dr Kan will advise you before surgery.
Most patients can resume light activities within a week. Full recovery may take 2–4 weeks depending on individual health.
Yes, eligible procedures can be partially covered by MediSave and Integrated Shield Plans, subject to policy terms.
Occasionally. If it is not safe to finish by keyhole, for example because of severe inflammation or scarring, the surgeon converts to open surgery. Studies report this in a small minority of operations, more often in emergency cases.
Discuss whether keyhole surgery is right for you with Dr Kan Yuk Man at Mount Elizabeth Orchard or Farrer Park Hospital.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for advice specific to your situation.
Clinical guidance based on NICE guideline CG188 (Gallstone disease).
