Gallstones are a common health problem. Some people have no signs at all, while others have severe pain and digestive issues that need medical help. Knowing the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments is helpful when searching for information about gallstone removal in Singapore.
What Are Gallstones?
The gallbladder holds the bile that the liver makes. Gallstones are small, intricate pieces that build up in the gallbladder. When the chemicals in the bile are out of balance, such as having too much cholesterol or insufficient bile salts, these stones can form.
Gallstones come in various sizes, from minimal, like sand grains, to massive, like marbles. Some people may not even know they have gallstones, but others can have terrible stomach pain, especially after eating.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Gallstones don’t always make problems obvious, but when they do, the pain can be terrible. Some common signs are
- Strong pain all of a sudden in the upper right part of your belly
- Back or right shoulder pain
- Not being able to breathe or throwing up
- a feeling of being full and having trouble eating food
- If your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow, it could mean that your bile tubes are blocked.
This pain can start quickly and last for a few hours. It usually gets worse after a big or high-fat meal. If you have these symptoms often or they worsen, you should learn about gallstone removal in Singapore.
Why Gallstones Form
Gallstones are caused by several things, including
- The Bile has a lot of fat.
- Gallbladder emptying slowly or not at all
- More bilirubin in the body
- Infections in the liver or the bile ducts
Gallstones are more likely to occur in the following groups of people:
- Adults 40 years and up
- For women, especially those who are pregnant or taking hormone medicine
- People who have a history of gallstones in their family
- People who are too heavy or too fat
- People quickly lose a lot of weight
Healthy people can still get gallstones because of their genes. Knowing these risk factors can help you find problems before they get worse. If you are concerned about gallstones and are considering gallstone removal in Singapore, reading these facts is a good start.
How Gallstones Are Diagnosed
When doctors think someone has gallstones, they usually use imaging tests to be certain. Some of these tests are
- Ultrasound is a safe and painless way to look for gallstones.
- Get a CT or MRI scan. These can help find any problems or stones in the bile ducts.
- Blood tests can tell if there is an illness or a problem with bile flow.
- Your doctor can tell how well your gallbladder is working with this test called a HIDA scan.
Many state and private hospitals and clinics in Singapore have these diagnostic tools. If you are considering gallstone removal in Singapore, knowing that these diagnostic procedures are readily available is beneficial. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and previous health before ordering imaging tests.
When Is Gallstone Removal Needed?
Treatment isn’t always needed for gallstones. Doctors may monitor the condition if the stones are small and do not cause any issues. However, removal becomes necessary in certain situations, such as
- Repeated episodes of gallbladder pain
- Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Blockage of the bile ducts
- Gallstones can trigger inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Evidence that the gallbladder isn’t functioning properly
Surgery is the most effective long-term solution. Because of this, gallstone removal in Singapore is a standard, well-established surgical procedure.
Methods of Gallstone Removal in Singapore
Gallstone treatment depends on their type, severity, and your health. Suppose you are considering gallstone removal in Singapore. Here are some standard treatment methods:
1. Keyhole surgery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Surgical removal is the method that most people choose. We use a camera and special tools to make a few minor cuts in the body and remove the gallbladder. For those seeking gallstone removal in Singapore, these are some of the benefits of this method:
- Very few scars
- Not as much pain after surgery
- Often less time in the hospital, and sometimes going home the same day
- Faster healing, usually in one to two weeks
- This procedure is a famous and effective way to eliminate gallstones in Singapore because it is safe and effective.
2. Surgery with no cuts
Even though it’s not done very often, open surgery may be needed in more complicated cases. This procedure requires a more significant cut and is usually suggested when swelling or previous treatments make laparoscopic access difficult for gallstone removal in Singapore.
3. Alternatives to surgery
Other choices besides surgery include medicines that can help break up the stones or endoscopic procedures like ERCP. But these methods only work briefly, and the stones may come back. Because of this, obliterating the gallbladder is often suggested for better long-term healing when considering gallstone removal in Singapore.
Life After Gallbladder Removal
After having their gallbladder taken out, most people’s lives go back to normal. The liver will still make bile and send it straight into the small intestine. But in the short run, there may need to be some short-term changes:
- You should temporarily change what you eat, like cutting back on foods high in fat.
- It might help to eat smaller meals more often.
- Some people may have slight changes in their digestion, such as gas or diarrhea.
These side effects usually go away after a few weeks. After getting rid of gallstones, which doesn’t take long for most people, individuals often feel much better.
Preparing for the Procedure
There are a few things you can do to get ready for surgery to remove gallstones in Singapore:
- First, you’ll meet with the medical team to discuss the surgery.
- They will ask you about your past health and any medicines you take.
- They may take some final pictures and do some blood tests on you.
- You will also be told when to stop drinking and eating before the surgery.
In the days following the surgery, the medical staff will give you instructions on how to heal, order painkillers, and suggest foods to eat.
Healing is usually quick, especially if you have keyhole surgery. The medical staff in Singapore’s hospitals and centers can also be invaluable.
How Do I Choose the Right Care?
Singapore’s health care system is well-known for having highly skilled doctors and modern facilities. If you want to get rid of your gallstones in Singapore, you can expect a complete diagnosis, clear answers from your medical team, and excellent support after the surgery.
To choose the best place for the process, you should think about the following:
- How many years of training and specialized knowledge do the doctors have?
- It’s unclear whether they have access to the newest tools for surgery.
- They are obvious and honest about the information and help they give.
- How simple it is to make visits and get follow-up care.
Ultimately, you should pick a place where you feel encouraged, well-informed, and sure of your treatment plan.
Prevention Tips for the Future
Even though you can’t always avoid getting gallstones, here are some things that might help:
- To stay healthy, eat a meal with a lot of fiber.
- Try to keep your weight in a safe range.
- Do not go on rapid weight-loss diets or go without food for extended periods.
- Do not forget to drink enough water.
- Do some movement every day.
These healthy habits will still help your gut health after removing your gallbladder. They may also lower your risk of having similar problems in the future.
Conclusion
Some gallstones can even be dangerous. They can be very painful, complicate your life, or even make you uncomfortable. Obtaining treatment for gallstone removal in Singapore is straightforward and efficient, entrusting you to the expertise of professionals who employ proven methods.
Consult a doctor immediately if your symptoms persist or you receive a gallstone diagnosis. Going to the doctor early and getting care when you need it can help prevent problems and help you heal faster. Singapore is a wonderful place to learn how to get rid of gallstones and start feeling better immediately.
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Lee Surgery & Endoscopy
Gleneagles Medical Centre
Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre
Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562
Phone: +65 8952 6327