Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder. They develop when bile hardens and crystallizes inside the gallbladder.
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. It is stored in the gallbladder and it helps in the breaking down of fats during digestion.
It also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Some people can live with gallstones without experiencing any symptoms.
However, gallstones removal treatment is often recommended because even if you feel fine, gallstones may suddenly block a bile duct and cause severe pain or infection. So, living with gallstones may be possible.
However, the condition comes with a wide range if risks if complications occur. When a blockage happens, it can cause inflammation or even life-threatening infections.
What Are the First Signs of Having Gallstones?
It isn’t easy to tell if you have gallstones that need removal if you do not know the exact symptoms that come with them. That said, the first question likely to come to mind if you suspect that you could be having gallstones is; what are the first signs of having gallstones? Here’s a quick roundup of common first signs of having gallstones;
- Persistent Abdominal Pain: One of the earliest signs of gallstones is a steady pain in the upper right or middle part of the abdomen. This pain may start suddenly and last for several hours. It often worsens after eating a fatty meal. The discomfort can radiate to your back or shoulder. Depending on severity, it may even interfere with your daily activities. Many people experience this pain as a dull ache that gradually intensifies until it becomes hard to ignore.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Another common early symptom of gallstones is a feeling of nausea or frequent vomiting. You might feel sick to your stomach after eating, especially after meals rich in fats. This sensation often accompanies the abdominal pain. The persistent urge to vomit can leave you feeling weak and dehydrated. Over time, repeated episodes may impact your overall well-being and appetite. This may prompt your GP to refer you to a specialist for gallstones removal in Singapore.
- Indigestion and Bloating: Indigestion is a frequent sign of gallstones. If you have gallstones, you may notice a feeling of fullness or bloating after eating. This may occur even when the meal is not large. The discomfort can mimic general stomach upset. Your digestive system might feel sluggish, and you may experience excessive gas. Such symptoms can make mealtimes unpleasant and disrupt your normal digestion over days or even weeks.
- Fever and Chills: In some cases, gallstones go to the extent of causing infections in the gallbladder. When this occurs, you might develop a fever and experience chills. The fever is often accompanied by a general feeling of weakness or malaise. The combination of high temperature and shivering suggests that an infection may be present. If you get this symptom, please seek prompt medical care to prevent further complications from the infection.
- Jaundice or Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: Jaundice is another indicator that it may be time to see a doctor who specializes in gallstones removal in Singapore. You might notice that your skin and the whites of your eyes take on a yellowish tint. This happens because bile pigments build up in your blood. Jaundice is a serious symptom that may suggest a possible blockage in the bile duct. It requires immediate assessment by a medical specialist to avert further liver complications.
What Happens If You Remove Gallstones?
Removing gallstones is a fairly common procedure. However, many patients who visit our facility for gallstones removal in Singapore frequently ask; what happens if you remove gallstones?
To begin, gallstones removal typically involves a surgical procedure called a cholecystectomy. This procedure is often performed through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery which removes the gallbladder entirely, along with the stones.
The removal helps prevent future episodes of severe pain and reduces the risk of complications like infections or inflammation. After the surgery, many patients experience a significant reduction in the discomfort and digestive issues they previously faced.
The body can adapt to the absence of the gallbladder, and bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. Post-surgery, many people notice an improvement in their overall quality of life.
For example, they are less likely to suffer from sudden abdominal pain or digestive disturbances. Recovery is quick and usually takes just a few days to a few weeks.
During this period, you will be advised to follow a light diet and gradually resume normal activities. While there may be a short period of discomfort after the operation, most patients are able to return to their regular routines fairly quickly.
The removal of gallstones also minimizes the risk of developing complications such as pancreatitis or cholangitis. These are serious conditions that can affect your overall health. A good doctor will guide you on proper post-operative care to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Gallstones in Singapore?
To begin with, when it comes gallstones removal in Singapore, most patients undergo a cholecystectomy. This is usually a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is minimally invasive and generally allows for a faster recovery. The total cost for your gallstones removal in Singapore will be influenced by several factors, such as:
- Hospital Type: Public (with or without subsidies) versus private facilities.
- Ward Choice & Setting: Day surgery in a subsidised ward is much less expensive than inpatient treatment without subsidies.
- Insurance & MediSave Eligibility: These can significantly reduce out‐of‐pocket expenses.
- Additional Procedures: Occasionally, if complications arise (for example, if stones are present in the bile duct requiring an extra procedure like ERCP), costs may be higher
With that out of the way, if you’re getting your gallstones removal in a public hospital where you get a subsidised day surgery, the procedure may cost you approximately SGD $1,700–$2,100. If you’re getting unsubsidised or inpatient care, gallstones removal in Singapore may cost you roughly from SGD $4,600 up to over $10,000 depending on ward type.
If you’re getting the procedure in a private hospital, typically, the full bill can range from about SGD $18,000 to $22,000 (this includes surgeon fees, anaesthesia, hospital fees, and more). Generally speaking though, your actual out-of-pocket expense will depend on your eligibility for government subsidies (if you’re a Singapore citizen), the specifics of your insurance plan, and any additional costs (such as pre- or post-surgery care).
That said, it’s always a good idea to discuss these details with healthcare provider and financial counsellor to get an accurate estimate tailored to your situation. Many patients find that the benefits of having gallstones removed far outweigh the costs.
The surgery not only relieves pain but also prevents severe complications that could lead to higher medical expenses in the future. Before proceeding, ensure you discuss all cost-related details with your doctor to fully understand the financial impact and plan accordingly.
In Closing
A timely gallstones removal treatment can prevent severe pain and future health risks. If you suspect that you have gallstones or have been recommended a visit to a clinic that specializes in gallstones removal, act now. If you’re in Singapore, please contact our clinic today to learn more about our treatment options and schedule a consultation. See details below;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6355 5773
