Book An Appointment

Get Gallbladder Treatment With A Gallbladder Specialist

Gallbladder conditions can escalate quietly with few early clues. With early detection and a specialist review, you can uncover issues sooner and get more treatment options. Book a screening today to safeguard your gallbladder health.

  • Over 40 Years Of Combined Experience
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Available
  • Same Day Appointment Till 4pm
  • Insurance And Medisave Claimable
Make An Appointment
SYMPTOMS

Spot The Warning Signs of Gallbladder Diseases

Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine and pale stools
Nausea or vomiting, particularly after intake of oily food
Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
Bloating or a sense of fullness after meals
A noticeable lump under the right-hand ribs

Early detection and appropriate treatment can relieve symptoms and help prevent complications later on.

Meet Your Gallbladder Specialist

Dr Chan Chung Yip

MBBS, MMed(Surg), FRCS(Edin), MD, FAMS

Dr Chan Chung Yip is a senior general surgeon who specialises in gallbladder surgery. 

He has domain expertise in using minimally invasive techniques for both routine and complex gallbladder and bile duct operations. Over the course of his career spanning decades, he has treated a wide range of gallbladder conditions, supporting the long-term digestive health of his patients. 

He shares his expertise regularly as an author of numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field of gallbladder surgery.

Languages Spoken:

  • English
  • Mandarin
  • Cantonese
  • Teochew / Hokkien

Dr Ho Choon Kiat

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (Glasg), M.Med (Surgery), FRCSEd (Gen), FAMS (Surgery)

Dr Ho Choon Kiat is a senior general and gallbladder surgeon who specialises in using minimally invasive or laparoscopic methods to treat gallbladder diseases, particularly gallstones and bile duct stones.

This includes patients who have acute emergencies arising from gallstone complications. Having performed gallbladder operations since 2000, Dr Ho is well suited to guide patients through every stage of care, with a focus on protecting digestive health and overall well-being.

His contributions to the field include numerous peer-reviewed publications in gallbladder surgery, including a series of 50 cases of Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration in Singapore, which was published in Feb 2010.

Languages Spoken:

  • English
  • Mandarin
  • Hokkien
  • Cantonese

Dr Ho and Dr Chan are both Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgeons. This means they have received sub-specialty training, usually in an overseas centre of excellence, to deal with conditions of the gallbladder, liver and pancreas.

Consult Our Gallbladder Doctor

The Courage Star (Singapore, 2003)

Daher Cutait Prize (ISUCRS, 2004)

Service Excellence Awards (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 2003-04)

Sir Rodney Judson Prize (Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2006

Best Teacher Award (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 2006-07)

Sir Rodney Judson Prize (Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2006

Best Teacher Award (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 2006-07)

CONDITIONS

Gallbladder Conditions We Treat

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Enlarged crystals in the gallbladder that are blocking bile flow and causing pain.

Inflamed Gallbladder (Cholecystitis)

Swelling and irritation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Gallbladder Polyps and Benign Tumours

Growths incidentally found during abdominal imaging that pose a small risk of malignancy.

Functional Gallbladder Disorders

Gallbladder doesn’t empty bile properly despite no structural abnormalities.

Gallbladder Cancer

A rare but serious malignant growth in the gallbladder.

While gallbladder cancer is relatively rare, those with a history of other gallbladder conditions (mainly gallstones) carry a 5 times higher risk.

SEEKING TREATMENT

When to Seek Gallbladder Specialist

Persistent Symptoms or Known Risks

You notice one or more symptoms listed above, or have a family history of gallstones of gallbladder cancer.

Unexpected Findings on Routine Tests

A medical check-up revealed something out of the ordinary:

• A raised tumour marker, in particular CA 19-9, or
• A scan shows a gallbladder polyp >1cm or a thickened gallbladder wall, or
• Blood tests reveal raised bilirubin or abnormal liver enzymes.

Get a Second Opinion

You have been diagnosed with a gallbladder condition and need an experienced specialist to help you understand your treatment options and plan your care with clarity.

Get A Second Opinion
TREATMENT

Gallbladder Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on how advanced the disease is and the health of the patient. Surgery offers the best chance of a long-term cure.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

Cholecystectomy can help manage gallbladder diseases effectively over the long term if it is detected early. The operation may be combined with other treatments if cancer has already reached nearby tissue.

  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Making small incisions in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder, or together with nearby liver tissue and lymph nodes when there is a higher risk of spread.
  • Open Cholecystectomy: Performed for special circumstances such as a severely inflamed gallbladder, infection, or scarring from previous operations.

Chemotherapy

Medication given by drip or tablet travels through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used:

  • After surgery (adjuvant therapy): Helps eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that remain after surgery, reducing the likelihood of the disease returning.
  • If surgery is not an option: Shrink tumours, relieve symptoms, and slow the cancer’s progression.

Radiation
Therapy

High-energy beams focus on the tumour area to destroy cancer cells, administered:

  • Before surgery: Shrink the tumour, making surgical removal easier.
  • After surgery: Target any cancer cells that may have been left behind.
  • In later stages: Relieve pain or clear a blockage when the tumour cannot be removed.
WHAT TO EXPECT

4 Stages to Gallbladder Removal Surgery

01
Step

Consultation and Planning

  • Meet with your gallbladder specialist — Dr Chan or Dr Ho — to go through your scans and medical history in detail.
  • Discuss the treatment options available so you know what to expect and can raise any worries.
  • Get clear advice on fasting, exercise, and medicines to help you arrive prepared and at ease.

02
Step

Pre-Surgery Preparation

  • Undergo CT or MRI scans to map the gallstone for the surgical team.
  • Complete routine pre-operative checks, such as blood tests, anaesthetic review, and cardiac tests.
  • Follow fasting instructions and arrange transport home with a friend or family member.

03
Step

During The Surgery

  • You’ll receive anaesthesia, while your doctor removes the gallbladder through four small incisions (5mm to 1cm) made on the abdominal area.
  • Tiny clips are used to seal the blood vessels of the gallbladder and the cystic duct that connects the gallbladder to the bile duct.
  • Tissue samples go straight to the laboratory for confirmation of the stage and margins.

04
Step

Recovery After Treatment

  • Rest in a recovery bay for 1 to 2 hours while our nurses monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and comfort.
  • Begin with sips of water, then light food once fully awake.
  • Plan for a 1-night hospital stay with personalised after-care instructions and a follow-up date, if needed.
Enquire More on Procedure
WHAT TO EXPECT

4 Stages to Gallbladder Removal Surgery​

01
Step

Consultation and Planning

  • Meet with your gallbladder specialist — Dr Chan or Dr Ho — to go through your scans and medical history in detail.
  • Discuss the treatment options available so you know what to expect and can raise any worries.
  • Get clear advice on fasting, exercise, and medicines to help you arrive prepared and at ease.

02
Step

Pre-Surgery Preparation

  • Undergo CT or MRI scans to map the gallstone for the surgical team.
  • Complete routine pre-operative checks, such as blood tests, anaesthetic review, and cardiac tests.
  • Follow fasting instructions and arrange transport home with a friend or family member.

03
Step

During The Surgery

  • You’ll receive anaesthesia, while your doctor removes the gallbladder through four small incisions (5mm to 1cm) made on the abdominal area.
  • Tiny clips are used to seal the blood vessels of the gallbladder and the cystic duct that connects the gallbladder to the bile duct.
  • Tissue samples go straight to the laboratory for confirmation of the stage and margins.

04
Step

Recovery After Procedure

  • Rest in a recovery bay for 1 to 2 hours while our nurses monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and comfort.
  • Begin with sips of water, then light food once fully awake.
  • Plan for a 1-night hospital stay with personalised after-care instructions and a follow-up date, if needed.
Enquire More on Procedure
WHY US

Why Choose Our Gallbladder Specialists in Singapore

Over 20 Years of Specialist Practice

Dr Chan and Dr Ho each bring more than 20 years of experience in gallbladder surgery and management.

Minimally Invasive Options

Where gallstone size and position allow, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is offered, using smaller incisions for faster recovery and better outcomes.

End-To-End Care

From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, every stage of your care journey remains continuous and coordinated under one trusted team.

INSURANCE PARTNERS

The surgeons at Nexus Surgical are part of the preferred panel of specialists for many local insurers, offering flexible payment arrangements for eligible patients.

Integrated Shield Plans

Third Party Administrators (TPA)

FINANCING

Costs & Funding Options

Gallbladder treatment procedures are MediSave-claimable, and many Integrated Shield or corporate plans can cover part of the bill. For a figure tailored to your circumstances, speak with your hospital’s financial counsellor before booking.

In-Office

First Visit

$200 - $300

Repeat Visit

$150 - $250

Extended

$50 per block of 15 minutes

# > 30 for first visits
# > 15 for repeat visits

Out of Office

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

$200 - $300

After 5:00 PM

$300 - $400

Hospital Inpatient

$200 - $400

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

$6,000 to $15,000

Open Cholecystectomy:

$10,000 to $20,000

Endoscopic Surgery (ERCP):

$4,000 to $8,000

The figures apply only to the surgeon’s professional fee and reflect typical gallbladder surgery costs in Singapore. Your final hospital bill will also include:

  • Your choice of hospital or ward
  • Length of stay and post-operative support
  • Charges for anaesthesia, imaging and laboratory tests
  • Any co-payment, deductible and limits in your insurance plan.

Book An Appointment Today

Every day counts when it comes to your gallbladder health. Schedule a consultation with Dr Chan or Dr Ho to review your test results and seek treatment options before your condition progresses.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Gallbladder Surgery

What are the common symptoms of gallbladder cancer?

Symptoms can include upper-abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, unexplained weight loss and other digestive issues.

Surgery is typically recommended for symptomatic gallstones, recurrent inflammation or gallbladder cancer. Some gallstones can be managed with medication or endoscopic procedures.

Yes, most gallbladder procedures at Nexus Surgical are performed laparoscopically, even for acute cholecystitis, reducing pain, scarring and recovery time.

With minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, most patients can return to normal activities within a week. Open surgery generally requires a longer recovery.

Mount Alvernia Hospital · Medical Centre A

Mount Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre

Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre