Gallstones are a common medical condition that affect many individuals both in Singapore and worldwide. They are the result of hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
While surgery has been traditionally recommended as the primary method of treatment for gallstones. However, advancements in medical science have brought with it several alternative approaches to treating gallstones without the need for invasive surgeries.
In this guide, G&L Surgical Clinic would like to help you understand your options when it comes to gallstone treatment in Singapore, and aid you in making a decision as to which treatment method is most suited to your medical needs.
In recent years, several alternative approaches to treating gallstones have emerged, offering patients options beyond surgery. These alternatives may be particularly appealing to individuals who are hesitant about undergoing invasive procedures or who have underlying health conditions that make surgery riskier.
Definition Of Gallstones
Your gallbladder is like a home for bile, which is an enzyme that helps digest food. Most importantly, it’ll help your digestive system break down fatty acids, allowing them to move through your gut wall and perform essential functions throughout your body. Your gallbladder doesn’t, however, produce bile. That’s the liver’s job.
Gallstones usually form when cholesterols come together to create them. In many cases, they’ll remain in your gallbladder without causing significant symptoms. In some, particularly those that involve them blocking the bile duct that allows bile to move into your intestinal system, they can produce considerable amounts of pain, conditions such as acute pancreatitis, and signs such as jaundice.
_______
Ways To Treat Gallstones
There are lots of gallstones treatments in Singapore, and the one our doctor chooses will depend on how you present to them. For example, if you’re experiencing minimal pain or you’re asymptomatic, and someone found the gallstones by accident through an unrelated diagnostic procedure, they may:
Suggest watchful waiting, which means they’ll see how you manage gallstones at home with few if any, medical interventions.
- Provide you with pain relief to manage your symptoms.
- If you develop an infection, you might receive IV antibiotics in a hospital.
Non-surgical Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatment options for gallstones may be considered depending on the size and composition of the patient’s gallstones. These treatments for gallstones offer various advantages, such as being less invasive, a lower risk of complications, preservation of the gallbladder, a speedier recovery, and minimal scarring.
We have listed some of the non-surgical treatment options that our doctor may consider for you based on your condition.
Medication
Some medication, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), may be prescribed by our doctor to help dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones with time.
This approach is most effective for small gallstones. However, it may take several months to produce the desired results. Additionally, it is important to note that not all individuals will respond to this medication. Patients with smaller gallstones may wish to consider this treatment method over surgery.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) refers to a non-invasive procedure that utilises shock waves to break up gallstones into smaller fragments. Once bigger gallstones have been reduced to smaller fragments, it is easier for them to pass through the bile ducts and exit the body.
However, this method is not suited to treat all types of gallstones. It can be an effective option for patients with smaller gallstones who show no evidence of bile duct obstruction.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
This form of treatment can be used to remove gallstones from the body’s bile ducts without requiring surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure which involves the insertion of an endoscope through the mouth and into the digestive tract where it is able to access the bile ducts to then remove or dissolve a patient’s gallstones.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and opting for a balanced diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats can help manage gallstones.
These changes can prevent the formation of gallstones and reduce the risk of symptom development.
Alternative Surgical Techniques
Not all surgical techniques are invasive or leave visible scars—there are less invasive alternatives that minimise scarring and promote faster recovery.
Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)
While Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a surgical technique, it offers a less invasive option for procedures like gallbladder removal. Instead of making multiple small cuts, SILS uses just one small incision, usually in the belly button. Through this single opening, the surgeon uses special tools to carefully remove the gallbladder. This approach can lead to less pain after surgery, quicker healing, and almost no visible scars, as the incision is hidden in the navel.
When Do You Need Gallstones Surgery?
If the above doesn’t work, you may need gallstones removal surgery in Singapore. If your gallstones cause you to encounter a severe condition called acute pancreatitis, you may require emergency surgery.
Otherwise, if your symptoms are becoming too difficult to manage at home and you feel as though they’re affecting your day-to-day life, you can request elective gallstones removal surgery in Singapore. Such operations often involve a laparoscopic approach, so in most cases, you can return home the same day.
Seeking Professional Advice
Whether you’re new to your diagnosis and exploring gallstones treatments in Singapore or you’re a veteran to the condition, seeking professional advice can work to your advantage. Those who are experts in gallstones and the benefits of surgery will direct you towards a solution that best matches your lifestyle and how the condition is affecting you.
If you would like a professional opinion on whether gallstones removal surgery in Singapore is right for you, you can contact us.
References:
Why Choose Us For Your Gallbladder Treatments In Singapore?
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing gallbladder surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our gallbladder procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on gallbladder treatments in Singapore.
English