Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Cholangiogram and CBD Exploration
Open Cholecystectomy
This is generally a safe operation with very low complication rates.
The risks specific to cholecystectomy include a small risk (less than 1%) of an injury to the bile duct, nearby organs
and blood vessels, which may require further repair of the injury. Hernia may form at the incision sites, especially
in obese patients that may require repair in the future.
Occasionally (< 3%), stones may drop into the bile duct during the surgery or it may be undiagnosed before the
surgery; these may require subsequent procedures e.g. ERCP to treat.
Surgical risks include the risks in relation to general anaesthesia, wound infection, bleeding and rarely blood clots
in the legs or lungs.
In the event of conversion of the laparoscopic approach to an open procedure, the risks will remain the same as above
with similar good outcomes. However, post-operative recovery and hospital stay may be slightly longer.
What to expect after Gallstone Surgery?
Although gallbladder removal is a major abdominal surgery, most patients go home on the same day or the day after the
surgery.
If the surgery was performed with an open procedure (larger cut), the patient may have to stay a few more days. Some
pain, nausea and vomiting may occur but most are well controlled by medications.
Some patients may still feel some bloating and some may have loose stools after the surgery as the body gets used to
the absence of the gallbladder. Most symptoms will usually resolve within a couple of weeks.
Once discharged, most patients can perform light duties and most activities of daily living. Most of the patients can
return to work within a week after the surgery, after a follow-up review with the surgeon.
conditions of the gallbladder.
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
| Tel | : 6454 0054 |
| : 9012 0054 |
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
| Tel | : 6471 0054 |
| Fax | : 6271 0054 |
| Mon to Fri | : 9am to 5pm |
| Sat | : 9am to 1pm |
| Sun & PH | : By Appointment Only |