The gallbladder is located just beneath the liver at the upper right side of the abdomen. Due to their expertise in abdominal surgery and their familiarity with the liver’s anatomy, liver surgeons Dr Victor Lee and Dr Tan Ek Khoon are well-equipped to treat gallbladder conditions, including the following:
Our medical team comprises some of the top surgeons in keyhole gallbladder surgery. Our clinic typically performs 80-100 gallbladder surgeries per year, with a 30-day mortality rate of zero. We take pride in our patients’ quick recovery and minimal scarring. For elective cases, patients can be discharged on the same or the next day.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a medical procedure in which the patient’s gallbladder is removed using laparoscopic or keyhole techniques. It is a minimally invasive surgery in which the surgical procedure is performed with the help of a video camera as well as other non-invasive surgical instruments.
Most gallbladder problems are usually caused by gallstones, which consist of bile salts and cholesterol. Traditionally, the gallbladder is removed by making a 5-8 inch inches long incision in the upper abdominal area. Presently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the standard of care. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a laparoscopic (a device used to see the internal organs) and other small instruments are used to perform the same surgery. This involves the use of 3-4 smaller skin punctures rather than the long incision; each puncture measures 5-10mm.
The development of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique is attributed to the dynamic medical industry, multiple technological enhancements, and improvements in the fields of surgery. Below are the two most common techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
Standard Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
This widely-used method involves 4 ports: two with 10mm incisions and two with 5mm incisions, through which surgical instruments are inserted. The first 10mm cut is used to insert a telescope while the second 10mm cut is the surgeon’s main working port. Of the two 5mm ports, one is placed in the right lumbar region for gallbladder fundus traction, and the other is used as the surgeon’s left-hand working port. This technique is commonly referred to as the ’10-10-5-5′ or ‘4-port standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Modified Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
This procedure is relatively less painful and offers better cosmetic results compared to the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With this procedure, the number or size of the ports is reduced; for example, the incisions can be reduced from 10mm to 5mm. Patients benefit from only three ports (instead of the usual 4) with less pain and leaving only smaller, 5mm scars.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed by trained surgeons, even in difficult cases with large gallstones, previous gallbladder infection, or acute cholecystitis. It is important for patients to discuss their surgeries with competent and well-trained surgeons who have a good track record of success.
Professional Care You Can trust
New DLS Group Office
We have opened a new administrative office to support our operations.
The address is:
545 Orchard Road
#10-09 Far East Shopping Centre
Singapore 238882
All medical services continue as usual at our four clinics.
Thank you!
Senior Consultant Surgeon
Senior Consultant Surgeon