Gallbladder & Bile Duct Specialist Doctor Singapore | Alpine Surgical
Gallbladder and bile duct conditions are common in Singapore, affecting individuals across various age groups. Gallstones, bile duct obstructions, and infections can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may result in severe complications. These conditions not only impact digestion but can also cause persistent pain, jaundice, and other health issues that diminish quality of life.
At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr Aaron Poh adopts a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to diagnosing, and treating gallbladder and bile duct conditions. With expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, he ensures patient-centric treatment and optimal recovery.
The gallbladder, and bile ducts play a crucial role in digestion, specifically in the breakdown, and absorption of fats. Together, they form part of the biliary system, which regulates bile production, storage, and transportation. Any dysfunction in this system can lead to digestive disturbances, and other health complications.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It functions as a storage reservoir for bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. The gallbladder concentrates bile, and releases it into the small intestine when fatty foods are consumed, aiding in fat digestion, and nutrient absorption.
The bile ducts are a network of thin tubes that transport bile from the liver, and gallbladder to the small intestine. The primary bile ducts include:
The liver continuously produces bile, but the gallbladder serves as a temporary storage unit. When fatty food enters the digestive system, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile through the bile ducts into the small intestine. This process ensures efficient digestion, and absorption of fats. Any obstruction, inflammation or infection in this system can cause significant discomfort, and digestive issues.
The gallbladder, and bile ducts are susceptible to various conditions that can impact digestion, and overall health. Many of these conditions arise from blockages, infections or structural abnormalities that disrupt the normal flow of bile. While some conditions may present mild symptoms, others can lead to serious complications requiring medical intervention.
| CONDITIONS | DESCRIPTION | CAUSES |
| Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) | Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder. While some people have gallstones without symptoms, others experience severe pain when the stones obstruct bile flow. | Excess cholesterol in bileGenetic factorsHigh bilirubin levelsHigh-fat or high-sugar dietsPoor gallbladder emptying |
| Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis) | Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts. It can be:Acute – sudden, severe pain with feverChronic – recurrent inflammation leading to gallbladder damage | Bacterial infectionGallstone blockageTumours affecting bile drainage |
| Gallbladder Cancer | Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious condition where malignant cells form in the gallbladder lining. It often goes undetected until advanced stages due to vague symptoms. | Chronic gallbladder inflammationGallstonesGenetic factors |
| CONDITIONS | DESCRIPTION | CAUSES |
| Bile Duct Obstruction (Choledocholithiasis) | Bile duct obstruction occurs when gallstones or other blockages prevent bile from flowing from the liver to the intestine, leading to jaundice and pain. | Bile duct strictures (narrowing)Gallstones migrating into the bile ductsTumours or cysts |
| Bile Duct Infections (Cholangitis) | Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts that can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. It often results from bile duct obstruction. | Bacterial infection due to blocked bile ductsComplications from medical proceduresGallstones or tumours |
| Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) | Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that develops in the bile ducts. Symptoms often appear late, making early detection challenging. | Chronic bile duct inflammationLiver fluke infectionsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) |
The symptoms of gallbladder, and bile duct conditions vary depending on the specific disease. Some conditions may present mild discomfort, while others can cause severe pain, and complications.
Below is a table outlining the potential symptoms associated with each condition:
| CONDITIONS | POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS |
| Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) | BloatingIndigestionJaundice (if bile flow is blocked)NauseaSudden, and intense pain in the upper right abdomenVomiting |
| Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis) | FeverJaundice (in some cases)NauseaSevere, and persistent pain in the upper right abdomenTenderness over the gallbladderVomiting |
| Gallbladder Cancer | Abdominal painFever (in advanced cases)JaundiceLoss of appetiteNauseaSwelling in the abdomenWeight loss |
| Bile Duct Obstruction (Choledocholithiasis) | Abdominal pain in the right upper quadrantDark urineItchingJaundiceNauseaPale stoolsVomiting |
| Bile Duct Infections (Cholangitis) | ChillsConfusion (in severe cases)FeverJaundiceLow blood pressure (severe infections)NauseaRight upper abdominal painVomiting |
| Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) | Abdominal painDark urineFatigueFeverIntense itchingJaundiceNight sweatsPale stoolsUnintended weight loss |
Some of the risk factors associated with gallbladder, and bile ducts are:
At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr. Aaron Poh adopts a meticulous, patient-centred approach to diagnosing gallbladder, and bile duct conditions. As these conditions can present with overlapping symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Diagnostic procedures generally involves:
Treatment for gallbladder, and bile duct conditions depends on the severity of the condition, and the symptoms experienced by the patient. At Alpine Surgical, Dr Aaron Poh provides a personalised, comprehensive treatment approach, which includes:
Seeking timely medical attention for gallbladder, and bile duct conditions is crucial to prevent complications, and ensure effective treatment. Delayed diagnosis, and treatment may lead to severe infections, organ damage, and life-threatening conditions.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to gallbladder or bile duct conditions, do not hesitate to seek medical evaluation. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and a faster recovery. Schedule a consultation with us for a comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Yes, you can live without a gallbladder. Its main function is to store bile, which helps digest fats. After gallbladder removal, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine. Most people adjust well, though some may experience mild digestive changes initially.
How can I prevent gallstones from forming?
To reduce the risk of gallstones, maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats, and high in fibre. Additionally, you can also:
What are the red flag symptoms that require immediate medical attention?
In the event you are experiencing the following symptoms, then it is highly encouraged to seek urgent medical attention:
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive procedure. As such, pain is typically mild to moderate, and well-managed with medication. Additionally, some patients experience shoulder discomfort due to the gas used during surgery, but this subsides within a few days. Recovery is usually quick, with most people resuming normal activities within a week.
After surgery, mild bloating, diarrhoea or temporary digestive changes are common but usually improve within a few weeks. You can return to light activities within a few days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a couple of weeks.
After surgery, it is best to avoid fatty, greasy, and highly processed foods, as your body may have difficulty digesting them without the gallbladder’s bile storage function. Limit dairy, fried foods, spicy dishes, and excessive caffeine or alcohol. Instead, focus on a balanced diet with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Eat smaller, frequent meals to help digestion, and gradually reintroduce fats to see how your body tolerates them. Staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals, and incorporating fibre-rich foods can help prevent digestive discomfort. As for long-term adjustments, maintaining a balanced diet, and a healthy weight is beneficial for overall digestive health.
For chronic bile duct conditions, long-term management may involve regular monitoring with imaging tests and blood work, dietary modifications, and medications to control bile flow or prevent infections. In some cases, stents or surgical interventions may be required to maintain proper bile drainage.
Bile duct blockages can be caused by gallstones migrating into the ducts, inflammation, bile duct strictures (narrowing), tumours or infections. Some conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), can also lead to chronic bile duct narrowing, and scarring.
Common symptoms of bile duct obstruction include:
Yes, bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) can often be removed without surgery through ERCP, which is a minimally invasive procedure that extracts stones using an endoscope. However, in some cases, surgery may be required if complications arise.
Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare but aggressive cancer that develops in the bile ducts. It often presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and severe itching. Due to the fact that early diagnosis is challenging, and seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms is crucial.
Bile duct cancer can sometimes be treated with surgery if detected early. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care to manage symptoms, and slow disease progression.
While most bile duct conditions are not directly inherited, some genetic factors may contribute to an increased risk. Conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and certain liver diseases have been linked to genetic predispositions.
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