Medical management in patients with asymptomatic gallstones. I was the first surgeon to perform Single Incision laparoscopic surgeon in Singapore and South East Asia. In my centre I offer:
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Some Gallstones have both components of cholesterol stones and pigment and are known as mixed stones. They form the commonest type of stones that we see in our practice.
Gallstones are more common in women and people over age 40. Gallstones may also run in families. The cause of gallstones varies.
The following are risk factors for development of gallstones:
Many people with gallstones have never had any symptoms. The gallstones are often discovered when having a routine scan, such as ultrasound/MRI/CT scan of abdomen for any of the abdominal symptoms or as part of screening.
However, if a stone blocks either the cystic duct or common bile duct (called choledocholithiasis); you may have a cramping pain in the middle to right upper abdomen. This is known as biliary colic. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).
It is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of gallstones. Gallstones are found in many people with gallbladder cancer. The association varies between 3% to 9% based on the geographical location.
Tests used to detect gallstones or gallbladder inflammation based on the severity of disease and any associated complications include:
Medicines called chenodeoxycholic acids (CDCA) or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, ursodiol) may be given in pill form to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. However, they may take 2 years or longer to work, and the stones may return after treatment ends. Also these drugs work only in the presence of pure cholesterol stones.
Some people have gallstones and have never had any symptoms. The gallstones may not be found until an ultrasound is done for another reason. Surgery may not be needed unless symptoms begin.
In general, patients who have symptoms will need surgery either right away, or after a short period of time.
Advantages of One Key Hole Laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and a procedure called a sphincterotomy may be done to locate or treat gallstones which have passed into the bile duct causing blockage to the bile duct with jaundice, cholangitis and or pancreatitis.
Gallstones develop in many people without causing symptoms. Nearly all patients who develop symptoms need surgery for Gallstones.
Blockage of the cystic duct or common bile duct by gallstones may cause the following problems:
There is no known way to prevent gallstones. If you have gallstone symptoms, eating a low-fat diet and losing weight may help you control symptoms.
There is an association of gallstones with Gallbladder cancer in about 3% to 9% of patients based on geographically which part of the world they come from
Senior Consultant Single Keyhole Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, M.S (Gen Surg – KEMH, Bombay), FAMS
Over 30 years of clinical experience in gastrointestinal and metabolic surgery
His clinical focus includes:
Dr. Ravi routinely performs laparoscopic (keyhole) and endoscopic procedures, which are associated with smaller incisions and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
(Based on standard clinical outcomes for minimally invasive techniques.)
He holds a university academic appointment and is actively involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees in Singapore, reflecting his commitment to medical education and continuous learning.
Dr. Ravi is affiliated with various international and local professional bodies including:
Our friendly team is looking forward to serving you. For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call the clinic directly.
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