Diagnosed With Gallstones? Do You Need Surgery?
Not all gallstones require surgery. Get a specialist assessment of your scan and symptoms, and a clear explanation of your options.
Consult Dr. Lee Ser Yee, Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgeon, for an accurate assessment of your gallbladder condition.
Dr. Lee Ser Yee
Senior Consultant HPB Surgeon (Gallbladder, Liver, Pancreas)
Appointments
MediSave Guidance
For severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever or jaundice, seek urgent medical assessment.
Do All Gallstones Require Surgery?
Not every gallstone requires immediate surgery. Treatment depends on your symptoms:
- No Pain or Symptoms: Silent gallstones can usually be monitored safely without surgery.
- Recurring Symptoms or Pain: Surgery is recommended if gallstones cause pain, post-meal indigestion, inflammation, or bile duct blockages.
When is gallbladder surgery considered?
- Recurring upper-right abdominal painoften after meals, lasting 30 minutes or more
- A previous gallbladder attack or inflammation(cholecystitis)
- Stones in the bile duct or gallstone pancreatitis
- Gallbladder polyps or wall thickening seen on a scan
- Fever, jaundice (yellow eyes or skin) or severe persistent pain may signal a complication. Seek urgent medical attention.
Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery
- Keyhole (laparoscopic) approachGallbladder removal through small abdominal incisions using a camera and specialised instruments.
- Less pain and smaller scarsSmaller incisions can help reduce wound discomfort and leave smaller scars.
- Shorter hospital stayMany patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on recovery.
- Faster return to daily activitiesGradual return to light activities, with recovery guided by your condition and Dr. Lee’s advice.
Meet Our
Gallbladder Surgeon
Dr. Lee Ser Yee
Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgeon
President, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association of Singapore (HPBAS)
MBBS, M.Med, M.Sc., FAMS, FRCS(Ed), FACS
Dr. Lee Ser Yee, a senior consultant hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon, brings with him over a decade of specialised expertise in complex hepatopancreatobiliary disorders and minimally invasive gallbladder surgery.
Why see an HPB subspecialist for gallstones?
Most gallbladder surgeries are straightforward. Some are not, for example after repeated attacks, when stones have moved into the bile duct, or when a scan shows polyps or a thickened gallbladder wall. HPB surgeons train specifically in the anatomy of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
- Repeated gallbladder attacks
- Previous cholecystitis
- Bile duct stones
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Gallbladder polyps
- Second opinions
Training and experience
- Currently serves as the President of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association of Singapore.
- Completed dual USA fellowships in HPB and liver transplantation at renowned centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center.
- Received the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed) and also holds a Master of Science (by research) from NUS.
Surgical contributions
- Founding member of the Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
- Former Director of the Laparoscopic and Surgical Skills Training Programmes at SingHealth Surgical Skills Centre
- Authored over 150 scientific publications and contributed to more than 70 book chapters and 2 surgical textbooks
What Happens When You Get in Touch
Send us your details
WhatsApp, call or use the form. If you have an ultrasound or scan report, send a photo of it so we can prepare for your visit.
We arrange your consultation
Our team responds promptly to help arrange same-day appointments and check your insurance coverage or MediSave eligibility.
Get a clear plan
Dr. Lee reviews your symptoms and scans and explains whether monitoring, further tests or surgery is appropriate for you.
Have Insurance? Let Us Help You Check Your Coverage.
Our clinic team can help you check your insurance panel eligibility, possible MediSave use and any applicable pre-authorisation requirements. Coverage and claims depend on your policy and treatment.
Send An Enquiry
Please fill in the enquiry form below and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a gallbladder specialist?
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Recurring upper abdominal pain or discomfort (particularly after meals)
- Unexplained indigestion
- Persistent nausea
- or if a routine health screening ultrasound has detected gallstones, gallbladder polyps, or wall thickening.
A HPB surgeon specialises in gallbladder conditions. Early clinical evaluation can help to determine whether active monitoring or procedural intervention is appropriate. Contact us today and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Lee.
Can I live and digest food normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Your liver continuously produces bile to digest food, which will now flow directly into the small intestine.
Most patients experience minimal digestive changes and return to a normal diet shortly after recovery.
Do asymptomatic gallstones always need to be operated on?
Not necessarily. Asymptomatic gallstones can often be monitored safely unless specific risk factors or complications are present. Dr. Lee will provide a personalized recommendation based on your diagnostic scans.
How soon can I return to work after gallbladder keyhole surgery?
Most patients with desk jobs return to work within 5 to 7 days, while light activity can be resumed within a couple of days.
How much does gallbladder surgery cost in Singapore?
Costs vary depending on the procedure, hospital, complexity and insurance coverage. Our clinic can discuss estimated charges and insurance checks after assessment.
Can gallstones be treated without removing the gallbladder?
Some people with gallstones do not need surgery. For symptomatic gallstones, the most appropriate approach depends on your condition and examination findings. A specialist can explain monitoring and treatment options.
Is my treatment covered by insurance?
Dr. Lee is accredited with a wide range of health insurance providers, as well as many corporate insurance panels.
Our team will assist you in checking your coverage and guiding you through the claims process for a smooth and worry-free experience.
Our Clinic
At Surgical Associates, Dr. Lee Ser Yee provides thoughtful, comprehensive care for patients dealing with liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions.
With a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care, Dr. Lee combines advanced techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery with a patient-first approach to ensure safer treatments, quicker recovery and better outcomes for every individual he cares for.
Saturday morning appointments available. Having symptoms now? Call or WhatsApp us to ask about same-day appointment availability.
Clinic locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth,
Singapore 228510
Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road,
Singapore 258499