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MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Gallbladder polyps are growths emerging from the lining of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver.
Polyps can vary in size and are often benign. A small percentage may have the potential to develop into gallbladder cancer, particularly those larger than 1 cm in diameter.
The management and treatment of gallbladder polyps depend significantly on their size, growth rate, and the presence of associated symptoms.
Gallbladder polyps are classified based on their composition and potential to become malignant.
These are the most common type, comprising over half of all gallbladder polyps. They are formed primarily from cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder wall and are almost always benign.
As a result of chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, these polyps are less common and are typically benign.
Neoplastic polyps have the potential to develop into cancer, although the risk is relatively low.
Several factors influence the likelihood of developing gallbladder polyps:
Gallbladder polyps are often asymptomatic and do not usually produce noticeable symptoms.
However, in some cases, individuals may experience symptoms similar to gallbladder disease, including:
Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the centre of the abdomen, which can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes, although this is more commonly associated with gallstones or other gallbladder diseases.
Especially after eating fatty foods.
An abdominal ultrasound is the standard diagnostic tool for identifying gallbladder polyps. It is non-invasive, widely available, and can detect polyps as small as 1 mm in diameter.
For further evaluation, an endoscopic ultrasound may be recommended. EUS provides a closer and more detailed view of the gallbladder and can better assess the characteristics of polyps.
In some cases, additional blood tests or imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be conducted to rule out other conditions.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
Treatment strategies can be broadly categorised into:
Monitoring frequency may begin with a follow-up ultrasound at 6 to 12 months after initial detection, followed by less frequent check-ups if no change is observed.
Surgery may also be an option for polyps showing significant growth, those that cause symptoms, or exhibit suspicious features on imaging tests.
Recommendations to prevent the formation of gallbladder polyps include:
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-06, Singapore 228510
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday, Sunday & PH: Closed
6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically allows for a quicker recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities within a week.
After the gallbladder is removed, gallbladder polyps cannot recur because the site of their formation has been eliminated. It is important to address any underlying conditions that may affect overall health and the risk of developing other gastrointestinal issues.
Ultrasound is highly effective in detecting gallbladder polyps but has limitations in conclusively differentiating benign from potentially malignant polyps. Characteristics such as size and growth rate can provide clues, but additional diagnostic tests may be necessary.