Get an Accurate Diagnosis & Specialised Treatment For Your Condition Today
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
Gallbladder inflammation, medically known as cholecystitis, occurs when this organ becomes irritated or infected. This condition can be acute, which occurs suddenly and requires immediate medical attention, or chronic, which develops slowly over time.
If left untreated, this inflammation can lead to severe complications, including a ruptured gallbladder.
Gallbladder inflammation arises from various underlying conditions, such as:
Recognising the symptoms of gallbladder inflammation is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
The diagnostic process begins with a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, where the doctor may check for abdominal tenderness.
Blood tests are conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation in the body. Elevated white blood cell count, liver enzymes, and bilirubin levels can suggest gallbladder inflammation.
Imaging tests can help in diagnosing gallbladder inflammation and identifying its causes:
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
The management of gallbladder inflammation varies depending on its severity, whether it is acute or chronic, and the underlying causes, such as gallstones or infection. Treatment strategies range from non-surgical to surgical interventions.
Conservative methods include:
The above methods are mainly for symptom relief and do not treat the source of infection, which often leads to a recurrence of symptoms.
Surgical intervention is commonly recommended for treating acute conditions or chronic conditions with symptoms:
While not all cases of gallbladder inflammation can be prevented, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
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).
Navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be overwhelming. Allow us to assist you with your insurance claims, enabling you to concentrate on recovery & getting well. Our friendly clinic staff is here to answer any questions you have about insurance or payment options.
Please leave us a message and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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
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
While gallbladder inflammation itself is not a direct cause of cancer, chronic inflammation and the presence of gallstones can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer, although it is very rare. Regular monitoring and management of gallbladder health are essential for early detection and prevention.
Yes, many people live without a gallbladder and experience little to no change in their quality of life. The liver continues to produce bile for digestion but drips continuously into the intestine rather than being stored.
Besides gallstones, gallbladder inflammation can be caused by biliary sludge, infections, tumours, certain medical conditions like diabetes or HIV, and physical trauma or procedures affecting the biliary tract. These factors highlight the potential causes of gallbladder inflammation beyond stone-related issues.
The severity of gallbladder inflammation varies. Acute gallbladder inflammation is a medical emergency that may cause complications like rupture or sepsis if untreated. Chronic gallbladder inflammation often leads to ongoing discomfort and can damage the gallbladder over time, possibly requiring surgery.