Gallstones, or batong apdo, are increasingly encountered across many Asian populations, including the Philippines, particularly alongside rising rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome and diet-related digestive conditions.
They are hardened deposits that form within the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile used for digestion. They can range from tiny particles to larger stones that can block bile flow.
The two main types are:
Many people only discover they have gallstones incidentally during scans for unrelated abdominal symptoms. However, once symptoms develop, gallstones can begin affecting digestion, daily comfort and overall quality of life.
Not all gallstones require immediate surgery. Some individuals with silent gallstones may remain symptom-free for years.
However, treatment becomes important when gallstones begin causing symptoms, such as:
In some patients, symptoms may initially appear mild or intermittent before progressing gradually. Delaying treatment after recurrent attacks may increase the risk of complications such as gallbladder infection, bile duct obstruction or pancreatitis.
Gallstone symptoms can sometimes resemble other digestive conditions, including gastritis, acid reflux (link to heartburn & acid reflux) or peptic ulcer disease. For this reason, proper evaluation is important before deciding on treatment. Assessment may involve:
This allows treatment to be planned more accurately and appropriately.
The treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, stone location and whether complications have developed. This involves:
In selected situations, conservative treatment may be considered:
However, non-surgical treatment is usually reserved for carefully selected patients and may not fully prevent recurrence.
For symptomatic gallstones, the most standard surgical treatment is gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) or pag-aalis ng apdo. Removing only the stones without the gallbladder often leads to recurrence and is only performed in certain parts of the world
Most surgeries in Singapore are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), which is associated with:
The gallbladder is removed entirely, together with the gallstones contained within it. Most patients are still able to digest food normally after recovery.
Before deciding on surgery, a detailed assessment is performed to determine the most appropriate and safest treatment approach for your situation.
For overseas patients travelling from the Philippines to Singapore, a pre-travel teleconsultation may be arranged before your visit. This allows your condition, symptoms and available medical records or imaging to be reviewed in advance so that preliminary recommendations and treatment planning can be discussed before you travel.
Our team can also assist with coordinating appointment scheduling, estimated treatment timelines and documentation required for your visit. Guidance regarding hospital admission arrangements, post-procedure recovery considerations and follow-up planning may also be provided to help patients prepare for treatment more comfortably and confidently.
Your condition is assessed carefully to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate surgical suitability. This may involve imaging, blood investigations and review of your medical history.
Patients are usually advised to fast before surgery and may need to temporarily stop certain medications.
Management may involve either non-surgical or surgical treatment, depending on the condition.
Non-surgical treatment
Surgical treatment
Gallbladder removal is performed under general anaesthesia. For most patients, laparoscopic surgery allows quicker recovery, less discomfort and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
In cases involving severe inflammation, scarring or complex anatomy, additional surgical adjustments may occasionally be required to ensure safe and complete treatment.
Although many gallstone cases are treated electively, some situations require urgent medical attention. This includes:
These complications can develop rapidly and may lead to severe infection or tissue damage if left untreated.
Recovery depends on whether surgery is performed laparoscopically or through an open approach.
For laparoscopic surgery, most patients:
Temporary symptoms after surgery may include:
Most patients adapt well after gallbladder removal without major long-term dietary restrictions.
For many patients travelling from the Philippines, seeking treatment in Singapore is often about obtaining a more definitive and coordinated solution after repeated pain attacks, emergency visits or prolonged uncertainty.
Rather than managing recurring symptoms episodically, patients are able to undergo specialist evaluation, imaging, surgery and recovery planning within a structured and efficient timeframe.
This approach offers:
Because laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is commonly performed as a short-stay procedure, many patients can complete treatment and early recovery within a relatively brief visit.
For individuals who have been delaying surgery due to uncertainty or recurring temporary relief, this provides greater clarity, reassurance and a more definitive long-term solution.
At Alpine Surgical Practice, care focuses not only on treating gallstones but also on helping patients understand why treatment is recommended and how it supports their long-term health.
Dr Aaron Poh personally reviews your symptoms, imaging findings and medical history to determine whether surgery is appropriate and whether complications require earlier intervention. This ensures treatment decisions are guided by careful clinical assessment rather than symptoms alone.
If you are experiencing repeated abdominal pain, bloating after meals or recurring gallstone attacks, arranging an early consultation can help clarify your options and reduce the risk of future complications.
Dr Aaron Poh is a fully accredited General Surgeon with dual subspecialties in Colorectal Surgery and Trauma Surgery, recognised by Singapore’s Specialist Accreditation Board and Ministry of Health. He is the Medical Director of Alpine Surgical Practice, with clinics located at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Farrer Park Hospitals.
Dr Aaron Poh has extensive experience, having performed over 5,000 endoscopic procedures. He is a strong advocate for early detection through colonoscopy, particularly for individuals at risk of colorectal cancer. His expertise includes advanced endoscopic techniques such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for complex polyps and colonic stenting for obstructed cancers, which help patients avoid major emergency surgery.
When surgery is required, he specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, offering patients faster recovery with less pain and scarring. In addition to cancer care, he manages a wide range of anal conditions including haemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, and abscesses, providing comprehensive colorectal treatment.
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