Gallbladder & Gallstone Removal Clinic Singapore Dr Aaron Poh

Management and treatment for gallstones, bile duct obstruction and related digestive conditions in Singapore.

20+ years of experience

5000+ Procedures performed

Fellowship-trained Gallbladder surgeon

Medisave & Insurance Claimable

About The Gallbladder

Understanding Gallstones

Understanding Gallbladder Polyps

20+ years of experience

5000+ Procedures performed

Fellowship-trained Gallbladder surgeon

Medisave & Insurance Claimable

Introducing
Dr Aaron Poh

Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Aaron Poh is a fully accredited General Surgery specialist with the Specialist Accreditation Board and Ministry of Health, Singapore, with double subspecialties in Colorectal Surgery and Trauma Surgery. 

He has extensive experience in laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for patients with gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. 

He is currently the Medical Director at Alpine Surgical Practice.

THE GALLBLADDER & BILE DUCTS

What are the Gallbladder & Bile ducts?

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores and releases bile — a digestive fluid essential for breaking down fats. The bile ducts are thin tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine. 

Gallbladder and bile duct conditions are relatively common in Singapore. When bile flow is blocked or stones form, it can cause pain, bloating, nausea, or jaundice, and may lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Gastric bloatedness

Indigestion

Pain over the right upper abdomen

Pain that radiates to the right upper back or shoulder blade

Soft or loose stools after meals

Nausea or vomiting after fatty food intake

They can vary in size, from fine sand-like particles to larger stones measuring up to 1–2 cm. When these stones block the bile ducts, they can cause pain, infection, or inflammation.

Types of Gallstones

Cholesterol stones

These are the most common type of gallstones, formed when there is an imbalance in bile composition, causing cholesterol to crystallise and accumulate within the gallbladder.

Pigmented stones

These form when bile contains too much bilirubin, often due to liver disease, infection or certain blood disorders.

Gallstones Complications

The symptoms of gallbladder, and bile duct conditions vary depending on the specific disease. Some conditions may present mild discomfort, while others can cause severe pain, and complications.

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Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, most often caused by gallstones blocking bile flow.

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Cholangitis

A potentially serious infection of the bile ducts, usually due to obstruction and bacterial spread.

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Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt digestion and cause severe abdominal pain.

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Not all gallstones require surgery but some ultrasound findings may indicate higher risk.

Size

Larger gallstones are more likely to cause symptoms or complications.

Small stones (<1 cm) are often monitored if asymptomatic
Larger stones may increase the risk of blockage or inflammation
Size alone doesn’t determine treatment — symptoms and risk factors matter

A specialist assessment helps determine if observation or treatment is appropriate.

Number

The number of stones can influence how likely they are to move and cause blockage.

A single large stone may remain stable
Multiple small stones are more likely to migrate and block bile ducts
This can increase the risk of pain, infection, or pancreatitis

Even if symptoms are mild, multiple stones may warrant closer evaluation.

Thickened gallbladder wall

This is a red flag for inflammation. It may indicate early or ongoing cholecystitis and can be associated with pain, fever, or infection.

This finding often needs prompt medical review to prevent complications.

Dilated ducts

This suggests possible blockage in the bile ducts.

It may indicate stones have moved into the bile duct (choledocholithiasis), and can lead to jaundice, infection (cholangitis), or pancreatitis. Further imaging (e.g. MRCP) may be required.

This finding should be evaluated early to avoid serious complications.

Unsure what your scan means? Get a personalised assessment from a specialist.

What are Polyps?
Gallbladder polyps are small tissue growths that develop on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and cause no symptoms.

Are they dangerous?
Gallbladder polyps are small tissue growths that develop on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and cause no symptoms.

Treatments

Keyhole/ Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal/ Cholecystectomy

Emergency Gallbladder Surgery

ERCP for bile duct stones

Non-surgical Gallstone Management

Case Study

More case studies

Case Study (Female, 30): Gallstones Causing Recurrent Abdominal Pain

Diagnosis: Symptomatic Gallstones

Treatment: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

A 30-year-old woman presented with recurring bloating and upper abdominal pain triggered by fatty meals. Investigations revealed multiple gallstones with features of chronic gallbladder inflammation. She underwent laparoscopic gallbladder removal and recovered well with resolution of symptoms.

Case Study (Female, 28): Emergency Gallbladder Removal for Gallstones

Diagnosis: Symptomatic Gallstones complicated by Acute Cholecystitis

Treatment: Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

A 28-year-old teacher with a 6-month history of post-meal upper abdominal discomfort was found to have gallstones on ultrasound. Two days before her scheduled elective surgery, she developed acute cholecystitis and required emergency laparoscopic gallbladder removal, recovering well with full resolution of symptoms.

Gallbladder & Gallstone Removal Clinic Singapore Dr Aaron Poh

Introducing
Dr Aaron Poh

THE GALLBLADDER & BILE DUCTS

Symptoms of Gallstones