Noticing blood after a bowel movement can be unsettling, especially when you are unsure whether it is something minor or a sign of a bowel problem.

Haemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of fresh rectal bleeding. They often have recognisable patterns, such as bright-red blood after passing stool or pain during a bowel movement. However, bleeding can also occur with conditions affecting the bowel, including colonic polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer.

So how can you tell the difference?

The colour and appearance of the blood, whether passing stool is painful and any changes in your bowel habits can offer clues about where the bleeding may be coming from. These features cannot confirm the cause on their own, but they can help distinguish a typical haemorrhoid or fissure pattern from bleeding that may have another cause.

First, what does the bleeding actually look like?

Before thinking about a specific condition, look at where the blood appears and what colour it is. This can provide clues about where the bleeding may be coming from.

WHAT YOU NOTICE	WHAT IT MAY INDICATE
Bright-red streaks on toilet paper	Bleeding close to the anus, including haemorrhoids or an anal fissure
Blood coating the outside of the stool	A source near the anus or lower rectum
A few drops of fresh blood in the toilet	Can occur with haemorrhoids
Blood appearing mixed through the stool	May suggest bleeding from further inside the bowel
Dark-red or maroon stool	Can occur with bleeding further along the digestive tract
Black, tarry stool	Can indicate digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract

These patterns can provide useful clues, but appearance alone cannot tell you the cause. Certain foods, supplements and medicines can also change the colour of your stool.

Does passing stool hurt?

Pain can provide a useful clue when distinguishing between haemorrhoids and an anal fissure, although it cannot confirm the cause on its own. 

PAIN PATTERN	WHAT IT MAY SUGGEST
Sharp or burning pain	An anal fissure is more likely when bleeding occurs with sharp, tearing or burning pain during a bowel movement. The pain may continue afterwards, particularly following constipation or the passage of a hard or large stool.
Little or no pain	Internal haemorrhoids often cause painless, fresh bleeding. Blood may appear on the toilet paper, coat the outside of the stool or drip into the toilet. Itching, irritation or tissue protruding from the anus can also occur.
A painful lump	A tender lump around the anus can occur with a thrombosed external haemorrhoid, which can cause marked pain and swelling.

What about your bowel habits?

Rectal bleeding can take on greater significance when it occurs alongside a persistent change from your usual bowel habits.

Changes to look out for include:

• Ongoing constipation or diarrhoea
• A persistent change in stool shape or calibre
• Increased bowel urgency
• A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
• Mucus in the stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping

These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily indicate colorectal cancer or another serious bowel condition. What matters is the overall pattern and whether the changes persist.

For example, a single episode of fresh bleeding after passing a hard stool presents a different clinical picture from recurrent bleeding accompanied by an ongoing change in bowel habits.

Could it be something more serious?

Not all rectal bleeding comes from haemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Bleeding can also occur with conditions affecting the colon or rectum.

POSSIBLE CAUSES	WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE
Colonic polyps	Many colonic polyps cause no symptoms, although some can bleed. Certain types can develop into colorectal cancer over time, which is one reason colorectal cancer screening is recommended even for people who feel well.
Inflammatory bowel disease	Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause bleeding when the bowel is inflamed. Other symptoms can include persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, mucus in the stool and unexplained weight loss.
Colorectal cancer	Symptoms vary, but can include rectal bleeding or blood mixed with the stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal discomfort, unusual tiredness or iron-deficiency anaemia.

Importantly, early colorectal cancer can cause few or no obvious symptoms. This is why the overall pattern of bleeding, accompanying symptoms and individual risk factors matter rather than any one symptom in isolation.

When should you visit a doctor?

Blood in the stool is particularly important to discuss with a doctor when it:

• Keeps returning or becomes more frequent
• Has no clear explanation
• Occurs alongside a persistent change in bowel habits
• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain or unusual tiredness
• Appears dark red, maroon or black and tarry
• Becomes heavy or is accompanied by dizziness, fainting or weakness

Dr Aaron Poh will also consider factors such as your age, medical history and family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, he may recommend further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, to examine the colon and rectum and identify where the bleeding is coming from.

The significance of rectal bleeding depends on the overall pattern and accompanying symptoms, rather than simply how much blood you can see.

Book an appointment

Not every episode of rectal bleeding points to a serious bowel condition. However, if the bleeding keeps returning, looks different from usual or occurs alongside other bowel changes, it is worth finding out what is causing it.

At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr Aaron Poh can evaluate rectal bleeding, identify possible causes and discuss the next steps based on your symptoms and risk factors.

If you have noticed blood in your stool and are concerned about the cause, contact us to arrange a consultation with Dr Aaron Poh.

Frequently Asked Questions

An occasional stomach ache or bout of indigestion is usually nothing to worry about. But when abdominal pain keeps returning or appears alongside other symptoms, it may be worth looking at the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ about the size of a small avocado located beneath the liver that stores and releases bile to help digest fats. Problems can arise when gallstones form and block the normal flow of bile, sometimes leading to pain, inflammation or infection.

While some gallstones never cause symptoms, certain changes can signal that something is not quite right. Here are five signs that your gallbladder may need medical attention and when it is worth seeing a doctor.

#1 Pain in the upper right abdomen

One of the most common signs of a gallbladder problem is pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs. This can occur when a gallstone temporarily blocks the outlet of the gallbladder, causing pressure to build as the gallbladder contracts.

The pain, often called biliary colic, may:

• Start suddenly and become intense
• Last from around 30 minutes to several hours
• Spread to the back or right shoulder blade
• Develop after eating, particularly after a large or fatty meal

Gallbladder pain can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or gastric discomfort. A recurring pattern of pain in the same area, particularly after meals, can help distinguish it from more general digestive discomfort.

#2 Nausea or vomiting with abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting can occur during a gallbladder attack, particularly when the pain is more intense. Some people may also notice that symptoms tend to appear after eating, when the gallbladder contracts to release bile into the digestive system.

On their own, nausea or discomfort after a meal can have many causes and do not necessarily point to the gallbladder. However, when they repeatedly occur together with upper right abdominal pain, they may be part of a pattern of gallstone-related symptoms.

#3 Pain that becomes persistent or increasingly severe

Gallstone pain may settle when a temporary blockage clears. However, pain that does not go away, becomes progressively worse or feels different from previous episodes can be a sign that the gallbladder has become inflamed.

This can occur in acute cholecystitis, where a gallstone blocks the gallbladder outlet for a prolonged period. The upper right abdomen may also feel tender, and taking a deep breath can sometimes make the pain worse.

#4 Fever or chills with abdominal pain

A fever or chills alongside upper right abdominal pain can suggest that the gallbladder or bile ducts have become inflamed or infected.

These symptoms are more concerning than an isolated episode of gallbladder pain, particularly when the pain is persistent or accompanied by vomiting. In some cases, an infection involving the biliary system can become serious if treatment is delayed.

#5 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, known as jaundice, can occur when bile is unable to drain normally and bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream. In someone with gallstones, this may happen if a stone moves out of the gallbladder and becomes lodged in the common bile duct.

Other signs of a possible bile duct blockage can include:

• Dark urine
• Pale or clay-coloured stools
• Itchy skin
• Upper abdominal pain

When should you seek urgent medical attention?

Not every episode of abdominal discomfort requires emergency care, but certain symptoms can indicate a gallbladder complication that needs prompt assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain — particularly pain in the upper right abdomen that does not improve
• Fever or chills with abdominal pain — which may indicate inflammation or infection
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes — especially if accompanied by dark urine or pale stools
• Repeated vomiting — particularly if you are unable to keep fluids down
• Abdominal pain with jaundice and fever — which can occur with a serious infection of the bile ducts

What should you do if you notice these signs?

Gallbladder symptoms can vary from occasional episodes of pain to more persistent symptoms caused by inflammation or a blockage. While not every episode of abdominal discomfort is related to the gallbladder, recurring upper right abdominal pain or symptoms such as fever, vomiting or jaundice should not be ignored.

If you have been experiencing symptoms that could be related to gallstones or another gallbladder condition, a consultation can help determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.

At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr Aaron Poh provides assessment and treatment for gallbladder conditions, including gallstones and their complications. Contact us to arrange a consultation if you have concerns about recurring or persistent gallbladder symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your surgeon has recommended gallbladder removal, you may be wondering what happens next. How should you prepare? Will the operation be performed using keyhole surgery? How long will you stay in hospital, and what will recovery be like once you return home?

Gallbladder removal, also known as a cholecystectomy, is commonly performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. In some circumstances, however, an open operation may be required.

Knowing what to expect can make the process feel less unfamiliar. This guide explains the difference between keyhole and open gallbladder removal, how to prepare for surgery and what generally happens during your hospital stay and recovery.

How is the gallbladder removed?

Gallbladder removal may be performed using laparoscopic keyhole surgery or open surgery. Both operations remove the entire gallbladder, but they use different types of incisions and generally involve different recovery periods.

The recommended approach depends on the condition of the gallbladder, previous abdominal surgery, individual anatomy, complications and what the surgeon considers safest.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder removal

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the approach most commonly used for gallbladder removal when keyhole surgery is suitable.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen, allowing a laparoscope and specialised surgical instruments to be inserted. Carbon dioxide gas is used to create space inside the abdomen so that the surgeon can see and operate.

The gallbladder is carefully separated from the bile duct, blood supply and liver before being removed through one of the small incisions.

Open gallbladder removal

Open cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through a larger incision in the upper abdomen.

Open surgery may occasionally be planned from the outset. In other cases, an operation that begins laparoscopically may need to be converted to open surgery if severe inflammation, scar tissue, bleeding or unclear anatomy makes it difficult to proceed safely through keyhole incisions.

Open gallbladder removal generally requires a longer hospital stay and recovery period because of the larger abdominal incision. However, it may be the safer approach in certain complex situations.

Conversion to open surgery does not necessarily mean that something has gone wrong. It is a surgical decision made when continuing with the laparoscopic approach may not be appropriate or safe.

Keyhole vs open gallbladder removal

	Laparoscopic gallbladder removal	Open gallbladder removal
Incisions	Several small abdominal incisions	One larger incision in the upper abdomen
How it is performed	Uses a camera and specialised keyhole instruments	The surgeon accesses the gallbladder directly through the larger incision
When may it be used?	Commonly used when gallbladder removal is required and keyhole surgery is suitable	May be planned for certain complex cases or required when keyhole surgery cannot be completed safely
Hospital stay	Often same-day discharge or a short hospital stay	Usually requires a longer hospital stay
Recovery	Generally faster, with some patients returning to desk-based work within one to two weeks	Generally longer because the abdominal incision needs more time to heal
Scarring	Several smaller scars	One larger abdominal scar
Return to activity	Gradual return over the first few weeks, depending on recovery and the type of activity	A longer restriction period may be required, particularly for lifting and strenuous activity

Laparoscopic surgery is the standard approach for most patients requiring gallbladder removal, but the safest technique depends on the individual case.

Like any operation, gallbladder removal carries potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, bile leakage, injury to the bile duct or nearby structures, blood clots and complications related to anaesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the risks relevant to your condition before surgery.

How to prepare for gallbladder removal

Our care team will provide instructions based on your health and the type of operation planned.

Preparation may include:

• Blood tests or other pre-operative assessments
• Reviewing your regular medications and allergies
• Instructions about when to stop eating and drinking
• Advice about medications that may need to be adjusted
• Arranging transport home after surgery
• Planning for support during the early part of your recovery

Make sure your healthcare team knows if you take blood-thinning medication, medication for diabetes, supplements or traditional medicines. Do not stop prescribed medication unless you have been instructed to do so.

Follow the fasting instructions carefully. Gallbladder removal is performed under general anaesthesia, so your stomach needs to be empty before the operation.

You should also prepare for your return home. Loose clothing may be more comfortable after abdominal surgery, and arranging help with meals, household tasks or childcare may make the first few days easier.

What happens on the day of surgery?

When you arrive at the hospital, your identity, planned procedure, medications and allergies will be confirmed. You may also change into a hospital gown and undergo final pre-operative checks.

Your surgeon and anaesthesia team will speak with you before the operation. This is an opportunity to ask any remaining questions about the procedure, anaesthesia or recovery.

Gallbladder removal is performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep and will not feel the operation.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy often takes around an hour, although the duration can vary according to inflammation, anatomy and the complexity of the procedure.

What happens immediately after surgery?

After the operation, you will be moved to a recovery area while the effects of the anaesthetic wear off. Your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and comfort will be monitored.

You may experience:

• Sleepiness or grogginess
• Pain or tenderness around the incisions
• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea
• A sore throat from the breathing tube
• Temporary shoulder-tip discomfort

Shoulder-tip pain can occur after laparoscopic surgery because of the carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure. It usually improves as the remaining gas is absorbed.

Pain relief and medication for nausea can be provided when required. You may also be encouraged to begin drinking, eating lightly and walking once your healthcare team considers it safe.

Going home after gallbladder removal

Many patients can return home on the same day or after a short hospital stay following uncomplicated laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

A longer stay may be required if you undergo open surgery, have significant inflammation, require additional treatment or need further monitoring.

Before discharge, the healthcare team will check that you have recovered sufficiently from the anaesthetic and that there are no immediate concerns. You will receive instructions about:

• Pain medication
• Wound care
• Eating and drinking
• Physical activity
• Driving and returning to work
• Follow-up appointments
• Symptoms that require medical attention

Arrange for someone to take you home. You should not drive yourself after general anaesthesia.

Recovering at home

It is common to feel tired and experience some abdominal discomfort during the first few days. Follow the instructions provided by your surgical team and gradually increase your activity as you recover.

• Wound care — Keep the incisions clean and avoid applying products unless advised.
• Activity — Gentle movement and short walks are encouraged, but avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
• Work — Some patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks after uncomplicated keyhole surgery. Physically demanding work and recovery after open surgery may require longer.
• Driving — Do not drive until you can wear a seat belt and perform an emergency stop comfortably. Avoid driving while taking medication that causes drowsiness.
• Diet — Most patients can gradually resume a normal diet. Smaller meals and temporarily limiting fatty or greasy foods may help if you experience bloating, indigestion or loose stools.

Contact the clinic if digestive symptoms persist, worsen or significantly affect your ability to eat.

When should you contact your surgeon?

Some discomfort, tiredness and mild swelling around the incisions can occur during recovery. However, contact our healthcare team if you experience:

• Increasing rather than improving abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
• Fever or chills
• Increasing redness, swelling or discharge from a wound
• A swollen or increasingly tender abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Symptoms that suddenly become worse
• Diarrhoea or digestive symptoms that persist or become troublesome

Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe abdominal pain or new pain and swelling in one leg.

Supporting you before and after gallbladder removal

Gallbladder care does not end when the operation is completed. Preparation, appropriate follow-up and clear recovery guidance are also important parts of the surgical journey.

If you have been advised to undergo gallbladder removal and would like to understand the procedure, recovery or available surgical approaches, arrange an appointment with Dr Aaron Poh at Alpine Surgical Practice.

Frequently asked questions

Being told that you need gallbladder surgery often brings a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Relief because there may finally be a solution to recurring pain, gallstone attacks or inflammation. Uncertainty because many patients are unfamiliar with the different surgical approaches available and what they may mean for treatment and recovery.

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether they will undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery or open gallbladder surgery. Both procedures are performed to remove the gallbladder and treat conditions such as gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps and certain gallstone-related complications. However, the way the surgery is performed, the size of the incisions, the recovery process and the situations in which each approach may be recommended can differ significantly.

Understanding these differences can help you make sense of your treatment options and feel more confident when discussing surgery with your surgeon. It can also provide reassurance that the recommended approach is based on what is safest and most appropriate for your individual condition and needs. 

What is gallbladder surgery for?

Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is performed to remove the gallbladder when it becomes a source of symptoms or complications. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.

While the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, it is not essential for survival. After gallbladder removal, bile continues to flow directly from the liver into the digestive tract.

Gallbladder surgery may be recommended for conditions such as:

• Symptomatic gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Gallbladder polyps
• Gallstone pancreatitis
• Bile duct stone-related complications

Regardless of the surgical approach used, the aim of treatment is to remove the diseased gallbladder, prevent recurrent symptoms and reduce the risk of future complications.

What is open gallbladder surgery?

Open gallbladder surgery is a traditional surgical approach that removes the gallbladder through a single long incision in the upper abdomen. This incision allows the surgeon to directly view and access the gallbladder, bile ducts and surrounding structures during the procedure.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout the surgery. After making the incision, the surgeon carefully separates the gallbladder from the liver, identifies the cystic duct and blood vessels supplying the gallbladder and removes the organ. The surgical site is then checked before the incision is closed.

Although laparoscopic surgery is commonly performed today, open gallbladder surgery remains an important option in selected situations. It may be recommended when there is severe inflammation, significant scar tissue from previous surgery, complex anatomy or other factors that make a minimally invasive approach less suitable.

Open surgery may also be required if unexpected findings arise during a laparoscopic procedure and direct access is needed to ensure patient safety.

What is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, also known as keyhole gallbladder surgery, is a minimally invasive technique used to remove the gallbladder through several small incisions in the abdomen.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Rather than making a single large incision, the surgeon inserts a high-definition camera and specialised instruments through small openings in the abdominal wall. Images from the camera are displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to perform the operation with a magnified view of the surgical area.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used for conditions such as symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps and certain gallstone-related complications. For many patients, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure may result in smaller scars, less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to normal activities compared with traditional open surgery.

However, while laparoscopic surgery is suitable for many patients, the most appropriate approach depends on the severity of the condition, individual anatomy and the surgeon's assessment of what can be performed most safely.

Open vs Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery: Key differences at a glance

While both procedures are designed to remove the gallbladder and treat the same underlying conditions, there are several important differences in how they are performed and what patients can generally expect during recovery. These differences include the size of the incisions, the degree of tissue disruption, the length of hospital stay and the time required to return to normal activities.

The table below provides a general comparison between laparoscopic and open gallbladder surgery. However, it is important to remember that individual outcomes vary and the most appropriate surgical approach depends on the patient's condition, anatomy and overall health.

FEATURE	LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY	OPEN SURGERY
Surgical approach	Minimally invasive (keyhole surgery)	Traditional open operation
Incisions	Several small incisions	One larger incision
Visualisation	Camera assisted	Direct visualisation
Tissue disruption	Generally less	Generally more
Scarring	Smaller scars	Larger scar
Postoperative discomfort	Usually less	Often greater initially
Hospital stay	Typically shorter	Often longer
Recovery time	Usually faster	Usually longer
Return to daily activities	Earlier	More gradual
Suitable for	Many routine gallbladder conditions	Complex or selected cases

What determines which type of gallbladder surgery is better?

When comparing open and laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, many patients naturally want to know which procedure is better. However, there is no single approach that is universally better for every patient or every gallbladder condition.

Instead, the most appropriate surgical approach depends on factors such as:

• The severity of the gallbladder condition – severe inflammation, infection or complications may influence the safest surgical approach.
• The presence of gallbladder-related complications – conditions such as gallstone pancreatitis or bile duct stones may require additional considerations during treatment planning.
• Individual anatomy – anatomical variations involving the gallbladder, bile ducts or surrounding structures can affect surgical decision-making.
• Previous abdominal surgery – scar tissue and internal adhesions from prior operations may make surgery more technically challenging.
• Overall health and medical history – factors such as age, existing medical conditions and fitness for surgery may influence treatment recommendations.
• Intraoperative findings – occasionally, unexpected findings encountered during surgery may affect the safest way to proceed.
• The surgeon's assessment – the surgeon will evaluate all available clinical information to determine which approach can be performed most safely and effectively.

For many patients with uncomplicated gallstones or gallbladder disease, laparoscopic surgery is a suitable option because it is minimally invasive and is often associated with a faster recovery. However, laparoscopic surgery is also the first approach for complex cases involving acute gallbladder inflammation. Laparoscopic surgery has advanced to the point that more than 90% of gallbladder surgeries are performed as such. Open surgery however still has a small but significant role in gallbladder surgery .

The goal of gallbladder surgery is not simply to use the least invasive technique possible. Rather, it is to remove the gallbladder safely while minimising the risk of complications. For this reason, surgeons carefully evaluate each patient's condition before recommending the most suitable approach.

Can everyone have laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is widely performed and is suitable for many patients with gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for a keyhole approach.

In some situations, open gallbladder surgery may be safer or provide better access to the gallbladder and surrounding structures. The decision is not based on preference alone, but on what allows the operation to be performed as safely as possible.

Factors that may influence whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable include:

• Severe gallbladder inflammation – significant inflammation from cholecystitis can make important structures more difficult to identify safely.
• Gallbladder perforation or severe infection – advanced disease may increase the complexity of surgery and influence the most appropriate approach.
• Previous abdominal surgery – internal scar tissue (adhesions) may make laparoscopic access more challenging.
• Complex anatomy – variations in the gallbladder, bile ducts or surrounding structures may affect surgical planning.
• Emergency situations – urgent surgery may require flexibility in selecting the safest surgical technique.
• Unexpected findings during surgery – occasionally, findings that were not visible on preoperative imaging may influence how the operation is completed.

In some cases, a procedure that begins laparoscopically may need to be converted to an open operation. This decision is made when an open approach would provide safer access, better visualisation or greater control during surgery. Conversion should not be viewed as a complication, but rather as a measure taken to prioritise patient safety.

What is recovery like after gallbladder surgery?

Recovery after gallbladder surgery varies depending on the surgical approach used, the severity of the underlying condition and an individual's overall health.

In general, patients who undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery tend to experience a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to daily activities compared to those who require open surgery. This is largely due to the smaller incisions and reduced disruption to surrounding tissues.

However, recovery timelines differ from person to person. Factors such as infection, inflammation, emergency surgery and pre-existing medical conditions can all influence the healing process. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice regarding recovery, activity restrictions and follow-up care based on your individual circumstances.

Which gallbladder surgery is right for you?

While laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is commonly performed and offers several advantages for many patients, it is not necessarily the best option in every situation. Likewise, open gallbladder surgery remains an important and effective treatment approach when it provides safer access or better surgical control.

The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the underlying gallbladder condition, the severity of inflammation or infection, imaging findings, previous surgical history and your overall health. For this reason, treatment decisions are made on an individual basis rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

A thorough consultation and diagnostic assessment allow your surgeon to evaluate your condition, discuss the available treatment options and recommend the surgical approach that is most appropriate for your specific needs.

If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps or another gallbladder condition, Dr Aaron Poh provides assessment and surgical management tailored to your individual circumstances. Arrange a consultation to discuss your diagnosis, understand your treatment options and determine the most suitable approach for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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2. Afdhona Wiranata and M.Sangkai, J. (2025). A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Comparative Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Versus Open Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Disease: Evidence Synthesis from Randomized Controlled Trials and High-Quality Comparative Studies. The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, [online] 19(3), pp.50–76. doi: https://doi.org/10.70070/gypwxh67 
3. Hassler, K.R. and Jones, M.W. (2023). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448145/
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5. Okamoto, K., Suzuki, K., Takada, T., Strasberg, S.M., Asbun, H.J., Endo, I., Iwashita, Y., Hibi, T., Pitt, H.A., Umezawa, A., Asai, K., Han, H.-S., Hwang, T.-L., Mori, Y., Yoon, Y.-S., Huang, W.S.-W., Belli, G., Dervenis, C., Yokoe, M. and Kiriyama, S. (2018). Tokyo Guidelines 2018: flowchart for the management of acute cholecystitis. Journal of hepato-biliary-pancreatic sciences, [online] 25(1), pp.55–72. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jhbp.516 
6. Ravendran, K., Elmoraly, A., Kagiosi, E., Henry, C. S., Joseph, J. M., & Kam, C. (2024). Converting From Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review of Its Advantages and Reasoning. Cureus, 16(7), e64694. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.64694