Specialist Care for Gallstones and Gallbladder Conditions
Seek relief from pain and complications caused by gallbladder conditions through personalised care and minimally invasive treatment options.
Fellowship-Trained HPB Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained HPB Surgeon
Minimally Invasive Surgery Expertise
Minimally Invasive Surgery Expertise
Same-Day Appointments
Same-Day Appointments
Insurance and MediSave Support
Insurance and MediSave Support
Understanding Gallbladder Conditions
Gallbladder conditions include gallstones, polyps and gallbladder cancer. Around 1 in 20 people across Asia are estimated to have gallstones. They may cause no symptoms and be discovered incidentally, or only become apparent when a painful attack or complication develops.
At Precision Surgical Centre, we help identify the cause of your symptoms and provide timely, personalised care to reduce the risk of further complications.
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?
If your symptoms are persistent or worsening, it may be time to consult an HPB specialist to seek proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
Upper right abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals
Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Nausea, bloating or indigestion after eating
Fever with abdominal pain
Dark urine or pale-coloured stools
The Specialist Leading Your Care
Dr. Thng Yongxian
Medical Director, Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Surg), MRCS (Ire), FRCSEd (Gen), FAMS (Surg)
Dr. Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained HPB and general surgeon specialising in minimally invasive treatment for liver, gallbladder, pancreatic and bile duct conditions.
Formerly Clinical Lead for his institution’s HPB Surgery department, Dr. Thng helped advance the use of laparoscopic (minimally-invasive) techniques in complex HPB surgery. He completed a clinical fellowship at Singapore General Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Committed to value-driven care, Dr. Thng has contributed to national efforts to improve surgical outcomes and reduce patient costs. He remains active in education and research, having trained future surgeons and presented internationally.
Why See an HPB Surgeon for Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallbladder surgery may be a routine procedure, but the anatomy around it is not always straightforward: The bile ducts sit close to the gallbladder and can vary from patient to patient, and inflammation from repeated gallstone attacks can distort the surgical field.
With advanced expertise in the anatomy of the common bile duct and surrounding structures, HPB surgeons are uniquely equipped to perform gallbladder surgery safely, minimising the risk of bile duct injury while managing complex and severely inflamed gallbladders with confidence.
Treatment Approach
Where suitable, we opt for minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery at Precision Surgical Centre to reduce the risk of post-operative pain and promote quicker recovery.
Our surgeon personally assesses each patient to determine whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is appropriate, based on your gallstone history, imaging findings and overall health.
Every case is approached with careful pre-operative planning to support a safe and precise outcome.
Comfort, Safety and Recovery
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is typically performed as a day or overnight procedure under general anaesthesia.
Most patients resume light activities within a few days and normal activities within one to two weeks. Our team oversees your recovery through scheduled post-operative reviews and provides clear aftercare guidance.
Don't Overlook the
Warning Signs
Some symptoms may appear minor at first, but they can be early signs of more serious complications. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and support better long-term outcomes.
Prompt medical attention can prevent progression and reduce the need for more intensive treatment
Not Every Gallstone Case is Straightforward
Some patients have factors that make gallbladder surgery more technically demanding. Dr. Thng has extensive experience navigating these cases with careful pre-operative planning.
Your Treatment Journey in 4 Steps
Initial Assessment
A thorough review of your symptoms, medical history and imaging findings, with clear discussion of your diagnosis and options.
Pre-Operative Planning
Detailed assessment to confirm suitability for minimally invasive surgery, with clear instructions on medication, fasting and preparation.
Day or Overnight Surgery
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, with most patients able to go home within one to two days.
Post-Operative Recovery
Follow-up reviews to monitor healing, with most patients resuming normal activities within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for?
Do all gallstones need to be removed?
Not necessarily. If gallstones are found incidentally and are not causing symptoms, monitoring may be appropriate. Surgery is usually recommended once symptoms or complications develop.
What happens during a gallstone attack?
A gallstone attack typically causes sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often after a fatty meal. Pain may radiate to the back or shoulder and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Is keyhole surgery always possible?
In most cases, yes. Where appropriate, Dr. Thng offers laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy to reduce pain and shorten recovery. Some complex or inflamed cases may require a different surgical approach, which will be discussed during your consultation.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We strive to keep waiting times minimal and can arrange same-day or urgent appointments where necessary. Contact us to find out the earliest available time.
Can I use insurance or Medisave for gallbladder surgery?
Gallbladder surgery is generally eligible for Medisave use and may be claimable under Integrated Shield Plans, subject to your policy terms. Our clinic staff will assist with pre-authorisation and claims processing.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Thng?
No referral is required. You may book an appointment directly. If you have
prior scans or test results, please bring them along to your consultation.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. The gallbladder stores bile, but it is not an essential organ. After it is removed, the liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine to help digest fats. Most people return to a normal diet and lifestyle after recovery.
How long is the downtime after gallbladder surgery?
Most patients who undergo laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder surgery can return home on the same day or the following day. Light daily activities can usually be resumed within a few days, while most people return to office-based work within 1 to 2 weeks.
More physically demanding jobs may require 2 to 4 weeks of recovery. Your surgeon will advise you based on your overall health and the complexity of your procedure.
Media Feature
Our Insurance Partners
Insurance and Medisave Coverage
We understand that navigating healthcare costs can be overwhelming. Our team supports claims and pre-authorisation to help you access available subsidies.
Dr. Thng is accredited to perform surgery across major private hospitals in Singapore, including Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth (Orchard and Novena), Parkway East, Mount Alvernia and Farrer Park.
Under the Price Guarantee Procedures (PGP) programme, we can provide better price transparency and a preview of your medical bill. Please contact us for more information.
Book an Appointment
To make an appointment with Dr. Thng Yong Xian, fill in the following form or call us at +65 9838 5827.