When my General Physician told me that my gallstones have become a severe condition, I didn't instantly believe him.
I wasn't feeling intense pain so I decided to not change my eating habits. I continued to eat foods high in cholesterol, thinking that my condition wasn't bad enough to warrant a gallbladder surgery in Singapore.
So, I kept on eating, not minding the pain that would occasionally occur in my stomach. I didn't change my mind until one day I suffered from a high fever.
My chills wouldn't stop. And I started getting intense abdominal pain that I couldn't find any proper position for myself. I kept tossing and turning, making the pain even more awful.
My parents told me that I need to see a doctor immediately. They explained that I was showing signs of needing gallstones surgery. And frankly speaking, I was somehow scared.
I admit I didn't take my GP's advice seriously. And I am to blame for how awful my situation has become. So, I took the liberty to find a clinic that specialises in gallbladder surgery in Singapore, Dr QM Leong!
Assessing My Health
Before anything else, Dr QM Leong's team assessed my health.
Their doctor explained to me some of the symptoms I should have to warrant a gallstones surgery. They asked me if I was feeling sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of my abdomen.
I told them that yes I was. I explained that I've also experienced pain in the centre of my stomach and even, at certain times, pain between my shoulder blades.
Dr QM Leong's doctors told me that the severe pain I felt during that time and the fever I had were clear signs that I needed to see a doctor.
And thankfully, I did. After their assessment, Dr QM Leong's team decided that gallbladder surgery is the best treatment for me.
Benefits of Gallbladder Surgery in Singapore
Before the surgery, Dr QM Leong's team discussed with me the benefits and risks of gallstones surgery.
Gallbladder Surgery Will Relieve Pain
Dr QM Leong's doctors told me that the sooner the gallbladder surgery happens, the better. I no longer have to go through sudden pains I've felt before once the gallstones surgery is over.
Can Treat Infections
Another great thing that gallstones surgery can do for me is to lessen my chances of getting infected.
When gallstones are left untreated, they can cause severe illnesses. But with the help of gallbladder surgery, I can avoid worsening my current health.
Prevents Gallstones From Coming Back
The gallbladder surgery can also guarantee that I don't get gallstones again. Dr QM Leong's doctors explained to me that some gallstones can still form in other bile ducts within a patient's body.
So, to guarantee that no recurrent gallstones develop, gallbladder surgery is necessary.
Risks of Gallstones Surgery in Singapore
Besides discussing some of the benefits of going under the knife, Dr QM Leong's doctors shared with us the risks of gallstones surgery.
Bile Leaks
Leaks are one of the more common complications patients suffer. Thankfully, Dr QM Leong's team reassured us that the gallstones surgery should be successful!
Excessive Bleeding
Without experienced doctors conducting the gallbladder surgery, Dr QM Leong's team explained that excessive bleeding could occur.
Bile Ducts Injury
Due to the size of the gallbladder itself, Dr QM Leong's team said that bile ducts injury is another common risk that patients face.
Pancreatitis
Another condition that risks patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery are pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the condition wherein the pancreas get inflamed.
Acute pancreatitis is often caused by untreated gallstones. But without proper handling of the gallbladder surgery, a patient could also be at risk of contracting the condition.
Allergic Reaction
Dr QM Leong's team explained that their anesthesiologist developed a pain management plan for me to ensure that I don't get any allergic reaction to anaesthesia and other medication they'll be using.
Unfortunately, some patients are at risk of severe allergies without a proper pain management plan.
Other Risks
Depending on the case, there may be several other risks according to the doctors of Dr QM Leong such as:
- heart problems
- damage to the blood vessels
- infections
- blood clots
Recovery
After discussing some of the advantages and risks of gallbladder surgery, Dr Qeom Leong's doctors discussed how long before I can recover from the procedure.
They explained that usually, it only takes a day or two before a patient of gallstones surgery in Singapore can go home. If the surgery was successful and doesn't cause any other severe complications to a patient, they can easily go home.
Dr QM Leong's doctors also added that they will be giving me the right medications I need to recover well at home.
Ultimately, Dr QM Leong helped me realise how serious of condition gallstones can be if left untreated. And I would recommend their clinic to my colleagues and friends!