Gleneagles Medical Centre

Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)

Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510

Farrer Park Medical Centre

Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562

Gallbladder Specialist in Singapore

safe, minimally invasive surgery you can trust

18+ Years’ Experience

in HPB Surgery

Founding Head of the Division

of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic & Gallbladder Surgery at Juronghealth Campus (NUHS)

Medisave & Insurance Claimable

financial counselling and support with insurance claims and billing process

Minimally Invasive Keyhole Surgery

for faster recovery times, reduced post-operative discomfort, and minimal scarring

Dr Lee Chin Li

Director, Consultant & General Surgeon
MB BCh BAO, LRCP & SI (NUI), IMRCS (Ire), MMED (SURG), FRCS (Ed)

With more than 18 years of experience under his belt, Dr Lee Chin Li was the founding Head of Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Consultant General Surgeon, Juronghealth Campus, National University Health System (NUHS). He was instrumental in building up the unit to provide comprehensive general surgical and complex Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary services. Dr Lee is described as many to be empathetic and pleasant, and constantly seeks to provide the best quality of care to his patients.

Gallstones, also known as cholelithiasis, are small, pebble-like substances that form within the gallbladder, an organ located just below the liver.

The gallbladder plays a vital role in digestion, storing, and concentrating bile—a fluid the liver produces to help digest fats. Gallstones can vary widely in size and composition, with some being as tiny as a grain of salt, while others can grow to the size of a golf ball. 

symptoms of GALLBLADDER

While many people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms (asymptomatic gallstones), those who do may face what's known as a gallbladder attack. 

bloating and feeling of indigestion

Intense pain in the upper middle right abdomen

Pain in the back between the shoulder blades

Nausea or vomiting

When should you consider gallbladder removal?

Gallbladder removal surgery, known as cholecystectomy, is highly advised when patients exhibit symptoms due to gallstones or have a history of complications associated with gallstones.

What to expect before, during, and after gallbladder surgery

Our clinical team is committed to supporting you at every stage to ensure a safe, informed, and smooth procedure.

BEFORE

Diagnosis confirmed via ultrasound or MRI.

  • May need blood tests, ECG, or other pre-op assessments.
  • Instructions:
  • Fast for 6–8 hours before surgery.
  • Stop certain medications if advised (e.g. blood thinners).
  • For day surgeries, arrange to have someone accompany you home.

during

Performed under general anesthesia (you’ll be fully asleep).

  • Surgery takes about 1–2 hours.
  • Gallbladder is removed, and bile flows directly from liver to small intestine.

After

  • Laparoscopic: Discharge same day or next day; back to light activity in a few days.
  • Open: Hospital stay 3–5 days; longer recovery (4–6 weeks).

Common Side Effects:

  • Mild abdominal pain, bloating, or shoulder pain (from CO₂ used in laparoscopy).
  • Temporary changes in digestion (e.g., looser stools).
  • Fatty or greasy foods may cause discomfort at first. But most will improve & resolve over a few weeks.

Common reasons for gallbladder removal

Gallbladder removal surgery, medically known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure performed to treat various gallbladder conditions, particularly when gallstones or other issues cause significant symptoms.

Gallstones

When gallstones cause symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or blockage of the bile ducts.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, especially in cases of recurrent or severe attacks.

Gallbladder Polyps

Large or symptomatic polyps that pose a risk of malignancy.

Gallbladder Cancer

In cases where cancer is detected in the gallbladder.

Is gallbladder surgery really necessary?

Not always. Gallbladder surgery is needed when patient is symptomatic.

Surgery is typically recommended if you experience recurrent pain, infection, or complications such as inflammation (cholecystitis) or gallstone pancreatitis.

WELCOME TO LEE SURGERY & ENDOSCOPY

Founded by Dr. Lee Chin Li, Lee Surgery and Endoscopy's mission is to deliver accessible and quality healthcare to our patients. We are committed to ensuring your comfort from consultation to procedures.

We offer a wide range of procedures from endoscopies to surgeries such as hernia repair, gallbladder and general surgeries to treat liver disease, pancreatic disease, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Lee Surgery is highly recognized for its minimally invasive surgery and care for their patients, ensuring that your journey is a comfortable one.

Experienced

Skillful in minimally invasive surgery

Convenient

Located in 3 clinics islandwide

Accessible

Fluent in 5 different languages

Expertise

We specialize in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgery

Case Studies

Dr Lee shares insight on how individualised treatment plans lead to safe and effective results across different patient profiles.

Blog

image of the gallbladder successfully removed from the patient
April 16, 2026

Cholecystectomy in a Patient with Blood Thinners

A 77 year old male patient, Mr T, was admitted to a private hospital in Singapore for lower chest/ upper abdominal pain with cold sweats while he was travelling back from Malaysia. He has multiple background medical issues, such as […]
Read more
  . 
September 26, 2025

Askfarrer - dr lee chin li

In this interview with Farrer Park Hospital, Dr Lee Chin Li breaks down how pancreatic cancer is treated, covering the key modalities used in clinical care.
Read more
  . 
September 23, 2025

When is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

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Read more

Insurance Partners

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    Gleneagles Medical Centre

    Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
    6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499

    Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)

    Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
    3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510

    Farrer Park Medical Centre

    Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery
    1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562

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