What is laparoscopic surgery?
A laparoscopic surgery, also known as laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure done to examine the organs in your stomach or examine your pelvic area.
The procedure got its name due to the tool used for the surgery, called a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a thin, telescopic rod with a video camera on the end.
The procedure usually involves a laparoscope being inserted through a small cut (incision) in your abdomen, which will measure at about half an inch or less. Your surgeon may make up to three more cuts to insert other surgical instruments so they can see all the organs in your belly and find any problems.
The laparoscope camera projects an image of the inside of your belly or pelvis onto a monitor in real time. Your surgeon will use these images to watch their hand motions during the procedure.
Why should I get laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgeries are often used for:
Cyst, fibroid, stone, and polyp removals
Small tumour removals
Biopsies
Tubal ligation and reversal
Ectopic pregnancy removal
Endometriosis surgery
Urethral and vaginal reconstruction surgery
Orchiopexy (testicle correction surgery)
Rectopexy (rectal prolapse repair)
Hernia repair surgery
Esophageal anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication)
Gastric bypass surgery
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for gallstones
Appendectomy (appendix removal)
Your healthcare provider might also recommend a laparoscopy if other diagnostic tests are not able to identify the cause of your condition.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
What is the process of getting a laparoscopic surgery like?
Before you get a laparoscopic surgery, you will need to prepare by:
Fasting from the night before
Wear loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes for comfort
Removing any jewellery or nail polish before the procedure
Arranging someone to bring you home after the surgery
For the procedure itself, you will lie on the operating table slightly tilted with your head lower than your feet. Your anaesthesiologist will give you general anaesthesia to relax your muscles and prevent you from feeling pain during surgery.
Your surgeon will then make a small cut near your belly button or under your rib cage. They’ll insert a gas tube into this incision to fill your belly with gas. Pumping the area with gas makes your organs easier to see on the monitor.
After removing the gas tube, your surgeon inserts the laparoscope. They may insert surgical instruments through incisions nearby to take tissue samples or perform surgical procedures.
Your surgeon will let the gas out of your body once the procedure is over and close your incisions.
A diagnostic laparoscopy usually takes from 30 minutes to one hour. Laparoscopic surgery can take from one to three hours, depending on how complicated your condition is.
If the surgeon can’t safely complete the operation laparoscopically, they may need to switch to a traditional open procedure with a larger incision.
What is the cost of laparoscopic surgery in Singapore?
Costs for laparoscopic surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
Inpatient surgery
Laparoscopic surgeries are performed as day surgeries and can range from SGD 7,200 to SGD 11,570 depending on whether you choose public or private hospitals based on the breakdown of fees under MOH SI700L.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics as per SI700L:
Breakdown of Fees
However, additional charges may arise from expenses such as pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, medications, and post-surgery follow-up appointments.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for laparoscopic surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website and discuss with your doctor for more details.
Are there any subsidies for laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of laparoscopic surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your laparoscopic surgery, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.
MediSave
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme that allows Singaporean citizens and permanent residents to use their savings for hospitalisation expenses.
For hospitalisation, you can use up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days and SGD 400 per day for subsequent days for inpatient hospital charges. These charges include daily ward changes, treatment fees, investigations, and medications.
For day surgeries, you can use up to SGD 830 per day for hospital charges for day surgery, which include daily ward charges, daily treatment fees, investigations, and medicines.
According to the CPF website, laparoscopic surgery is classified under 3C on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for laparoscopic surgery is SGD 1,390.
This article was written in June 2025. Laparoscopic surgery costs may therefore have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan for all Singaporeans and PRs, designed to help pay for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments.
It will cover a portion of the surgical and hospitalisation costs for laparoscopic surgery, and similar to MediSave, there are claim limits.
For hospitalisation, the claim limits are SGD 830 per day for normal wards and SGD 5,140 for intensive care unit (ICU) wards, which include an additional SGD 800 per day for the first two inpatient days.
For surgical procedures, MediShield Life also follows the TOSP, meaning that there will be a claim limit for laparoscopic surgery at SGD 1,920.
This article was written in June 2025. Hence, prices for laparoscopic surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
Integrated Shield Plans
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private insurance policies that offer additional coverage beyond what is provided by MediShield Life. They can cover a larger portion of your hospital bill, especially if you opt for private hospitals or higher-class wards.
Many IPs also offer “as-charged” benefits, meaning they cover the actual bill amount, subject to policy terms and annual limits.
Coverage details and claim limits vary depending on the insurer and the specific plan and additional riders purchased.
If you are curious how much you can claim from your IPs for your laparoscopic surgery, it is best to talk to your insurance provider directly to discuss the details of your plan. For those under Prudential, please contact us via the Prudential medical concierge form if you have any further questions.
What factors affect the cost of my laparoscopic surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for laparoscopic surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Type of surgery
Public hospital vs private hospital
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Gynaecologists at Thomson Medical
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Dr Ryan Lee is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Thomson Medical. Dr Ryan’s practice encompasses general gynaecology and high-risk obstetrics with a special interest in maternal medicine.
Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 43-year-old female requiring laparoscopic surgery at a private hospital with an overnight stay in a single room, covered by Integrated Shield Plan.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 7,200* | Since 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has mandated that all new IP riders include a minimum 5% co-payment—to encourage prudent use of healthcare services and avoid overconsumption.
| The patient would need to pay from SGD 360, which can usually be covered by MediSave. |
Please note that for the most accurate estimate of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult their insurance provider directly, as coverage details vary by plan and insurer.
*For the most accurate pricing, please contact your healthcare provider directly to discuss with them the potential costs for the procedure.
*This article was written in June 2025. Prices may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
How do I process my insurance claims?
To process an insurance claim at a hospital in Singapore, you typically need to inform the hospital staff of your intent to claim, gather required documents like final bills and receipts, and submit the claim to your insurance provider through their designated channels (online portal, email, etc.).
For some insurance policies, the hospital may handle the claims process directly, especially for cashless claims. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understand your coverage:
Before you schedule your treatment, meet your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo laparoscopic surgery.
Inform the hospital:
When you are admitted to the hospital, inform the hospital staff that you wish to make an insurance claim. They may guide you through the necessary paperwork and forms.
Gather the required documents:
Ensure you have all the original, final bills and receipts for all treatments, including hospital stays, procedures, and medications.
If available, gather any relevant medical reports, diagnostic test results, and discharge summaries.
If you used your MediSave account for payment, you'll need a statement showing the Hospital Registration Number (HRN).
You may need to download and complete a claim form from your insurance provider's website.
Submit the claim:
Many insurers offer different portals for submitting claims, including online portals, mobile apps, email, or direct paper submission to your financial advisor.
If the hospital handles the claim directly, they will submit it on your behalf.
Follow up and track progress:
You should receive an acknowledgement of your claim submission.
Check the status of your claim through your insurer's online portal or app.
Do note that claim processing typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the date of submission (e-filing).
Some complex cases may take longer, especially if additional documents or clarifications are required.
If you don't receive updates after 3 months or have more questions, contact your insurer or the hospital for assistance.
At Thomson Medical, the insurance claims process is streamlined for your convenience.
The hospital provides e-filing services, submitting claims directly to MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plan providers on your behalf.
This approach reduces paperwork and ensures claims are processed efficiently, allowing you to focus on recovery.
FAQ
Will I be in pain when I wake up?
After surgery, you may have internal pain or pain around your incisions, as well as gas left in your body. It’s also common to have shoulder pain. Your provider will give you pain medication to make you more comfortable.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
The advantages of undergoing laparoscopic surgery are as follows:
Less trauma to the insides of your belly.
Less blood loss and a lower risk of haemorrhage.
Smaller scars.
Less risk of infection.
A shorter hospital stay.
Faster recovery time and return to your usual activities.
Less pain during healing, so you won’t need as much pain medication.
What are the possible risks or complications of laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopy is a very safe procedure. But doctors still consider it a major surgery. Possible complications include:
Bleeding from the incision.
Injury to nearby organs and blood vessels.
Problems related to anaesthesia.
Infection.
Abdominal swelling.
Blood clots could enter your bloodstream, causing clotting in your legs, pelvis, or lungs. They could travel to your heart or brain, where they could cause a heart attack or stroke, but this is very rare.
What is the difference between laparoscopic and regular surgery?
A laparoscopic approach generally causes less blood loss and trauma and provides a faster recovery with reduced hospitalisation compared to open surgery. However, laparoscopic surgery does require general anaesthesia.
What is laparoscopic surgery used for?
A laparoscopy can be used to diagnose conditions such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and some cancers, such as liver cancer and ovarian cancer. It's also used for surgery to treat conditions, such as removing organs such as the appendix or gallbladder.
Who is a candidate for laparoscopic surgery?
Your doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery if you have issues with bowel obstruction, penetrating and blunt trauma, complex hernias, malignancies, perforated gastric or duodenal ulcers, volvulus, perforated diverticulitis, and so forth.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic
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