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Overview
As a national academic centre, NUH’s National University Centre for Digestive Health (NUCD) aims to transform digestive healthcare by bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge technology, delivering care that is faster, more precise, and patient-focused.
NUCD provides digestive and liver care under one roof integrated with research, innovation, and clinical practice to improve early detection, advanced treatment, and seamless patient care. The centre is driving research in novel cancer screening and innovative therapies that reduce the need for invasive procedures while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Officially opened in January 2026, the centre serves as a referral hub for complex cases within the cluster, including Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital. The streamlined care pathway accelerates specialist access in Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic, and Colorectal Surgery, which reduces waiting times, minimises repeated visits, and enables faster treatment decisions for better patient outcomes.
As one of NUH's Centres of Excellence, NUCD embodies a triple mission of clinical care, research and education. The centre provides patient-centred, cost-effective care while advancing research into digestive and liver diseases and training future healthcare professionals, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and supporting better digestive health in the community.
Our multidisciplinary team comprises gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals who work together to provide seamless care for our patients.
Advanced Endoscopy
The Advanced Endoscopy Service at NUCD provides comprehensive, minimally invasive care for patients with complex digestive, pancreatic, biliary and liver disorders. Patients benefit from advanced procedures including Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and deep enteroscopy, enabling the diagnosis and treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers and complex pancreatobiliary conditions without the need for major surgery whenever possible. Patients with surgically altered anatomy can also access highly specialised endoscopic techniques tailored to their unique needs.
NUCD combines cutting-edge technologies such as AI-assisted lesion detection, diagnosis and quality assurance with multidisciplinary expertise spanning surgery, oncology, radiology and pathology. Through our dedicated Advanced Endoscopy Clinic, patients receive seamless access to personalised treatment plans, innovative minimally invasive therapies and coordinated follow-up care.
Metabolic Liver & Weight Management Service
The Metabolic Liver & Weight Management Service provides integrated care for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), combining expertise in hepatology, nutrition, bariatric medicine, mental health and metabolic health. Patients undergo structured risk assessment using validated non-invasive tools such as FIB-4 and FibroScan®, enabling early detection of liver fibrosis and timely specialist intervention. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual's needs, focusing on sustainable weight management, lifestyle modification and optimisation of associated conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
NUCD distinguishes itself through its streamlined screening pathways, holistic care model and strong involvement in international clinical trials and lifestyle intervention studies, giving eligible patients access to emerging therapies and innovative treatment approaches.
Complex Liver
The Complex Liver Service is a specialist referral service dedicated to patients with advanced liver disease and challenging hepatological conditions, including autoimmune liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, inherited liver disorders, immune-related hepatitis and complications of cirrhosis. Patients receive highly personalised care from hepatologists with subspecialty expertise, supported by allied health professionals and specialist dietitians who help address the nutritional and lifestyle challenges associated with chronic liver disease.
The service works closely with hepatobiliary surgery, interventional radiology, oncology and liver transplantation teams to provide coordinated and evidence-based management for even the most complex cases. Through proactive monitoring, complication prevention and participation in clinical research, patients benefit from comprehensive care that aims to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Viral Hepatitis
The Viral Hepatitis Service provides expert diagnosis, treatment and long-term monitoring for patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Care extends across all stages of disease, with close monitoring to prevent complications, preserve liver health and achieve long-term viral suppression. Patients also benefit from structured liver cancer surveillance programmes for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
The service is experienced in managing complex cases including hepatitis-HIV co-infection and pregnancy-related hepatitis, working closely with other specialties to provide coordinated care. Eligible patients may also participate in clinical research studies, providing access to promising new therapies while contributing to advances in viral hepatitis treatment.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
For patients with liver cancer, the NUCD HCC provides comprehensive and personalised care through a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, interventional radiologists, oncologists and palliative care specialists. Every patient is reviewed through a multidisciplinary tumour board to develop an individualised treatment plan based on tumour characteristics, liver function and personal goals of care.
Patients have access to the full spectrum of liver cancer treatments, including surgery, liver-directed therapies, systemic treatments and transplantation assessment through our close partnership with the National University Centre for Organ Transplantation. Eligible patients may also benefit from clinical trials and emerging therapies available through our active research programmes.
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (CLEAR Clinic)
The Comprehensive Liver Evaluation & Alcohol Recovery (CLEAR) Clinic provides specialised care for patients with alcohol-related liver disease through a unique model that integrates liver health and alcohol recovery within a single coordinated programme. During the same clinic visit, patients are reviewed by hepatologists, psychiatrists and allied health professionals who work together to address both the medical complications of liver disease and the underlying alcohol use disorder.
Beyond evidence-based medical treatment, counselling and relapse prevention strategies, patients receive personalised transplant assessment where appropriate and ongoing support through partnerships with community organisations to promote long-term recovery. Through its integrated multidisciplinary approach, clinical research activity and strong links to transplant services, the CLEAR Clinic delivers holistic care not commonly available in traditional hepatology services.
Pancreatobiliary
The Pancreatobiliary Service provides specialised, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex pancreatic and biliary conditions, including pancreatic cysts, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, bile duct strictures and other benign and malignant disorders. Patients are evaluated through a dedicated Pancreatobiliary Clinic where complex cases are reviewed jointly by experts in gastroenterology, advanced endoscopy, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, radiology, pathology and oncology, ensuring timely diagnosis and personalised treatment planning.
NUCD offers patients streamlined access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), interventional EUS, ERCP, cholangioscopy and minimally invasive drainage procedures. With its seamless integration of endoscopic, surgical and oncological expertise, patients can expect to receive coordinated care across the entire treatment journey while benefiting from the latest innovations in pancreatobiliary medicine.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The NUCD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service delivers specialised care for patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through a multidisciplinary team of IBD specialists, nurses, dietitians and pharmacists. Patients receive personalised treatment plans supported by advanced diagnostic tools, therapeutic monitoring, nutrition counselling and medication management to help achieve sustained disease control and improve quality of life.
Selected patients may also benefit from our Home Biologics Programme, which allows biologic infusions to be administered safely in the comfort of their own homes. Supported by NUHS@Home, the programme combines home-based nursing care, pre-treatment monitoring and specialist teleconsultations, enabling patients to receive advanced IBD treatment with greater convenience while maintaining the same high standards of safety, clinical oversight and personalised care.
Our service also provides dedicated support across different life stages, including paediatric-to-adult transition clinics and multidisciplinary pregnancy care. Combined with rapid access to specialist advice and the use of innovative technologies, NUCD offers comprehensive and patient-centred IBD care tailored to individual needs.
Advanced Neurogastroenterology
NUCD is home to one of Asia's longest-running specialist services for disorders of gut-brain interaction and gastrointestinal motility disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, chronic constipation and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients receive comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment from internationally recognised experts, supported by specialist GI psychologists and GI dietitians who deliver evidence-based behavioural and dietary therapies.
The service is also home to Singapore's first Gastrointestinal Motility Laboratory, offering advanced investigations such as high-resolution manometry, 24-hour pH studies and breath testing. This unique combination of specialist expertise, multidisciplinary care and diagnostic innovation enables NUCD to provide leading-edge care for patients with complex gut-brain and motility disorders.
Gastrointestinal Cancers
NUCD provides comprehensive care for patients with gastric, colorectal and hepatobiliary cancers through an integrated multidisciplinary team spanning gastroenterology, surgery, oncology, radiology and pathology. Patients benefit from coordinated care across the entire cancer journey, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and long-term surveillance.
As a leader in translational research, NUCD offers access to innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies, including GASTROClear™ for gastric cancer screening, AI-assisted endoscopy for early cancer detection and novel therapies such as Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC). Our strong research infrastructure enables patients to benefit from cutting-edge diagnostics, precision medicine and clinical trials.
FibroScan
FibroScan, also known as transient elastography, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to measure liver stiffness, which is an indicator for fibrosis. Fibrosis, also known as scarring of liver tissues, is caused by many liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The FibroScan is also able to provide spleen stiffness scans, which is used to effectively assess portal hypertension severity, a significant complication of liver cirrhosis. This enables risk-stratification and evaluates the need for subsequent procedures.
1. Urea Breath Test (UBT)
The UBT is a non-invasive diagnostic test primarily used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which can cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. High levels of H. pylori are also associated with gastric cancer.
The test involves a patient swallowing a capsule or drinking a liquid containing a small amount of urea which is labelled with a Carbon-14 radioactive tracer. After 10-20 minutes, the patient will exhale into a collection device, and the breath is sent to be analysed for H. pylori.
2. AI-assisted Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Colonoscopy
Artificial Intelligence is integrated with endoscopic procedures to enhance early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gastrointestinal-related illnesses during esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Three AI-powered systems — Computer-assisted detection (CADe), Computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx), and Computer-assisted quality control (CAQ) work together to enable real-time diagnosis of cancerous gastrointestinal lesions.
3. Bedside Ultrasound
Handheld portable ultrasound machines are used to perform bedside ultrasound, also known as point-of-care ultrasound. This technique is used both in inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing our clinicians to perform imaging directly at the patients’ location, facilitating quicker diagnosis and treatment decisions.
1. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a type of endoscopic procedure used to examine and treat the biliary tree, which consists of the gallbladder, bile, and pancreatic ducts. ERCP is a combination of fluoroscopy (an imaging technique that uses X-rays) and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The endoscopist is then able to obtain high quality real-time moving images of the anatomy.
ERCP may be used to identify any strictures (narrowing) in the bile and pancreatic ducts and to biopsy abnormalities, as well as to remove bile duct stones where necessary.
2. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
EUS is a minimally invasive procedure that combines both ultrasound and endoscopy to allow the endoscopist to obtain high-resolution images of the digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues. The endoscope is equipped with an ultrasound probe and inserted through the mouth to visualise the upper digestive tract. In some instances, it may also be inserted through the rectum to examine the lower part of the digestive tract.
1. 24-hour pH-Impedance Monitoring
The 24-hour pH-Impedance monitoring is a procedure that is used to continuously measure acidity levels in the esophagus over the course of a day (24 hours).
The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible catheter through the nose and guided into the opening of the stomach. The tube then stays in place for 24 hours while the patient goes about their normal activities.
The acid and non-acid reflux activity from the stomach to the esophagus is evaluated and used to diagnose conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
2. High-Resolution Manometry (HRM)
HRM is an advanced technique used to evaluate the function of the oesophagus, in particular, how food moves from the throat to the stomach. It helps to diagnose various oesophagus motility disorders such as dysphagia, where patients experience difficulty swallowing and a sensation of food being stuck in the oesophagus.
A thin catheter, equipped with multiple pressure sensors, is inserted through the nose and into the oesophagus. When small amounts of water are swallowed, the amount of pressure exerted by the muscles in the oesophagus are measured and analysed.
Research collaborations offer patients safer and more cost-effective alternatives to invasive liver biopsy and high-cost imaging to diagnose and manage metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Under close monitoring from the research team, hepatitis B patients with low viral loads have the possibility of achieving functional cure after being taken off their antiviral medications. | The Straits Times
