Delivering Personalised Care
The Division of Colorectal Surgery specialises in treating both malignant and benign conditions concerning the colon, rectum and anus. Our focus is on the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer—the most prevalent cancer type in Singapore.
Our approach to care is comprehensive and personalised, ensuring that both you and your loved ones receive a personalised treatment tailored specifically for your needs. Our consultant-led clinics operate from Monday to Friday, and your care will be managed by a dedicated specialist.
If you or your loved ones have a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer and wish to seek a second opinion, do contact us at our appointment line (+65 6908 2222).
Our commitment is to schedule consultations with one of our specialists for all second opinion requests within 1 working day.
If you experience the following symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a consultation:
Colorectal cancer is curable if detected early. However, individuals with colon polyps or early colon cancer may not display any symptoms. We encourage all patients above the age of 50 to undergo regular colorectal cancer screening. There are two common screening methods in Singapore:
Faecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT)
The FIT is designed to detect blood in the stool that might not be visible to the naked eye. The FIT kit comes with a stick used to collect a small sample of stool. This test is not suitable if you are already passing blood in your stools.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is the 'gold standard' for colorectal cancer screening. The doctor uses an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera—to evaluate the inner lining of the colon and rectum. During the colonoscopy, any identified polyps or areas of concern are removed and sent for microscopic evaluation. This serves a dual purpose of both diagnosing any potential issues and providing therapeutic intervention, as some polyps have the potential to develop into cancer.
If you or your loved ones have a history of the following conditions, you may require screening before the age of 50. Click here to schedule an appointment with us.
Normal bowel movements differ between people. Some may have up to three bowel movements a day, while others may go days between movements. Constipation can result from various factors like insufficient water intake, low fibre consumption, and lack of physical activity. Additionally, medical conditions such as high calcium levels or hormonal imbalances might contribute to constipation.
Diarrhoea is most commonly due to benign causes, such as a viral infection (gastroenteritis) or lactose intolerance, particularly common among Asians. However, persistent diarrhoea should prompt evaluation for more serious underlying causes, such as chronic infectious causes, inflammatory bowel disease and spurious diarrhoea from colorectal cancer.
If you have new-onset constipation that is persistent, you should undergo evaluation, including colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
Anal Pain
Pain around the anus commonly occurs due to anal fissures, which are traumatic tears around the anus due to the passage of hard stools. Treatment usually includes stool softeners, painkillers and medication to relieve the associated spasm in the anal sphincter muscles.
Pain around the anus may also be due to prolapsed or thrombosed haemorrhoids. These are initially treated with stool softeners and topical anaesthetic agents, while surgery may be indicated once the acute event has settled down.
Anal pain associated with discharge and fever may indicate perianal abscesses or anal fistulas. These can be treated with antibiotics but may require surgery for definitive management.
Incontinence
Faecal incontinence can be a distressing symptom as it may manifest as passive seepage of solid or liquid stools or an inability to reach the toilet in time during periods of urgency. Incontinence is commonly associated with a history of obstetric trauma or previous anal surgery.
The Division of Colorectal Surgery offers an extensive range of up-to-date medical treatment, clinic-based therapies and surgical procedures to our patients.
 | Minimally Invasive Surgery Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery: This approach involves small incisions in the abdomen using special instruments under general anaesthesia. It is an advanced technique that avoids the need for large incisions, reducing post-operative discomfort, minimising the risk of wound infections and shortening hospital stays. |
 | Transanal Surgery Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) uses a specialised platform to remove growths from the mid to upper rectum. It eliminates the need for major abdominal surgery for large polyps or early rectal cancers. Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) is a novel surgical approach for the treatment of rectal cancer. Two surgical teams work in tandem, using a combined abdominal and transanal approach to remove low rectal cancers. |
 | Advanced Endoscopy Previously, large colon polyps required a resection of the colon for complete removal. These days, advanced endoscopic resection techniques such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) allow patients to avoid surgery. |
 | Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Heated Intra-peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Patients with advanced cancers affecting the peritoneum may be treated with CRS and HIPEC, which involve the resection of all visible cancer and delivery of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. Pressurised Intra-Peritoneal Aerosolised Chemotherapy (PIPAC) PIPAC is a novel, promising technology for the treatment of patients with advanced peritoneum cancer. Chemotherapy is administered in an aerosolised form into the abdominal cavity using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. |
We adopt best practices and measure our performance comparing to international benchmarks.
Laparoscopic Colon Resections
| NUH (2020 up to 2023) | International Benchmarks 1-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Anastomotic leak | 1.3% | 4% - 7% |
| Conversion to open surgery | 1.6% | 0% - 6% |
| Wound infection | 1.3% | 0% - 4% |
| Thromboembolic rates | 0% | 1.5% - 4.3% |
| Severe complications (Clavien Dindo ≥3) | 1.2% | 1% - 8.8% |
| Length of stay (days) | 5.7 | 3 - 8 |
| Readmission rates | 1.2% | 0% - 7.3% |
| Mortality | 0% | 0% - 3.5% |
Laparoscopic Rectal Resections
| NUH (2020 up to 2023) | International Benchmarks 4-7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Anastomotic leak | 1.2% | 9.8% |
| Conversion to open surgery | 2.9% | 7.6% |
| Wound infection | 3.1% | 0.9% - 2.6% |
| Thromboembolic rates | 0% | 1.5% - 4.3% |
| Severe complications (Clavien Dindo ≥3) | 3.0% | 12.2% |
| Length of stay (days) | 6.0 | 4 - 10 |
| Readmission rates | 6.7% | 15.3% |
| Mortality | 1.5% | 0% - 3.7% |
References:
1. Staiger, R. D., Rössler, F., Kim, M. J, et al. (2022). Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection. The British journal of surgery, znac300. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/10.1093/bjs/znac300
2. Wang, Y., Deng, H., Mou, T. et al. Short-term outcomes of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Surg Endosc 33, 840-848 (2019).
3. Peltrini, R., Imperatore, N., Carannante, F. et al. Age and comorbidities do not affect short-term outcomes after laparoscopic rectal cancer resection in elderly patients. A multi-institutional cohort study in 287 patients. Updates Surg 73, 527-537 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-021-00990-z
4. Hayes, J. W., Ryan, É. J., Boland, P. A., Creavin, B., Kelly, M. E., & Beddy, D. (2019). The prevalence of venous thromboembolism in rectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of colorectal disease, 34(5), 849-860. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-019-03244-y
5. Ali, F., Al-Kindi, S. G., Blank, J. J., Peterson, C. Y., Ludwig, K. A., & Ridolfi, T. J. (2018). Elevated Venous Thromboembolism Risk Following Colectomy for IBD Is Equal to Those for Colorectal Cancer for Ninety Days After Surgery. Diseases of the colon and rectum, 61(3), 375-381. https://doi.org/10.1097/DCR.0000000000001036
6. Bollo, J., Turrado, V., Rabal, A., et al. (2020). Randomized clinical trial of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy (IEA trial). The British journal of surgery, 107(4), 364-372. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.11389
7. Cleary, R.K., Silviera, M., Reidy, T.J. et al. (2022). Intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis for robotic-assisted and laparoscopic right colectomy: short-term outcomes of a multi-center prospective trial. Surg Endosc 36, 4349-4358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-021-08780-9
As part of the Division's pursuit of excellent patient-centric care, we have integrated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) into our clinical care model. The outcomes you care about are our top priority and is woven into how we treat and care for you.
Care for Seniors -
Our surgeons are highly experienced in providing care and treating elderly patients. We aim to provide the best geriatric care possible. Our PROMS study shows that elderly patient under our care experience good post-surgery recovery in these 6 various domains.
| 1. General quality of life | 2. Physical functioning | 3. Role functioning |
| 4. Emotional functioning | 5. Cognitive functioning | 6. Social functioning |
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
TCI = red line represents Threshold of Clinical Importance (see Giesinger et al. 2020; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0895435619307085
Scoring below the TCI value means that the patient is likely to be having a health problem relevant to the clinical encounter.
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Head of Department
Senior Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery)
Special interests: Colorectal cancer, Key-Hole/Laparoscopic surgery, Anal
fistula, Haemorrhoids, Colonoscopy
To book an appointment with this surgeon, click here
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Senior Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery)
Special interests: Recurrent and advanced colorectal cancer, Diagnostic and
therapeutic endoscopy
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
Senior Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology, Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery)
Special interests: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy (Gastroscopy and
Colonoscopy), Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer and
Benign Colorectal Conditions, Malignant Peritoneal Disease
(Including Neoplasms of the Appendix & Pseudomyxoma
Peritonei), Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Intraperitoneal
Chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC), Pressurised Intraperitoneal
Aerosolised Chemotherapy (PIPAC)
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal Cancer, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy
(Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy), Minimally Invasive Surgery,
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's
Disease)
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery, Trauma Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal Cancer, Minimally Invasive/Laparoscopic Surgery, Colonoscopy, Haemorrhoids
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Consultant
Sub-specialties: Colorectal Surgery,
General Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Transanal
Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Transanal Total
Mesorectal Excision (taTME)
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Consultant
Sub-specialties:Colorectal Surgery
Special interests: Oncologic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Approaches,
Colonoscopy
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Consultant
Sub-specialties:Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal Cancer, Minimally Invasive/Laparoscopic
Surgery, Colonoscopy, Haemorrhoids
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Associate Consultant
Sub-specialties:Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal Cancer, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Diagnostic
and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Haemorrhoids
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Associate Consultant
Sub-specialties:Colorectal Surgery,
Surgical Oncology (Colorectal Surgery, Minimally Invasive
Surgery
Special interests: Colorectal
Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Colonoscopy,
Haemorrhoids, Anal Fistula
To book an appointment with this surgeon, clickhere
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Associate Consultant
Click on the pictures and link below to read the full article or view the interview.
NUH Colorectal Surgery in the Media
| 14 July 2023 News Discussion: How much do you know about colorectal cancer? Hear from A/Prof Tan Ker Kan, Senior Consultant, as he shared about his study that examined local colorectal cancer patients’ reported quality of life over time as they undergo major treatment milestones.
| 14 October 2022 The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission  |
25 March 2021
Health Matters - Colorectal Cancer FIT Screening A/Prof Tan Ker Kan, Head & Senior Consultant discussed about colorectal cancer screening and his two studies on the behaviour and attitudes of individuals with positive FIT results towards colorectal cancer screening. | 16 March 2021 The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission
|
Our patients shared their stories on their journey with colorectal cancer:
1 August 2017
The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission
2 April 2018
The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission
Past events
26 March 2022 - NUH Colorectal Public Webinar
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25 September 2021 - NUH Colorectal GP CME Webinar
27 March 2021 - NUH Colorectal Public Webinar
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20 March 2021 - NUH Colorectal GP CME Webinar
Insurance
Our surgeons are included in all major Singapore insurance panels. You may find out more from our Financial Counselling staff during your visit to us.
Estimated Charges
Below estimates are for Class A / Foreign patients following an uncomplicated post-operative recovery. Class B and C patients enjoy further government subsidies; you may find out more during your Financial Counselling visit to us.
| Estimated Total Bill Size for Singaporean (5 day stay) | |
| Laparoscopic Colon Resection | $12,702.00 - $19,880.00 |
| Laparoscopic Rectal Resection | $17,726.00 - $21,978.00 |
| Estimated Total Bill Size for Non-Resident (5 day stay) | |
| Laparoscopic Colon Resection | $29,063.00 - $38,239.00 |
| Laparoscopic Rectal Resection | $25,878.00 - $52,274.00 |
Disclaimer: Information is reflected correctly as at 5 January 2023. For more information, click here.
Click on the titles below to find out more.
Young patients with colorectal cancer face unique physical, emotional and psychosocial impact
Honorary Clinical Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery
The NUH Division of Colorectal Surgery offers a Clinical Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery for clinicians interested in gaining exposure and deepening clinical expertise in Colorectal Surgery. Up to two fellowship positions are available per year, with a specialised training programme of 12 months. More details can be found here.
For enquiries, please email [email protected] with the subject header “Colorectal Fellowship” addressed to Adj Assoc Prof Bettina Lieske. For more information about the application process for NUHS Clinical Fellowships, please click here.
Location
NUH Medical Centre, Zone B, Level 16
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: Closed
Contact
+65 6908 2222 (general appointment line)
+65 6772 2230
+65 9829 7313 (For Whatsapp text messages only)
For booking of appointment with the surgeon of your choice, please click here to make an appointment.
Disclaimer: Appointments and referrals made directly through Colorectal Centre's website will not be eligible for government subsidies. For more information on subsidy eligibility, please visit moh.gov.sg
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