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:
- Blood in the stool
- Sensation of incomplete emptying when passing motion
- New onset of constipation or diarrhoea
- Unintentional weight loss
- Family or personal history of colon cancer, endometrial (uterus) cancer, stomach cancer or small intestine cancer
- Personal history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
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.
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.
- Colon polyps
- Personal or family history of colon cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- Genetic diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
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.
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.
Robotic surgery: This method involves small incisions in the abdomen and the use of surgeon-controlled robotic arms under general anaesthesia. The benefits are similar to those of laparoscopic 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.
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