Colorectal Surgery

​Being a tertiary centre, we see and manage a high number of patients with colorectal cancer. We provide screening and therapeutic colonoscopy services to patients with positive fecal occult blood result, those with positive family and patients with signs and symptoms suspicious of colorectal cancer (eg. rectal bleeding, change of bowel habit, etc). Once a diagnosis of colorectal cancer is made, cases are discussed in weekly multi-disciplinary meeting to formulate a tailored treatment plan for individual patient. Pre/post-operative chemoradiotherapy will be advised and discussed with patients depending on the stage of their disease.

For patients presenting with intestinal obstruction due to a colonic cancer, we offer colonic stenting to these patients and successfully convert the emergent nature of their surgery to elective surgery. Colonic stenting allows full optimization of a patient conditions prior to their surgery, resulting in overall lower morbidity and mortality rate. Laparoscopic (keyhole) colorectal cancer surgery is a standard procedure in our practice. Laparoscopic surgery ensures minimal blood loss during surgery and allows quicker recovery. 90% of our elective colorectal cases are performed laparoscopically.

We are one of few centers in Singapore which regularly performs robotic colorectal surgery. Our specialists are highly trained in robotic colorectal surgery using state of the art Da Vinci Xi robotic system, which promises ultra-precision dissection and anus preservation in mid and low rectal cancers. We are the first hospital in Singapore that utilizes robot in complex pelvic exenteration surgery in rectal cancers.

We are also the pioneer of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program in Singapore. The ERAS protocolized approach standardizes the treatment for our patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery and ensure patients to achieve quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay.

​We see a very high number of patients with benign and malignant anal conditions. Common anal problems in Singapore are hemorrhoids (piles), anal fistula and anal fissure. Our specialists are highly skilled in treating these conditions. Conventional hemorrhoidectomy and stapler hemorrhoid surgery are routinely performed. We also offer sphincter-sparing procedures for complicated or recurrent anal fistula such as Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) surgery.

​We offer a wide range of medical and surgical treatment for patients with pelvic floor disorders presenting with rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence and severe constipation. A rectal prolapse happens when the rectal wall slides out through the anus. This happens when the tissues holding the rectum have weakened and are more commonly experienced in females. Rectal prolapse causes rectal bleeding, painful lump in the anus, mucus discharge and fecal incontinence. Apart from these social inconveniences, a rectal prolapse can become strangulated and pose risk to life.

Patients who have rectal prolapse will be seen by our specialists and radiological and endoscopic examinations are routinely performed to accurately assess the size of the prolapse. Treatments aim to improve symptoms and prevent prolapse getting worse. Surgery may be required if the rectal prolapse becomes significant. Laparoscopic rectopexy and perineal excision of rectal prolapse are commonly performed by our experienced specialists.

Patients with fecal incontinence or severe constipation are offered tests to work out their conditions and these include examination such as colonic transit study, anorectal manometry and defecating proctogram. Various tailored treatment can be offered to our patients such as biofeedback, medication and surgical interventions.