Colorectal surgery is a rapidly evolving field that utilises a wide range of surgical techniques. Our expertise traverses the spectrum of colorectal surgery and anal diseases, providing our patients with advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques in the treatment of the following conditions:
Individuals diagnosed with certain conditions affecting the colon, anus, or rectum may be advised to undergo removal of a portion of the colon, rectum or anus. These conditions include cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticular disease. This is considered Major Colorectal Surgery as a segment of bowel has to be removed, together with the creation of an anastomosis (joining back the 2 ends of the bowel).
Prior to the scheduled surgery, the patient will have a detailed consultation with the surgeon to discuss the
following: their diagnosis (following diagnostic tests), recommended treatment, how to prepare for surgery and
what to expect afterwards. The patient should disclose any medications they are taking, so that they can be
advised which medicines should be stopped or adjusted prior to surgery.
Frequently, part of the process of getting ready for surgery will include bowel preparation, by emptying the
bowels with laxatives. The doctor will usually also provide special dietary instructions as part of this
preparation.
Colorectal surgery is done under general anaesthesia while the patient is asleep, when they will not feel any pain nor remember anything about the surgery. During the surgery, the patient’s heart rate, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure are closely monitored. Surgery can take approximately 3 to 6 hours, depending on the type and complexity of the case.
Majority of these surgeries are performed with keyhole methods (laparoscopic or robotic surgery). Keyhole surgery has been found to be very safe and to be associated with less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay, than traditional surgery with a large open cut.
After the surgery, the patient will usually have to stay in hospital for between 3 to 7 days. As early mobilisation after surgery has been found not only to be safe, but also to reduce complications after surgery, a physiotherapist will usually be on hand to assist the patient with mobilisation exercises and with walking. Pain and discomfort are expected at the surgical sites, but pain relievers will help control the pain.
MBBS, MMed (Surgery), FAMS, FRCSEd
Dr Tan Wah Siew was senior consultant surgeon at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) prior to her move to private practice. She was the first female consultant colorectal surgeon in the history of SGH, and was one of the earliest female general surgeons in Singapore to be trained in robotic colorectal surgery.
She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore in 2003 and completed her Advanced Surgical Training in General and Colorectal Surgery at SGH in 2011. In 2013, she completed a one year Ministry of Health sponsored Healthcare Manpower Development Plan Fellowship (HMDP) at St. James University Hospital in Leeds, United Kingdom. While there, she trained in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer, surgery for inflammatory bowel disease as well as treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers and recurrent pelvic cancers requiring removal of multiple organs and/or pelvic exenterations.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054
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Fax: 6764 0054
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Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg
Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054
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Fax: 6271 0054
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