General Surgery - Colorectal Service - Changi General Hospital, Singapore

Changi General Hospital, Singapore’s Colorectal Service takes care of patients with a wide range of problems involving the small intestine, colon, rectum and anus. These range from common conditions, such as haemorrhoids (piles) to more sinister conditions, such as colorectal cancer (cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum).

Colorectal cancer screening, staging and treatment

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer affecting both men and women in Singapore. An estimated 1,000 people are diagnosed with this condition yearly. Screening is advised for persons over 40 years of age, or earlier if there are risk factors, such as having one or more family members with colorectal cancer. When detected early, surgery can achieve cure for these patients.

Screening is recommended for the following groups of patients:

Those above 40 years of age
Those with family members diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Those who have an unexplained change in bowel habits along with a loss of appetite or weight loss
Those who have unexplained rectal bleeding (the passage of bright red blood from the anus, often mixed with stool and/or blood clots).
Those who have previously been diagnosed with colonic polyps (or colon polyps)
Those with unexplained anaemia

Methods of screening for colorectal cancer include:

Colonoscopy 
This is usually done as a day procedure. You will need to take medication the evening before to clear your bowels. For our patient's comfort, this procedure is usually done under light to moderate sedation.
Read about colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy:
Or watch our video on colonoscopy
CT colonoscopy
Also called ‘virtual colonoscopy’, this is an advanced and highly accurate screening method used to detect colon cancer. Safer, quicker and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy, this technique uses a CT scan of the abdomen, along with 3D reconstructed images, to view the inside of the colon.
Barium enema
Barium enema is a special x ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.

Management of colorectal cancers may include:

Laparoscopic / minimally invasive (also known as keyhole) colon resection

Open colon resection

Colonic / Colorectal stenting

Concurrent colonic and liver resection
In selected cases of colorectal cancer with metastasis (spread) to the liver, removal of both the primary colorectal tumour and the affected part of the liver can be carried out in one single operation.

Pre-operative and post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy (in conjunction with the oncologist)

Stoma counselling and stoma-care training

Evaluation and treatment of haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids (piles) is a painful condition that afflicts many patients. It often presents with a combination of rectal bleeding, pain and/or a lump at the anus, usually noticed when passing motion. In some cases, these symptoms may also signify more sinister problems, such as colorectal cancer (see screening for colorectal cancer). The colorectal surgeons at Changi General Hospital, Singapore’s Colorectal Service will evaluate the symptoms and arrange for any necessary investigations. After which, we will advise appropriate treatment options, which include:

Medication and dietary advice
Ligation of piles
This is a relatively painless procedure that does not require any anaesthesia / sedation. It can be done at the same time as colonoscopy. Some patients may require more than one session of ligation.
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy
Staple haemorrhoidectomy 
This method of haemorrhoidectomy uses a staple device to remove the haemorrhoids and close the wound at the same time. Advantages include less pain, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Appointment

To make an appointment, call our Appointment Centre at 6850 3333 or go to our Online Appointment Booking page.

Staff Members

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