Department of Colorectal Surgery

Established since 1989, the Department of Colorectal Surgery at SGH is the only specialised clinical department in Singapore for colon and rectal surgery.

A premier regional and international referral centre, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic investigations and comprehensive treatment for colorectal and perianal conditions and diseases, including emergency surgical management.

Our expertise and range of leading surgical platforms include robotic surgery, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), and advanced endoscopy services.

We work closely with our specialist colleagues from the gastroenterology, medical oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, diagnostic & interventional radiology departments, in effective multi-disciplinary collaboration particularly in the management of colorectal cancer.

Teaching

Continuing medical education is one main focus for the department, a common vision shared by SingHealth in advancing patient care.

We offer a vibrant, highly stimulating and professional environment for training and research, that has benefited surgical fellows and colorectal specialists from the region and worldwide. We provide opportunities for Colorectal specialists to share and collaborate in research.

Each year, the department organises scientific conferences and workshops open to international and regional delegates. We also hold medical forums for general practitioners and public forums for the community to heighten their knowledge on colorectal related diseases and cancer including technological advances and available treatment options.

Research

Apart from all the clinical and surgical work, the Department of Colorectal Surgery is also committed to research.

We have a 6-staff team in our molecular laboratory, whose works encompass basic science and translation research on molecular genetics of colorectal cancer. These include:

1. Familial Cancer
   - The study of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS)
2. Lynch Syndrome
   - Epigenetic mutations in local population and genetic profiling
3. Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
   - The study of susceptibility loci and ”metastasis-prone” signature
   - Biomarkers for surveillance and early detection of recurrence
   - Improvements in screening and early diagnosis, use of methylation markers

In July 2013, our molecular laboratory was relocated to the new Academia, Discovery Tower at College Road.