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Colorectal cancer is a condition that may lead patients to seek screening, diagnostic assessment, surgical care, and follow-up management. For individuals who experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, medical review can help determine the cause and guide the next step in care.
In Singapore, Dr Chong Chee Keong practises as a Colorectal Surgeon at Maven Surgery. His qualifications include MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), and FAMS (Singapore). He also has Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine from the Specialists Accreditation Board.
A Surgical Practice with a Focus on Colorectal Care
Dr Chong’s clinical work includes colorectal cancer care, colorectal surgery, and general surgery. At Maven Surgery, patients may seek consultation for colorectal symptoms, abnormal screening findings, or colorectal cancer-related concerns.
For patients dealing with colorectal cancer, the care process may involve consultation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, surgery when appropriate, post-operative recovery, discharge planning, and follow-up care. This step-by-step approach helps patients understand their condition, the available treatment options, and what to expect before and after surgery.
What a Colorectal Cancer Surgeon Does
A colorectal cancer surgeon assesses and manages cancers affecting the colon and rectum. This may include reviewing a patient’s symptoms, evaluating colonoscopy or imaging findings, discussing whether surgery is suitable, and explaining possible treatment pathways.
Colorectal cancer may begin in the colon or rectum and can develop from precancerous polyps. Symptoms that may warrant medical review include:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms do not confirm colorectal cancer, but they may require assessment by a doctor.
Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Screening plays an important role in detecting colorectal abnormalities, including polyps and cancer. A colonoscopy may be used to examine the colon and rectum, assess symptoms, investigate abnormal screening results, or remove polyps when clinically appropriate.
Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer, previous polyps, persistent bowel symptoms, or abnormal test results may be advised to undergo further evaluation. A doctor can recommend suitable investigations based on the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery and Treatment Planning
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the individual patient’s diagnosis, tumour location, stage, overall health, and whether other forms of treatment are part of the care plan.
Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other procedures depending on the clinical situation. In some cases, surgery may involve removing cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes. The type of surgery may vary based on the tumour site, disease stage, and the patient’s medical condition.
Some colorectal procedures may be performed using laparoscopic techniques, while others may require open surgery. The choice of approach depends on several factors, including tumour characteristics and the patient’s overall health.
A Background in Surgery and Intensive Care Medicine
Dr Chong’s profile includes surgical qualifications from Singapore, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, as well as fellowship with the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. His Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine is also listed in his professional background.
His current appointments include Member of the Singapore Medical Association, Clinical Senior Lecturer at NUS, Clinical Senior Lecturer at SAF, and Visiting Consultant at Changi General Hospital.
His past appointments include Associate Program Director of SingHealth’s Residency Program from 2009 to 2012. He also served as Chairman of the Trauma Committee and Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Changi General Hospital from 2007 to 2013.
Care for Local and International Patients
Dr Chong sees patients in Singapore, including those seeking consultation for colorectal symptoms, abnormal screening findings, or a confirmed colorectal cancer diagnosis. Maven Surgery also supports communication with international patients, including Bahasa Indonesian-speaking patients.
The clinic locations listed are Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre, and Farrer Park Medical Centre. Maven Surgery also lists its telephone and WhatsApp contact as (+65) 6355 5285.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Patients may consider arranging a medical review if they notice blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, persistent bowel habit changes, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, a history of polyps, or abnormal screening results may also require further assessment.
A doctor can advise whether tests such as colonoscopy, imaging, or blood work may be appropriate. If colorectal cancer is diagnosed, the next step may involve discussion of treatment options, including whether surgery is suitable.
The post Getting to Know Dr Chong Chee Keong, Colorectal Cancer Surgeon in Singapore appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
