Colorectal Service

The Colorectal Unit at Sengkang General Hospital offers comprehensive management options for patients with acute and chronic colorectal conditions. Patients are provided quality care, based upon the most current medical research and surgical techniques. Our main guiding principle is that the patient is an integral member of the team and that patient-centred care is key to ensuring the best treatment outcomes. Our specialists undertake a multidisciplinary approach with other specialists in order to bring about coordinated care for the best treatment outcomes.

At the SKH Colorectal unit, we attend to patients with a wide range of clinical issues and needs, ranging from colonoscopy / screening to abdominal pain to blood in the stools. From the time of clinic review to undergoing investigations and subsequent treatment, the unit aims to see and manage all patients expediently and with utmost dedication. Should the patient be required to undergo surgery, our specialists are well equipped to handle a wide repertoire of Colorectal conditions.

Our team also focuses on screening and treatment of benign colorectal cancers. Available services include screening endoscopy / colonoscopy. There is also a Gastrointestinal Functional Unit (GIFU) that provides further investigation for patients suffering from benign functional bowel complaints such as chronic constipation, cancer, as well as multidisciplinary management of functional conditions like constipation and incontinence.

Our Clinical Services

We offer clinical consultation and evaluation on the following colorectal / gastrointestinal symptoms:

Blood in stools / motion
Constipation
Irregular bowel movement
Change in bowel habits
Diarrhoea
Positive faecal occult blood test
Abdominal pain / bloatedness / indigestion
Anaemia
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Endoscopy
Evaluation of functional colorectal disorders

Our Department Facilities

Advanced Endoscopy
Ambulatory Surgery
Gastrointestinal Function Unit
Minimally Invasive Surgery

Colorectal Conditions We Treat

We treat patients for the full range of colorectal conditions including:

Advanced Pelvic Oncology Advanced endoscopy services Colorectal Cancer Colorectal emergencies Diverticular disease Functional bowel disorders Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes Inflammatory bowel disease Proctology Screening for colorectal cancer and polyps

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Colorectal Treatments Offered

The Colorectal Specialists at SKH offer the following surgical treatments:

Bowel resection Colonic stenting Colonic stenting Colonoscopy and gastroscopy Endoscopy Services Extended colorectal cancer surgery / pelvic exenterations Fistula in ano Haemorrhoidectomy including conventional, stapled haemorrhoidectomy, transanal arterial dearterialization (THD) Haemostasis of GI tract bleeding IBD proctology Implantation of sacral nerve stimulators Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Surgery Lateral anal sphincterotomy Minimally invasive / laparoscopic surgery Multidisciplinary approach to IBD Nutritional support Parenteral nutrition Pelvic floor disorders and fecal incontinence Perianal surgery Perioperative nutritional management Pouch reconstruction Removal of GI tract polyp Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse such as Delormes, Altemeier, ventral mesh rectopexy Surveillance post colorectal surgery Transanal endoscopic surgery

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FAQs

Colonoscopy is indicated for patients having symptoms concerning for colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Screening colonoscopy is indicated for average risk patients at age 50. If a family member has had colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps before the age of 60, it is recommended you start screening 10 years before their age at diagnosis. There are certain hereditary cancers that can occur earlier in life and screening recommendations may vary. Discuss these situations with your doctor.

Colonoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that enables the doctor to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum, identifying abnormalities within the large intestine without making large incisions. A specialised instrument with an attached video camera, also known as endoscope, is utilised during the colonoscopic procedure. Apart from screening, colonoscopy is often performed for the accurate diagnosis of digestive symptoms.

No, because you are given sedation medications, it is recommended that you take the rest of the day off and relax. You should not make any major decisions, drive, drink alcohol, etc. after receiving sedation on the day of your procedure.

Blood in the stool can be caused from benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, tears in the anal canal (fissure) or abscesses. More serious causes include cancer, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticular disease.

Genetics and defective immune systems are often associated with IBD. While the exact cause of IBD is still unknown, there are several factors that can increase an individual’s risk. These include genetics, medications, smoking and diet.

During the early stages, there are often little to no signs or symptoms. At later stages, symptoms can vary depending on tumour size and location in the large intestine. Hence, anyone with the following symptoms should get a screening done as soon as possible:

Change in bowel habits (including diarrhoea, constipation or change in the consistency of your stool)
Rectal bleeding
Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Chronic Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea or vomiting

Our Care Team

Based upon the most current medical research and techniques, our care team provides quality, coordinated and compassionate care for our patients. We are committed to providing all our patients with the most intuitive and comfortable treatments.

News

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