Quick answer. Colorectal surgeons diagnose and surgically treat conditions of the colon, rectum and anus — from colorectal (bowel) cancer and inflammatory bowel disease to piles, fistulas and other anorectal problems. Many also perform colonoscopy for screening and diagnosis. The Singapore colorectal surgeons below are grouped by focus; most patients come by GP or specialist referral, or after an abnormal screening test.
Colorectal surgery deals with the large bowel (colon), rectum and anus. It spans cancer surgery, screening and removal of polyps at colonoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), diverticular disease, and common anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas — increasingly with minimally-invasive (keyhole) and robotic techniques. The directory below groups Singapore colorectal surgeons by their main area of focus.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list Colorectal Surgeons practising in Singapore, grouped by area of focus, compiled from public hospital and clinic listings. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) register, and choose based on your needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
Colorectal cancer & minimally-invasive surgery
- A/Prof Tan Ker Kan — Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery (Colorectal cancer surgery)
- Adj A/Prof Cheong Wai Kit — Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery (Recurrent and advanced colorectal cancer)
- Adj Assoc Prof Ian Tan — Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery (Colorectal cancer)
- Adj Asst Prof Foo Fung Joon — Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery (Colorectal cancer surgery)
- Asst Prof Sharmini Su Sivarajah — Colorectal Service, General Surgery (pelvic floor disorders / minimally invasive & robotic surger)
- Clin Assoc Prof Frederick Koh — Colorectal Surgery, Division of Surgery (colorectal surgical oncology / surgical nutrition & prehabil)
- Clin Assoc Prof Isaac Seow-En — Department of Colorectal Surgery (colorectal cancer)
- Clin Asst Prof Cherylin Fu — Department of Colorectal Surgery (advanced minimally invasive colorectal surgery / pelvic floo)
- Dr Chang Meihuan — Department of Colorectal Surgery (Minimally invasive / robotic and laparoscopic surgery)
- Dr Cheryl Chong Xi Zi — Colorectal Service, General Surgery (colorectal cancer / pelvic floor disorders)
- Dr Koo Chee Hoe — Department of Colorectal Surgery (Colorectal cancer surgery)
- Dr Lionel Raphael Chen Hui — Department of Colorectal Surgery (colorectal cancer (including early onset))
- Dr Ng Jia Lin — Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery (Minimally-invasive colorectal surgery)
- Dr Ng Ying Ru, Yvonne — Department of Colorectal Surgery (Pelvic floor disorders)
- Dr Ngu Chi Yong James — Department of Surgery (Colorectal Surgery) (Robotic and minimally-invasive surgery, including single-por)
- Dr Wong Neng Wei — Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery (robotic & minimally invasive surgery)
- Prof Emile Tan Kwong Wei — Department of Colorectal Surgery (Colorectal cancer surgery)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s & colitis)
- Assoc Prof Tang Choong Leong — Department of Colorectal Surgery (inflammatory bowel disease / pelvic floor disorders)
General anorectal & benign conditions (piles, fistula)
- Dr Teo Nan Zun — Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery (benign and malignant colorectal surgery)
Screening & colonoscopy / general colorectal
- Clin Assoc Prof Winson Tan Jianhong — Colorectal Service, General Surgery
- Dr Nathanelle Ann Khoo Xiaolian — Colorectal Service, General Surgery
What a colorectal surgeon treats, and when to see one
A colorectal surgeon treats bowel cancer and pre-cancerous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, rectal prolapse, and anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas and abscesses. Many perform screening colonoscopy. See one for a positive stool screening test, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, unexplained abdominal pain or anaemia, or a known bowel condition needing surgery — after a GP or gastroenterologist assessment.
What to look for when choosing a colorectal surgeon in Singapore
Match the surgeon’s focus to your problem — a cancer/minimally-invasive specialist for bowel cancer, an IBD-experienced surgeon for Crohn’s or colitis, or a general anorectal surgeon for piles and fistulas. Ask about their experience with the specific procedure, whether keyhole or robotic surgery is an option, their hospital and multidisciplinary team for cancer, and practicalities like cost and insurance.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced Colorectal Surgeons. Public care is more subsidised and often the route for complex, multidisciplinary cases; private care offers more choice of doctor and shorter waits, at higher cost. Many specialists listed here work in, or trained at, the public institutions. Your GP can refer you either way.
Costs and financing
Public-hospital care is subsidised and means-tested; MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans apply to eligible surgery and inpatient stays, and screening colonoscopy may have specific subsidies. Private surgery costs more but offers choice of surgeon and shorter waits. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance pre-authorisation before planned surgery; confirm current fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What does a colorectal surgeon treat?
Conditions of the colon, rectum and anus — including bowel cancer and polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, rectal prolapse, and anorectal problems such as haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas. Many also perform screening colonoscopy.
When should I see a colorectal surgeon?
Usually on referral — for a positive stool (FIT) screening test, rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained abdominal pain or anaemia, or a known bowel condition that may need surgery. A GP or gastroenterologist can direct you.
What's the difference between a colorectal surgeon and a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists are physicians who diagnose and medically manage digestive conditions and perform endoscopy; colorectal surgeons operate on the colon, rectum and anus. They often work together, especially for cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Is bowel surgery done by keyhole?
Often, yes. Many colorectal operations are performed by laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic surgery, which can mean smaller wounds and faster recovery in suitable cases. Your surgeon will advise whether it is appropriate for you.
Does MediSave or insurance cover colorectal surgery?
Eligible surgery and inpatient stays can draw on MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans, subject to limits, and public-hospital care is subsidised and means-tested. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance pre-authorisation before planned surgery.
Related
This directory is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual. Details can change — verify registration on the SMC register and confirm specifics with the clinic. See our editorial policy.
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