Quick answer. General surgeons treat a broad range of common surgical conditions — hernias, gallstones, appendicitis, abdominal and gastrointestinal problems, skin lumps and more — often with minimally-invasive (keyhole) techniques, and many have a further area of interest. The Singapore general surgeons below are grouped by focus; patients usually come by GP referral or through the emergency department.
General surgery covers many of the most common operations: hernia repair, gallbladder surgery for gallstones, appendix removal, surgery for abdominal and gastrointestinal problems, and removal of skin and soft-tissue lumps. Many general surgeons also sub-specialise — for example in upper-GI, hepatobiliary, endocrine (thyroid) or breast surgery. The directory below groups Singapore general surgeons by their main area of focus.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list General 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.
Upper-GI, hepatobiliary & bariatric surgery
- Adj Assoc Prof Lee Ser Yee — Hepato (hepatopancreatobiliary & liver transplantation)
- Adj Assoc Prof Prema Raj Jeyaraj — Hepato (hepatopancreatobiliary & transplant)
- Adj Asst Prof Pang Ning Qi — Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery (hepatopancreatobiliary & transplant)
- Adj Asst Prof Tay Wee Ming — Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery (hepatopancreatobiliary)
- Adj Asst Prof Teh Jun Liang — Division of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery (upper GI & bariatric)
- Assoc Prof Chan Weng Hoong — Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery (upper GI & bariatric)
- Clin Assoc Prof Adrian Chiow Kah Heng — Department of Surgery (hepatopancreatobiliary)
- Clin Assoc Prof Kam Juinn Huar — Department of Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Aung Lwin — Division of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery / Emergency Surgical Unit, Department of General Surgery (upper GI & acute care surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Ching Siok Siong — Department of Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery) (upper GI & bariatric)
- Clin Asst Prof Chue Koy Min — Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Service, Department of Surgery (upper GI & bariatric)
- Dr Koh Ye Xin — Department of Hepato (Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) & transplant surgery)
- Prof Brian Goh Kim Poh — Department of Hepato (Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) & transplant surgery (robotic/m)
- Prof Jimmy So — Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery (Upper GI surgery & surgical oncology)
Endocrine & thyroid surgery
- Adj A/Prof Oh Han Boon — Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Department of General Surgery (Endocrine & thyroid surgery (also breast surgery))
- Adj Prof Ngiam Kee Yuan — Division of General Surgery (Endocrine & Thyroid Surgery), Department of Surgery (endocrine (thyroid))
- Dr Tiffany Gan Rui Xuan — Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery, Department of General Surgery (Endocrine & thyroid surgery (thyroid & parathyroid))
Hernia, gallbladder & general abdominal surgery
- Adj Asst Prof Ramesh Wijaya — Department of Surgery (Colorectal surgery & surgical oncology (minimally invasive))
- Dr Sujith Wijerathne — Division of General Surgery (Hernia), Department of Surgery (hernia & abdominal wall)
What a general surgeon treats, and when to see one
A general surgeon treats hernias, gallstones and gallbladder disease, appendicitis, gastrointestinal and abdominal conditions, and skin and soft-tissue lumps, and many manage thyroid, upper-GI or other conditions within their special interest. See one on GP referral for a hernia, gallstone symptoms, a lump that needs removal, or abdominal problems needing surgery — or via the emergency department for acute problems like appendicitis.
What to look for when choosing a general surgeon in Singapore
For a straightforward operation, experience and minimally-invasive (keyhole) options matter; for a specific problem such as thyroid or upper-GI surgery, look for a surgeon with that special interest. Ask about their experience with your procedure, day-surgery options, the hospital, and cost and insurance. A GP referral helps match you to the right surgeon.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced General 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
Many general operations are day-surgery or short-stay. Public-hospital care is subsidised and means-tested, with MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans applying to eligible surgery; private surgery costs more with more choice and shorter waits. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance before planned surgery, and confirm fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What does a general surgeon treat?
Common surgical conditions such as hernias, gallstones, appendicitis, abdominal and gastrointestinal problems, and skin or soft-tissue lumps — often by keyhole surgery. Many also have a special interest, for example thyroid, upper-GI or breast surgery.
When should I see a general surgeon?
Usually on GP referral — for a hernia, gallstone symptoms, a lump that needs removing, or an abdominal problem that may need surgery. Acute problems like appendicitis are often managed via the emergency department.
Is hernia or gallbladder surgery done by keyhole?
Commonly, yes. Hernia repair and gallbladder removal are often done laparoscopically (keyhole), which can mean smaller wounds and quicker recovery in suitable cases. Your surgeon will advise what is appropriate.
Can I choose a surgeon with a specific interest?
Yes. Many general surgeons sub-specialise (for example in endocrine/thyroid, upper-GI or hepatobiliary surgery). For a specific problem it is reasonable to choose a surgeon whose special interest matches it — your GP can help direct the referral.
Does MediSave or insurance cover general surgery?
Eligible surgery and inpatient stays can draw on MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans, subject to limits, with subsidised means-tested public-hospital care. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance 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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