Dr Benjamin Chua — Aortic & Endovascular Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Benjamin Chua is Medical Director and Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the Vascular & Interventional Centre in Singapore, with clinics at Novena Specialist Centre. He obtained Specialty Accreditation from the Ministry of Health, Singapore in 2008 and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.

He completed sub-specialty training in advanced endovascular surgery in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on aortic stent grafts and fenestrated devices. Prior to private practice he was the founding head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Singapore General Hospital. His practice covers aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic limb salvage and stroke prevention.

Clinical focus

Aortic aneurysm & endovascular surgery.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Singapore), MHSc (Duke), MRCSEd, FRCSEd (General Surgery), FAMS; Fellowship in Advanced Endovascular Surgery (Melbourne).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: Vascular & Interventional Centre (VIC) (see our clinic listing) — Novena Specialist Centre, Sinaran Drive
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital; Gleneagles Hospital

Getting to the clinic

The Vascular & Interventional Centre sees patients at Novena Specialist Centre on Sinaran Drive, in the Novena medical cluster. The nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line, a short, mostly sheltered walk away through the linked Novena Medical Center and Square 2 complexes. From the station follow signs towards the hospital and specialist buildings on Sinaran Drive; lifts and travelators reduce the distance for those who find walking uncomfortable, which matters for patients with leg or circulation problems.

• By MRT: alight at Novena (NS20) and head towards Sinaran Drive and the specialist centre.
• By bus: several services run along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road close to the Novena cluster.
• By car or taxi: ride-hailing and taxis can set down at the building entrance; paid visitor parking is available within the Novena medical buildings.

If you have an aortic aneurysm under surveillance or painful leg claudication, ask to be dropped close to the lift lobby and allow extra time to reach the clinic floor.

What aortic aneurysm and endovascular surgery covers

Dr Benjamin Chua’s stated focus is aortic aneurysm and endovascular surgery. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the body’s main artery, most often in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA) but sometimes in the chest. Many are silent and found incidentally on a scan; the concern is that a large or growing aneurysm can rupture, which is a life-threatening emergency. Vascular surgeons assess the size, shape and growth rate of an aneurysm and weigh the risk of rupture against the risks of intervention.

Endovascular surgery treats arterial disease from inside the blood vessel using catheters, wires, balloons and stents passed through small punctures, often in the groin, rather than large open incisions. For aneurysms this can mean placing a stent graft (EVAR) to line the weakened segment, and in complex cases fenestrated or branched grafts that preserve flow to the kidneys and gut. The same minimally invasive toolkit is used for peripheral arterial disease, diabetic limb salvage and procedures aimed at stroke prevention. Open surgery remains important where anatomy or urgency makes it the safer choice, and a vascular surgeon is trained in both approaches.

What to expect at a consultation

A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history: any symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, leg pain on walking, non-healing wounds, dizziness or previous strokes, plus risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and family history of aneurysm. Examination includes checking pulses in the legs and feet, blood pressure, and feeling the abdomen.

Investigations are central to vascular care. You may have an ultrasound scan to measure an aneurysm or assess blood flow, and a CT angiogram to map the arteries in detail before any procedure. The surgeon then explains the findings, whether watchful surveillance, medication and risk-factor control, or a procedure is advised, and what each option involves in terms of recovery and risk. Bring a companion if the discussion is likely to be detailed.

Preparing for your appointment

• Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
• Previous records, discharge summaries and any imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI) on disc or via report.
• A current list of all medications and supplements, noting any blood thinners or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin.
• Recent blood results if you have them, including kidney function, which guides the safe use of contrast dye.
• A written list of symptoms, how far you can walk before leg pain starts, and your questions.

If you smoke, mention it honestly, as it strongly affects both aneurysm growth and healing after surgery.

After your consultation and follow-up

After the visit you will usually receive a clear plan. For an aneurysm being monitored, this means regular surveillance scans at set intervals to track size. If a stent graft or other procedure is planned, the clinic will arrange pre-operative checks and explain admission to the affiliated hospitals. After endovascular treatment, follow-up imaging confirms the graft is sealing correctly and watches for any leak around it (endoleak), so keeping these appointments matters.

Continuity of care also means controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and supporting smoking cessation, since these reduce the risk of future arterial problems. You are entitled to seek a second opinion before major surgery. Seek urgent help, by going to an emergency department, for sudden severe abdominal, back or chest pain, a cold, pale or painful leg, or signs of stroke such as face droop, arm weakness or slurred speech.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Chua can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter is helpful and may support subsidies if you are later referred to a public service. Consultations and scans are generally paid out of pocket. For eligible surgical procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may contribute within set limits; cover varies by plan and procedure. Confirm current fees, scan charges and what your insurance covers directly with the clinic before proceeding.

Common questions

How do I know if I have an aortic aneurysm?

Most cause no symptoms and are found on a scan done for another reason. People with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or a family history may be offered screening with an ultrasound.

Is endovascular repair better than open surgery?

Each has a role. Endovascular repair avoids a large incision and often means faster recovery, but suitability depends on your anatomy and overall health. The surgeon will explain which approach fits your case.

What happens if an aneurysm is small?

Small aneurysms are usually monitored with regular scans and managed by controlling blood pressure and other risks, with intervention considered if it grows beyond a threshold or causes symptoms.

Can leg pain when walking be a circulation problem?

Yes. Cramping calf or thigh pain that comes on with walking and eases with rest can indicate peripheral arterial disease, which a vascular surgeon can assess and treat.

Related guides

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• High blood pressure

Sources & verification

• Dr Benjamin Chua, Vascular & Interventional Centre
• Dr Chua Soo Yeng Benjamin, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals

See also: our editorial directory of vascular surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of vascular clinics.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.