Dr Tang Tjun Yip — Dialysis Access Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Tang Tjun Yip is a Senior Consultant Vascular and General Surgeon at The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic in Singapore. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Distinction in Surgery and was awarded a Doctorate of Medicine by Cambridge for research into carotid artery disease in stroke. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.

He previously practised at Singapore General Hospital and was a co-founding member of the Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons of Singapore. His clinical interests include dialysis access (arteriovenous fistula and graft creation and Tenckhoff catheter insertion), diabetic foot salvage, venous surgery and peripheral arterial disease.

Clinical focus

Dialysis access.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MA (Hons), MB BChir (Cambridge), MD (Cambridge), MRCS (Glas), FRCS (Gen), FAMS, CWSP.

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic (see our clinic listing) — Gleneagles Medical Centre; Farrer Park
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Gleneagles Hospital; Farrer Park Hospital

Getting to the clinic

Dr Tang Tjun Yip practises through The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic, with locations at Gleneagles Medical Centre and Farrer Park Hospital. For the Gleneagles site, on Napier Road, the nearest MRT is Napier station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TE12), with Orchard Boulevard station (TE13) in the wider vicinity; many patients find a taxi or ride-hailing service convenient, particularly if walking is difficult. The Farrer Park site connects directly to Farrer Park MRT on the North-East Line (NE8) via the Connexion development, an accessible and sheltered route.

It is worth confirming which location your appointment is at when booking. Buses serve Napier Road for Gleneagles and Serangoon Road and surrounds for Farrer Park. Both sites offer drop-off points near the entrance for taxis and ride-hailing, and the private medical centres provide paid visitor carparks. As both areas can be busy, allow extra time at peak hours and consider dropping a less mobile patient at the door before parking.

What dialysis access surgery covers

Dr Tang is a vascular and general surgeon whose clinical interests include dialysis access, alongside diabetic foot salvage, venous surgery and peripheral arterial disease. Dialysis access is the means by which blood can be reliably reached for haemodialysis in people with kidney failure.

• Creation of arteriovenous fistulas, which join an artery and vein to form durable access for haemodialysis.
• Creation of arteriovenous grafts where a fistula is not suitable.
• Insertion of Tenckhoff catheters for peritoneal dialysis.
• Diabetic foot salvage, aiming to treat infection and restore blood flow to preserve the limb.
• Venous surgery and peripheral arterial disease as part of general vascular practice.

Reliable dialysis access is central to the care of people on long-term dialysis, and the choice between a fistula, graft or peritoneal catheter depends on the patient’s veins, general health and the type of dialysis planned. Access may also need maintenance over time, so ongoing assessment is part of care.

What to expect at a consultation

A consultation begins with a detailed history covering your kidney condition, dialysis plan, other medical problems such as diabetes, previous access procedures, and the state of your veins and arteries. The surgeon will discuss the type of dialysis being planned.

Examination includes assessing the arms for suitable veins and checking the circulation; ultrasound mapping of the vessels is commonly used to plan access. For diabetic foot or arterial problems, the feet and circulation are examined. You will then discuss the findings and options, including which type of access is most suitable for you, what the procedure involves and how the access is cared for afterwards, so you can make an informed decision.

Preparing for your appointment

• Photo identification, and any GP, polyclinic or renal-team referral letter.
• Previous records, scans and reports, including details of any prior dialysis access.
• A current medication and supplement list, including blood thinners.
• Recent blood results, including kidney function tests if available.
• A written list of symptoms and questions, and details of your dialysis plan or renal physician.
• Short-sleeved or loose clothing so the arms can be examined and the veins assessed.

After your consultation and follow-up

You should leave understanding the recommended type of access, what the procedure involves and how to look after it. Reports from any vessel mapping are usually available within a few days. Dialysis access requires follow-up to check that a fistula is maturing or that a graft or catheter is working well, and to address any problems early, so review visits are an important part of care. Continuity is particularly valuable in dialysis access, which often needs ongoing maintenance, and you may seek a second opinion at any time.

Seek urgent attention for bleeding from an access site that does not stop, a sudden loss of the thrill (buzz) over a fistula, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, swelling, pain or fever around the access, as these need prompt assessment.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Tang can usually be seen without a referral, though a letter from your GP, polyclinic or renal team may help with continuity and with subsidies if you are later directed to public services. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally out of pocket. Because coverage depends on your plan and the specific procedure, confirm fees and claimable items with the clinic in advance.

Common questions

What is the difference between a fistula and a graft?

A fistula joins your own artery and vein, while a graft uses a synthetic tube to connect them. A fistula is often preferred when suitable, but the choice depends on your veins and health.

Why is vein mapping done before access surgery?

Ultrasound mapping assesses the size and quality of your veins and arteries, helping plan the most suitable and durable access.

How long before a new fistula can be used?

A fistula usually needs time to mature before it can be used for dialysis. The surgeon will advise on timing and monitor its development.

Does dialysis access need ongoing care?

Yes. Access can develop problems over time, so regular monitoring and maintenance help keep it working reliably.

Related guides

• Chronic kidney disease

Sources & verification

• Dr Tang Tjun Yip, Gleneagles Hospital

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.