Thomson Specialists (Woodleigh) handles its first Minimally Invasive Appendectomy with Dr Chong Choon Seng

Thomson Specialists (Woodleigh) marks a new milestone with the successful completion of its first minimally invasive appendectomy in its Day Surgery Operating Theatre (DSOT).

Led by colorectal surgeon Dr Chong Choon Seng, the procedure was performed on a patient who sought medical help for persistent lower abdominal pain that was interfering with his daily routine.

Upon careful evaluation, a Laparoscopic Appendectomy was recommended as an ideal treatment option by Dr Chong. The minimally invasive procedure makes use of tiny incisions no bigger than a ‘keyhole’ as entry points for the surgeon to remove inflamed portions of the patient’s appendix. Guided by cameras for precision, this technique leads to reduced bleeding, minimal scarring, and less post-operative discomfort, which all contribute to quicker recovery.

This makes it suited for day surgery settings. 

At Thomson Specialists (Woodleigh), the DSOT is purpose-built to ensure both patient safety and comfort. Patients are closely monitored in our recovery room post-procedure, allowing for same-day discharge with the same peace of mind patients can look forward to in a hospital.  

This is part of Thomson Medical’s commitment to bring effective, efficient care closer to where patients live, so they can enjoy the convenience of proximity to their loved ones near home.  

Thanks to specialist care from Dr Chong Choon Seng and our Thomson Angels, the patient was discharged later that same day. This marks not just a clinical success, but a meaningful step in providing “Specialised Care, Closer to Home.” 

^{Colorectal Surgeon Dr Chong Choon Seng performing his first Laparoscopic Appendectomy in a DSOT in the heartlands.}

About Dr Chong Choon Seng 

Dr Chong Choon Seng is a senior consultant colorectal surgeon with over 20 years of experience in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal procedures. With clinical expertise in treating colorectal cancer, piles, fistulas, and bowel disorders, Dr Chong is also internationally recognised for pioneering advanced techniques like transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) and laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision. He continues to contribute to the field as an Associate Professor at National University of Singapore and has published extensively on colorectal surgery innovations.

^{Our ophthamologist, Dr Don Pek, performing his first cataract surgery in our DSOT} 
Not Just Appendectomies: Cataract Surgeries Too  

Our DSOT in The Woodleigh Mall isn’t just focused on general surgery. It also supports ophthalmic procedures like cataract surgery, one of the most common eye conditions among older adults in Singapore.

Helmed by ophthalmologists, Dr Don Pek and Dr Carissa Cheng, cases are performed under local anaesthesia in the DSOT, and patients can recover in the observation wards, thereafter. This avails patients a safe and convenient alternative for treatment near their home.  

From appendectomies to cataracts, our DSOT is designed to support a wide range of minor surgeries. Find out more here.