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Thomson Specialists

Thomson Medical offers convenient access to comprehensive specialist outpatient and surgical care for women, children, and families through Thomson Specialists. Our team is dedicated to addressing your unique needs and providing tailored treatment options. Take control of your health today by booking an appointment at any of our Thomson Specialists clinics and embark on a journey towards improved well-being.

Bringing Comprehensive Specialist Care Closer To You

Thomson Women's Clinic

At Thomson Women’s Clinics, we are committed to providing modern and comprehensive care for women of all ages. Our experienced team of O&amp;G specialists is dedicated to creating a caring environment where your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our specialists provide specialised services on preventive measures, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans.Whether you need specialised care for women-related conditions or navigating the journey of childbirth, seeking support for family planning and fertility treatments, or requiring compassionate care through menopause, we are here for you.

Our Expertise

Specialists in Women’s Health

We understand that managing your health appointments around work and family commitments can be challenging. For your convenience, we provides women's health consultations beyond standard hours at multiple locations across Singapore.Extended Hours LocationsWhile all 12 of our women's health clinics operate during standard clinic hours, the following locations offer extended consultation times:Northeast<ul><li>Woodleigh: Thursday, 6pm - 9pm</li><li>Sengkang: Tuesday &amp; Friday, 5:30pm - 7:00pm</li><li>Punggol: Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Friday, 12pm - 8pm</li></ul>East<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Tampines: Monday, 7pm - 9pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Katong: Wednesday, 10am - 8pm</li></ul>West<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Jurong: Monday &amp; Thursday, 6pm - 9pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Bukit Batok: Monday, Thursday &amp; Friday, 6pm - 8:30pm</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Choa Chu Kang: Monday, 6pm - 8pm</li></ul>Thomson Medical is committed to providing accessible healthcare that fits your schedule.

Evening Clinics

Gynae Evening Clinics

Our Doctors

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Thomson Women’s Clinic

Thomson Paediatric Centre

At Thomson Paediatric Centres, our unwavering commitment is to treat your child with the same level of care and dedication as we would our own. We provide children's healthcare services to alleviate every parent's concerns and ensure the well-being of our next generation. Our experienced team of Paediatricians is devoted to cultivating a caring environment where your child's health is our top priority.Besides General Paediatrics services, we also offer specialised services in Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology. Our specialist doctors are experienced in areas such as Nutrition, Respiratory, Growth &amp; Development assessment, and Paediatric Urgent Care for babies to young children and adolescents. Trust us to be your partner in safeguarding your child's health and ensuring a compassionate and comprehensive approach to their medical needs.

Specialists in Children’s Health

Our Paediatricians

Please click on the below links for our Paediatricians' availabilities.
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 <td>Clinic Location</td>
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 <td>Dr Ang Ai Tin</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/XcyrrQBgEW35Rw3f6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 1)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Eugene Han</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/odint8UJmba6RBPbA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 4)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Grace Lim</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/obLpwmEFumMjMzRz8" target="_blank">Thomson Specialists (Woodleigh)</a> </td>
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 <td>Dr Kenneth Chua Yong Yeow</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kp3TYWxzLXkfkkPYA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Punggol)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Leo Deng Jin</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVzfb9zvkUMvvNxN8" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Bukit Panjang)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Lim Yang Chern</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Ex6ra4NmwHQUopS6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Jurong)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Ong Ian</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/78WJoj482r35Af7T9" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (Parkway Parade)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Tan Kuanyang</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/odint8UJmba6RBPbA" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 4)</a></td>
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 <td>Dr Yang Linqi</td>
 <td><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/XcyrrQBgEW35Rw3f6" target="_blank">Thomson Paediatric Centre (TPC 1)</a></td>
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Refer to each paediatrician's <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/centres/paediatric-centre/paediatricians-consultation-hours">consultation hours</a> for their availability.

Our Paediatricians' Leave Schedule

General Information

Your Guide to Thomson Medical

Investor Relations

Latest share price, financial performance, and other materials relevant to investors.Read about our <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt5a13f1dd33c615fa/651e7a9aecf48b6d54c38b23/TMG-Investor-Relations-Policy-3Sep2020.pdf?branch=uat_release_3" target="_self">Investor Relations Policy</a>For Investor Relations matters, please email us at <a href="mailto:ir@thomsonmedical.com">ir@thomsonmedical.com</a> Thomson Medical Group Limited 101 Thomson Road #20-04/05, United Square Singapore 307591 Tel: +65 6331 0188 Fax: +65 6331 0180

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<table><tbody><tr><td>Stock symbol</td><td>A50.SI</td></tr><tr><td>Listing</td><td>Singapore Exchange </td></tr><tr><td>Financial Year End</td><td>June 30</td></tr><tr><td>Total issued shares as at 30 June 2023</td><td>26,441,066,807 ordinary shares</td></tr><tr><td>Market capitalisation as at 30 June 2023</td><td>S$1.6 billion</td></tr></tbody></table>

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Comprehensive surgical management of breast conditions, from benign lumps to complex reconstructive procedures.<ul><li>Breast lump removal and biopsy</li><li>Oncological breast surgery</li><li>Mastectomy and reconstruction</li><li>Breast reduction and augmentation</li></ul>

Breast surgery

Surgical treatment for conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anal region using modern techniques.<ul><li>Colorectal cancer surgery</li><li>Inflammatory bowel disease management</li><li>Hemorrhoid and fistula treatment</li><li>Minimally invasive techniques</li></ul>

Colorectal surgery

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal conditions with imaging technology.<ul><li>Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy</li><li>Polyp removal and biopsy</li><li>Therapeutic endoscopic procedures</li><li>Screening and surveillance programs</li></ul>

Endoscopy and gastroscopy

Surgical management of chest and lung conditions, including minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures.<ul><li>Lung surgery and resection</li><li>Chest wall reconstruction</li><li>Video-assisted thoracoscopy</li><li>Pleural disease management</li></ul>

Thoracic surgery

Emergency surgical management of traumatic injuries with rapid response and comprehensive care protocols.<ul><li>Emergency surgical interventions</li><li>Multi-trauma management</li><li>Damage control surgery</li><li>Trauma reconstruction</li></ul>

Trauma surgery

Surgical treatment for upper gastrointestinal conditions and weight management procedures.<ul><li>Gastric bypass and sleeve surgery</li><li>Hiatal hernia repair</li><li>Gallbladder surgery</li><li>Reflux disease management</li></ul>

Upper GI and bariatric surgery

Comprehensive hernia repair using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques for effective treatment.<ul><li>Inguinal and ventral hernia repair</li><li>Laparoscopic hernia surgery</li><li>Complex abdominal wall reconstruction</li><li>Recurrent hernia management</li></ul>

Hernia surgery

Keyhole surgery techniques that reduce recovery time while maintaining surgical effectiveness.<ul><li>Laparoscopic procedures</li><li>Robotic-assisted surgery</li><li>Single-incision techniques</li><li>Enhanced recovery protocols</li></ul>

Minimally invasive surgery

Surgical management of blood vessel conditions with focus on circulation restoration and limb preservation.<ul><li>Arterial bypass procedures</li><li>Varicose vein treatment</li><li>Vascular access surgery</li><li>Peripheral arterial disease management</li></ul>

Vascular surgery

Our comprehensive services

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General surgery involves the assessment and management of conditions affecting the abdomen, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms or exploring surgical options, gaining clarity about your condition can help you make informed decisions.At Thomson Medical, our general surgeons provide thorough consultations for a broad range of concerns — from minor day procedures to more involved surgeries. These may include conditions like hernias, gallstones, skin lumps, appendicitis, or thyroid nodules. If you've been advised to consider surgical evaluation, our team can support you with appropriate assessments and care planning, guided by clinical findings and your specific health needs.

About

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When everyday symptoms don’t feel so everyday

Our surgeons maintain professional standards through continuous education, ongoing training, and adherence to evidence-based practices across surgical specialties.

Surgical care

We provide an integrated approach that includes pre-operative planning, surgical intervention, and post-operative care with coordination across medical specialities as appropriate.

Comprehensive care

Each patient receives individual assessment and surgical planning that considers their specific condition, health status, and treatment considerations.

Individualised treatment plans

We work collaboratively with referring physicians, specialists, and healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care and appropriate communication throughout your treatment process.

Coordinated care

Structured postoperative monitoring with regular assessments, wound care management, and coordination with referring physicians for ongoing health maintenance

Follow-up care

Why Us

Our approach to your health needs

Dr Toh Bin Chet is a general surgeon at Thomson Surgical Centre, Singapore.His subspecialties are upper gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric weight loss and metabolic endoscopic surgery, and advanced endoscopy. He treats general surgical conditions, hernias,&nbsp;gallbladder stones,&nbsp;gastroesophageal reflux, upper gastrointestinal cancer, and bariatric metabolic disorders. He is skilled in minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting/spyglass.Dr Toh was part of the team of specialists who set up the general surgery, upper gastrointestinal, and bariatric services at Sengkang General Hospital and is still a visiting consultant there.He graduated from the University of Dundee, UK and later became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK, and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. He was awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan award and completed his clinical fellowship at Cambridge University Addenbrooke’s Hospital, UK. He also completed a surgical clinical observership at the University of Strasbourg, France.Prior to his overseas fellowship, he had a 2-year clinical fellowship experience in advanced minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal and bariatric metabolic surgery at Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. In addition, he furthered his surgical skills through masterclasses at the National Cancer Centre, South Korea for gastric cancer, Gemelli University Hospital, Italy for bariatric endoscopic procedures, and Bangkok Rajavithi Hospital, Thailand for advanced endoscopy and ERCP.Besides his clinical works, Dr Toh was a clinical assistant professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, adjunct lecturer at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and clinical lecturer at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He is also an instructor for the Advanced Trauma Life Support course under the American College of Surgeons.He is also active in research and has authored several scientific publications as well as presenting frequently at international surgical conferences. He was previously the honorary treasurer and executive member of The Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of Singapore. He is also a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.Key Achievements<ul><li>One of the earliest bariatric surgeons trained in both bariatric endoscopy and minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric metabolic surgery in Singapore.</li><li>Part of the team of specialists who set up the general surgery, upper gastrointestinal, and bariatric services at Sengkang General Hospital</li></ul>

Dr Toh Bin Chet

Dr Benjamin Chua is a specialist in Vascular Surgery - a speciality that focuses on treating patients with vascular diseases using advanced endovascular (minimally invasive) techniques as well as traditional open surgery. His main interests are in vein conditions (e.g varicose veins, pelvic congestion syndrome and vein compression syndromes) as well as arterial diseases (peripheral artery disease arterial/ aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease). Dr Chua also specialises in using endovascular techniques to treat a spectrum of Women's and Men's Health related conditions (uterine fibroids, varicocoele, erectile dysfunction, etc).

Dr Chua was the Founding Head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, the first department of its kind in Singapore dedicated to caring for patients with vascular diseases. He was also concurrently Senior Consultant Surgeon and Director, Endovascular Surgery.

In 2001, he was awarded the Singapore National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Fellowship Training Award and obtained his MHSc in Clinical Research in 2003. He was also a research fellow at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, focusing on lower limb peripheral artery disease in the dialysis dependent populations and the development of randomized trials in surgery.

He completed his basic and advanced training in General and Vascular Surgery at SGH in 2003. In 2008, he obtained Specialty Accreditation from the Ministry of Health, Singapore and was admitted as a Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. In 2009, Dr Chua was awarded the Singapore Ministry of Health - NHG HMDP Award to pursue sub-specialty training in Advanced Endovascular Surgery in Melbourne, Australia. He trained as a Fellow under the tutelage of Professor Michael Denton, an expert in advanced aortic stent grafts and fenestrated devices. Dr Chua was also the Honorary Clinical Fellow in Vascular Surgery at St Vincent's and Epworth Hospitals, Melbourne.

Dr Chua is a regional proctor and case demonstrator, travelling regularly in the Asia-Pacific region to teach and proctor complex aortic stenting, peripheral vascular interventions, vein surgery and vascular malformation treatment. He is also regularly invited to be faculty and speaker at regional and international vascular conferences. Dr Chua also travels to neighbouring regional countries to consult on patients and assist in surgeries. Dr Chua has also written many book chapters and has published research articles in international vascular surgery journals.

Dr Chua's mission is to provide effective treatment for patients suffering from vascular related health problems. As a surgeon at Thomson Surgical Centre, he hopes to provide dedicated personalised care to patients with vascular diseases, with the goal of achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Dr Benjamin Chua

Dr Akash Verma is a lung specialist with a sub-specialty interest in Intensive Care Medicine, Interventional Pulmonology and lung cancer.Prior to joining Thomson Medical Centre, Dr Akash was a senior consultant in Respiratory medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. After graduation, he trained at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, before obtaining his membership of Royal College of Physicians (United Kingdom). Upon completion of advanced training in Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, He was conferred a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS). Subsequently he was awarded the Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship and was a visiting fellow in the Department of Interventional Pulmonology at Samsung Medical Centre-Seoul, Mayo Clinic-USA, and the University of Chicago. He pioneered the establishment of the service of "navigation bronchoscopy" in Singapore in 2018 as a part of improving the quality of the journey of the lung cancer patients in the healthcare system. In addition to common respiratory conditions like asthma &amp; COPD, He is trained in advanced bronchoscopy techniques of laser resection of lung tumors, silicone stent placement in the airways, pleuroscopy, EBUS-TBNA, and navigation bronchoscopy.He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed scientific papers to date. He continues to have active interest in publishing and teaching and has taught in several international conferences and courses as an invited speaker both in South East Asia (Seoul 2013, Singapore 2015, Japan 2016, Indonesia 2017-2019, and Malaysia 2019) and Europe (Italy 2016).Dr Akash is accredited to perform surgical procedures at Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Akash Verma

Dr Chen Min Qi is a fellowship-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon.He graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2005 and subsequently completed his basic and advanced training in general and vascular surgery and obtained his Surgery master's degree at NUS in 2015.Dr Chen is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and was awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan Award in 2018 to complete further subspecialty vascular training at St Mary's Hospital, London. Prior to private practice, he was the head of the vascular service at Woodlands Health and also a clinical tutor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He served as an examiner at the final Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery undergraduate examinations conducted by NUS on numerous occasions and was also a recipient of the SQ Awards Service Ambassador from JurongHealth.Dr Chen Min Qi is accredited to perform surgical procedures at Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Chen Min Qi

Dr Chong Choon Seng is a Senior Consultant specialising in Colorectal Surgery and a Medical Director at Ark Surgical Practice in Orchard. He is also an Associate Professor in Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS). His main expertise lies in the field of colorectal surgery namely colorectal cancer, piles surgery, anal fistula treatment, colonoscopy, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and colonic stenting.Before going to private practice, Dr Chong was a Consultant Surgeon at National University Hospital (NUH) and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. He has 20 years of experience and is an established laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgeon. He has performed numerous complex colorectal cancer operations and is recognised as a regional speaker and trainer for minimally invasive colorectal surgeons around the Asia Pacific region.Being trained in Samsung Medical Centre in Korea for his fellowship in 2015, he has performed robotic and advanced laparoscopic surgeries under the guidance of experts in the field. Some of the procedures that he is well known for include<ul><li>transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS),</li><li>laparoscopic Complete Mesocolon Excision (CME),</li><li>transanal Total Mesorectum Excision (TME),</li><li>transanal TME (taTME) and</li><li>Endoscopic Submucosal Dissections (ESD).</li></ul>TAMIS is useful for benign and early malignant disease and it leads to higher rates of rectal preservation. Laparoscopic CME and TME are performed routinely for colon cancer and lead to lower recurrence rates. Having published their local favourable taTME results under the Open access - British Journal Surgery, this technique continues to be a good alternative for challenging rectal cancer surgeries. To date, Dr Chong continues to proctor such cases for surgeons in other institutions.Dr Chong is an international thought leader due to his clinical and research work in the field. He has over 100 publications and won multiple awards in teaching and research.Dr Chong is accredited to perform surgical procedures at Thomson Medical Centre and Mt Elizabeth Hospital.Treatments offered for all patients with<ul><li>colorectal cancer</li><li>diverticular disease</li><li>inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)</li><li>constipation</li><li>piles</li><li>incontinence to perianal conditions like haemorrhoids, fistula and fissures, gallstones, hernia, and appendicitis</li></ul>Special expertise:<ul><li>Colonoscopy and gastroscopy</li><li>Colonic stenting for malignant colon obstruction</li><li>Surgery for colorectal cancers, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)</li><li>Robotic Surgery and Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) for low rectal cancer</li><li>Minimally Invasive or Laparoscopic colorectal surgery</li><li>Management of constipation and incontinence</li><li>Complex and recurrent anal fistula treatment</li><li>Stapler and laser piles surgery</li></ul>

Dr Chong Choon Seng

Dr. Sim Hsien Lin is a General Surgeon (Colorectal) at Thomson Surgical Centre. She graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2002, before further obtaining her Master of Medicine (Surgery) in 2007. Upon completion of her specialisation in General Surgery, she became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) in 2011, winning the Gold Medal award at the FRCS Exit Examination that year. In 2013, she received further subspecialty training at St Mark's Hospital in London. Dr. Sim has a special interest in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In addition, she is trained in the surgical management of inflammatory bowel diseases and complex anal fistulas. Still active in both undergraduate and postgraduate education, Dr. Sim is an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and also an Adjunct Lecturer with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. She is an active member of the Singapore Colorectal Society and Singapore Cancer Society. She has a few publications in general surgery in both local and international peer-accredited journals, and has presented her research papers in various conferences in Singapore and overseas. She was also active in conducting clinical trials pertaining to the field of colorectal diseases and had previously published a book chapter on hemorrhoids. Prior to joining private practice, Dr. Sim was a senior consultant at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, a visiting consultant at Admiralty Medical Centre and an Associate Program Director with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Residency Programme. She actively participates in public education and had organised numerous public forums and given many community public talks during her time at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Dr. Sim is a caring, dedicated and passionate surgeon who aspires to provide the best care and service to her patients. She was the Service Lead of Geriatric Surgical Service and firmly believes that transdisciplinary care is the key to supporting both the elderly and complex patients through their perioperative and recovery journey. Dr. Sim is able to converse fluently in English and Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien and Teochew).

Dr Sim Hsien Lin

Dr Tan Wee Boon is a Senior Consultant Endocrine, Thyroid, and Hernia Surgeon at Crest Surgical Practice. He also serves as a visiting consultant at <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/thomson-specialists" target="_blank">Thomson Specialists</a> Woodleigh.Dr Tan's clinical interests include hernia, soft tissue, and endocrine surgery, with extensive experience in laparoscopic hernia surgery. His subspecialty in endocrine surgery allows him to manage thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland conditions. He also specialises in surgery for common soft tissue growths, such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, as well as advanced retroperitoneal sarcomas.Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2003 with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery. He began his surgical training in General Surgery in 2007 and was accredited as a general surgical specialist by the Specialist Accreditation Board, Singapore, in 2013 after obtaining a fellowship with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He received the Academic Medicine Development Award and completed fellowship training in endocrine surgery at University College London Hospital and in robotic thyroidectomy at Yonsei University in Seoul.Before transitioning to private practice, Dr Tan was a senior consultant in the Department of General Surgery at National University Hospital (NUH).Dr Tan has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and regularly attends local and international conferences to stay updated with the latest medical advancements. He is also passionate about medical education, having received multiple teaching awards during his tenure at NUH, where he held several undergraduate education positions, including NUS Chief Convenor for the final surgical exam (MBBS) from 2018 to 2022. He continues to contribute to public healthcare and medical education as a visiting consultant and adjunct assistant professor at NUH.In his free time, Dr Tan enjoys spending time with his family and his canine friend, whom he adopted in 2020.Dr Tan is accredited to perform surgical procedures at Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Tan Wee Boon

Dr Woon is a Visiting Consultant at Thomson Breast Centre, with over 27 years of experience in patient care, 18 years of which were in private practice as a breast surgeon. She obtained her MBBS in 1996 from the National University of Singapore (NUS). She attained her Masters of Medicine in Surgery degree from the NUS in 2001. She was conferred the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2000, and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in General Surgery in 2004. In 2004, she also became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore, and was accredited as a Specialist in General Surgery by the Ministry of Health, Singapore in 2004.When she was undergoing surgery training, she was taught locally by the pioneer surgeons in breast conservation prior to the coining of the term "Oncoplastic", which led to her subspecialty interest in breast cancer surgery. She was fortunate to have been among the earliest batches of surgeons in Singapore trained by the pioneers in laparoscopic surgery as well as cross-trained in endoscopy. She is a life member of both ELSA (Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia) and the Hepatopancreaticobiliary Society of Singapore (HPBA(S)). To serve the medical community, she is active in various professional associations and organisations. Since 2007, she has been a Council Member of the Singapore Medical Association (SMA). She is the Vice-Chairman of the Medical Indemnity Committee, Board Member of the Centre for Medical Ethics and Professionalism (SMA-CMEP), and one of the Directors of SMA Pte Ltd. She represented the SMA as the Councillor of the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO) from 2008-2018. She is a member of the Standing Committee on Professional Affairs at the Academy of Medicine Singapore. Dr Woon has been a member of the Transplant Ethics Committee since 2014. She was appointed to the National Medical Ethics Committee (NMEC) for 2017-2018.

Dr Bertha Woon

Our surgeons

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General surgeons treat a wide range of conditions including appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias, skin and soft tissue masses, thyroid disorders, and abdominal conditions. They also perform emergency surgical procedures when required.

What conditions are treated by general surgeons?

Not all conditions require surgery. Our general surgeons will evaluate your condition and discuss both surgical and non-surgical treatment options when appropriate. Surgery is recommended only when clinically indicated.

How do I know if my condition requires surgical treatment?

Many patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure can safely undergo surgery. Your surgical team will coordinate with your other doctors to optimise your health before surgery and manage any medical conditions.

Can general surgery be performed if I have other medical conditions?

Frequently asked questions

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Thomson Breast Clinic

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Breast lumps during pregnancy are very common. The expectant mother will experience many normal physiological changes ― an increase in breast size, more obvious sweat glands around the nipples, a darkening of the areola ― all of which will prepare her body for breastfeeding.Common non-cancerous variations to breasts include hormonal changes (fibrocystic changes), fibroadenomas, cysts, lipomas, accessory (extra) breast tissue. Pregnancy-related breast cancers make up about 3 per cent of all breast cancers.Whenever a pregnant woman feels a lump, she should see a doctor to get their opinion, keeping in mind that most times it will turn out to be nothing serious!<h2>What the doctor will do</h2>When you see the doctor, she will ask details as to how you detected the lump, how long it has been present and if you have detected any changes, so as to get an idea what the lump is likely to be.Next, the doctor will conduct a breast examination to confirm the presence of the lump, and check for any other symptoms such as skin changes or nipple discharge.Most patients will then be recommended to get an ultrasound scan ― this will give additional information as to whether this lump is benign or cancerous. If there is any concern that the lump may be cancerous, your doctor will advise you as to the pros and cons of having a biopsy, which can be done safely even during pregnancy.“If a pregnant women detects a lump, I would advise them to have a thorough consultation and a physical examination, followed by an ultrasound. If necessary, I would then perform a biopsy.”<h2>Breast cancer screening during pregnancy</h2>A screening checks for cancer even when a patient is feeling well and has absolutely no cancer signs or symptoms. For breast cancer screening, most countries, including Singapore, recommend mammogram screening from age 50 onwards. For women who are at higher risk, this may start at 40. Some specialists will recommend a supplementary ultrasound as well.If a pregnant women detects a lump, I would advise them to have a thorough consultation and a physical examination, followed by an ultrasound. If necessary, I would then perform a biopsy.<h2>Screening methods (Mammograms/Ultrasound)</h2>Ultrasound, the same technology used to monitor the baby during pregnancy, is safe and useful in detecting lumps, and to check if it’s solid or cystic. Most specialists do not use ultrasound as a screening method as the majority of such lumps it detects are not cancerous.A diagnostic ultrasound can still be performed safely on pregnant women to assess their breast lump. If a subsequent biopsy confirms a cancer, she may then need a baseline mammogram, after discussing the pros and cons with her doctor. This is because early stage breast cancer may not form a lump yet, but may attract calcium spots, which can be detected using a mammogram. An abdominal lead apron may be used to reduce the baby’s exposure to radiation.<h2>Breast cancer treatment</h2>If the biopsy shows that the lump is non-cancerous (benign), then it may be left alone.However, if the biopsy shows that it is cancerous, the breast cancer treatment protocols will be modified for the expectant woman. Staging* has to be conducted to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, but only with liver ultrasound and chest X-ray. Depending on which trimester of the pregnancy she is in, the breast surgeon, oncologist and the ob-gyn will discuss what is best for the patient and her baby.Chemotherapy may be administered from the second trimester onwards, followed by surgery after she deliver the baby. As such management of the patient’s treatment is complex, it will involve good multidisciplinary care by experienced doctors.*Staging is a way to describe where the cancer is located, how much the cancer has grown, and if or where it has spread.

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Although common breast changes are normal in pregnancy, finding a lump can be worrying. Learn what are the recommended next steps, and when you should worry.

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Breast Lumps During Pregnancy: What to Expect and Do

“It all started with a persistent pain in the left breast, and I was referred by my General Practitioner for a mammogram and ultrasound. Both the mammogram and ultrasound results showed an abnormal lump, and I was further scheduled for a breast biopsy to determine if the lump was benign or malignant. Questions started to fill my mind. What is breast biopsy and how is it performed? And is it painful?”For many patients, pain is a very common symptom and is the most common complaint that brings them to see a doctor. For a small group, there happens to be an abnormal lump found that needs a biopsy. Most times, pain is not a sign of cancer, and any lumps found may not be the cause of the breast pain you experienced.Some of us may face a similar situation when a lump is detected. It is normal to have many questions. This article aims to address some of your preliminary questions while you arrange for a consult with a professional specialist. It is important to seek timely professional diagnosis and treatment.Here’s what you need to know about a breast biopsy and what to expect.<h2>What is a breast biopsy?</h2>A breast biopsy is a process where a small sample of breast tissue is removed through a special biopsy needle. The tissue samples removed from the breast lump will be further examined under a microscope. Typically, the breast biopsy is performed if there is an abnormality detected from your previous mammograms or breast ultrasounds. The goal of the biopsy is to determine what the abnormality is and the best treatment to move forward with.Although ultrasounds and mammograms are useful ways to identify breast lumps, a breast biopsy is the only way to confirm what the lump is. Breast screening is to be done, even if you are well and have no symptoms at all, and annual mammograms should start from age 40.If you experience any symptoms, please see a doctor for early diagnostic imaging tests:<ul><li>Breast lump</li><li>Changes in the colour or contour of the breast or nipple or dimpling of skin</li><li>Discharge from the nipple</li></ul>Most breast biopsies are quick and painless. Many of the breast lumps may turn out to be benign as there are a variety of conditions that can cause lumps in the breast. However, your doctor will usually want to take precautions and order breast screening tests to rule out early <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/breast-cancer" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>.<h2>How to prepare for a breast biopsy?</h2>Before your breast biopsy, you can prepare by informing your breast surgeon if you:<ul><li>Have any allergies</li><li>Are taking any blood-thinning medications</li><li>Have consumed aspirin in the last seven days</li><li>Not able to lie face down for more than an hour</li></ul>You will likely meet with your specialist prior to the procedure. Your doctor would be able to advise you on the procedure and give you advice such as:<ul><li>What type of breast biopsy procedure will be done?</li><li>What is the location of my biopsy?</li><li>Will a part or all of the lump be extracted?</li><li>Will it leave a scar?</li><li>How soon will I receive my results?</li><li>How soon can I resume normal activities?</li><li>What type of anaesthesia will be used?</li></ul>Make sure to wear a sports bra and loose clothing to have ease in dressing after the procedure. You may also want to have a designated driver or someone to accompany you home safely.<h2>What are the different types of breast biopsies and how are they performed?</h2>Once your breast surgeon decides that a biopsy is needed, they will determine the best type of biopsy for your situation. There are a few breast biopsy procedures to obtain samples of a patient’s breast lumps. Your breast surgeon will recommend based on the location, size, and other characteristics of the breast abnormality.Your breast surgeon will take a tissue sample either through a minimally invasive biopsy procedure or surgery. Minimally invasive procedures are ideal because they offer:<ul><li>Less pain</li><li>Less scarring</li><li>Faster recovery time</li><li>Lower risk of infection</li><li>Lower hospital costs</li><li>Able to return to usual activities quickly</li></ul><h3>Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy</h3>This procedure is performed through ultrasound guidance. An ultrasound is a method that utilises high-frequency sound waves to generate precise images.The breast surgeon will locate the lump within the patient’s breasts using the breast ultrasound device before a small incision is made for the biopsy needle to retrieve tissue samples. With an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, the breast surgeon can identify <a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/breastbius" target="_self">lumps near the chest wall or under the arms</a>.It can be used in conjunction with vacuum-assisted core biopsy, core needle biopsy, or fine needle aspiration biopsy. This ultrasound-guided breast biopsy procedure is also more cost-effective than other methods like open surgical biopsy.<h3>Stereotactic biopsy</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/bltdc27a561fa0c5072/6545217008cc0104077ce311/Stereotactic_Biopsy.jpeg?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>With a stereotactic biopsy, a 3D image of the breast is created from the mammogram results. The doctor uses the image to pinpoint the exact location of the suspected breast lump and guides the needle there. The patient will lay <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-biopsy-stereotactic#procedure" target="_self">facing down on a padded biopsy table</a> with one of the breasts positioned in the hole in the table. The patient’s breast will be compressed with two plates while the biopsy site is located using a targeted mammogram. The breast surgeon or radiologist will then create a small incision into the biopsy site and insert a large core needle to remove tissue samples.<h3>RI-guided core needle biopsy</h3>Instead of using an ultrasound device, a biopsy can be performed under the guidance of an MRI. This imaging device captures cross-sectional images of the breast so that the hollow needle can be guided to the site of the breast lump. This procedure can be used with core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted core biopsy, or wire localisation.he different types of breast biopsy vary in terms of how invasive the procedure it can be. Your breast surgeon will advise on the procedure that is the best for you.<h3>Open (surgical) biopsy</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt4155c1fcecc004d3/654521990970dd001bd16e10/Open_(Surgical)_Biopsy.png?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>The breast surgeon will remove part or the entire lump. If the lump is small and deep, a very thin needle and a thin wire will be placed inside the breast before the operation to help guide the breast surgeon.Generally, a surgical biopsy is performed in an operating room usually under general <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anesthesia" target="_blank">anaesthesia</a>.<h3>Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology</h3>In this procedure, a thin needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the breast lumps. The syringe will collect the sample of fluid or cells from the lump and small tissue samples are removed. Your doctor will advise if this is suitable for you.<h3>Sentinel node biopsy</h3>This procedure removes the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging/sentinel-node-biopsy-fact-sheet" target="_self">sentinel lymph node</a> or the first node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. The surgeon uses blue dye or a radioactive tracer to identify the node. Then, the node is removed and tested for cancer. Cancer could have spread to other lymph nodes if the sentinel node tests positive. However, if it is negative, the likelihood of cancer spreading to other lymph nodes is lower.<h3>Vacuum-assisted core biopsy</h3>This procedure is performed with an ultrasound or mammogram unit and can be seen as an upgraded form of the core needle biopsy. Like the core biopsy, a larger needle is used and allows for several tissue samples to be taken at one time.A probe or hollow tube is inserted into a cut made on the skin. Then, a vacuum-assisted device is used to pull the tissue into the needle while a rotating cutting device takes the sample. Using a suction device is beneficial because it can get more cells and fluid through the needle, which cuts down on the number of times the needle will need to be inserted to retrieve multiple samples.<h2>Benefits and risks of breast biopsy</h2>Before proceeding with breast biopsy procedures, you may want to discuss with the breast surgeon and weigh the benefits and risks to determine the suitable procedure that is right for you. Fortunately, most procedures are less invasive compared to surgical biopsy and some will leave minimal to no scarring. The biopsy results will indicate whether the breast lump is malignant or benign which would either allow you to rest easy or quickly get the treatment that you need.Although these procedures are generally safe, there are some risks involved. Possible complications that can incur from a breast biopsy include:<ul><li>Mild pain and bruising</li><li>Infection</li><li>Prolonged bleeding</li><li>Soreness at the biopsy site</li></ul>Many of these side effects are simply temporary. However, if they persist, contact your <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/find-a-doctor/breast-surgeon-singapore" target="_blank">breast surgeon</a> for treatment. Generally, following the aftercare instructions will greatly reduce these risks and limit the odds of infection.<h2>FAQ</h2><h3>Why is a breast biopsy done?</h3>A breast biopsy can be done for several reasons:<ul><li>To identify any lumps in your breast</li><li>To check for the potential causes of any nipple problems such as bloody discharge</li><li>To evaluate whether the breast lump or breast mass is cancerous or non-cancerous.</li><li>To check the severity of a problem seen from the breast imaging results, such as a fluid-filled cyst or calcium deposits in breast tissue (microcalcifications)</li></ul><h3>How often are breast biopsies positive for cancer?</h3>&gt; 80% of the patients who undergo the biopsy procedure do not have cancer, while only &lt; 20% of breast biopsies are malignant. When the results are negative, the breast lump is benign.<h3>Does a breast biopsy hurt?</h3>The breast surgeon may use local anaesthesia to help numb the biopsy area during the procedure. It may be slightly uncomfortable, but most patients describe it as tolerable. Once the site is numb from the local anaesthetic, one should only feel pressure but no pain from the biopsy.Typically, only local anaesthesia is required. However, general anaesthesia may be used in severe cases, meaning the entire body is numbed.<h3>How long does it take to recover from breast biopsy?</h3>Biopsy procedures do not cause significant pain to your body. However, you may experience some bruising, tenderness, or soreness for a few days after the biopsy procedure. Patients can take non-aspirin pain relievers that contain acetaminophen and apply cold packs to help ease the pain and discomfort. However, it can take longer to recover from surgical removal procedures when compared to nonsurgical procedures.With all breast biopsy procedures, except for the surgical biopsy, you will be able to go home without a patient caregiver. You will likely have bandages and a cold pack over the biopsy site. Most patients can resume usual activities within a day after the procedure.Tell your breast surgeon if you notice the following problems after the biopsy:<ul><li>Pain that gets worse</li><li>Chills or fever</li><li>Swelling, redness, drainage, or bleeding</li></ul><h3>How soon should you expect to receive your breast biopsy results?</h3><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5f400315f9e4f0b3/blt3ce74f2f0f705f43/654521d254447604077cfdc6/Breast_Biopsy.jpeg?branch=uat_release_3" height="auto"/>Once the procedure is done, the breast tissue samples are sent to the lab. A pathologist will evaluate the samples using specialised tools and then create a report to send to the breast surgeon, who will share the results with you.Generally, it takes a few days before the results are ready. However, it can take as long as two weeks before the test results are available if the lab needs more time to process your specimen.Sometimes a clear diagnosis is not possible based on the sample given. In this scenario, you may need another biopsy performed so that the breast surgeon can obtain more breast tissue for further evaluation.The results will share details about the consistency and size of the breast tissue samples, the location of the biopsy site, and whether there are cancer cells present. If it is malignant, the report will detail the type of breast cancer you have. Based on the findings, your breast surgeon will advise on the next steps for treatment.<h2>Book Your Appointment at Thomson Breast Centre</h2>Prevention is always better than cure! Our clinical team at <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/breast" target="_blank">Thomson Breast Centre</a> offers different services for all <a href="https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/breast-screening-mammogram-ultrasound" target="_blank">breast screening</a> needs with the assurance that you will be well taken care of. It is important to detect signs of breast cancer early. The sooner it is detected, the faster the treatment can start. At Thomson Medical, our doctors will evaluate the lump and provide the appropriate tests for diagnosis.Most patients start with a specialist consultation for a personalised clinical breast assessment. We offer a wide range of biopsy procedures, from minimally invasive removal to more advanced surgical options if a biopsy is needed. Book a specialist consultation with Thomson Breast Centre and start your breast health journey today.

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Worried about a breast lump? Don't panic. A breast biopsy is a simple procedure that can help determine if the lump is benign or malignant. Learn more about the process and what to expect from this article.

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Everything You Need to Know About Breast Biopsy

Just as there are skin issues that arise during pregnancy, skin conditions can also develop after you give birth. Fortunately, they are largely treatable, so there is no need to fret – your postpartum skin and hair will bounce back in no time. We take a look at some of the most common conditions.<h2>Acne</h2>Caused by an inflammation in the facial oil glands, acne may be aggravated by hormonal changes. Most of the time, acne clears within a few weeks or months, but medical treatment should be sought to prevent the risk of scarring. There are many topical agents that can be safely used even when breastfeeding. In more severe cases, oral medications such as antibiotics may be required.<h2>Melasma</h2>Also known as “the mask of pregnancy”, this pigmentation condition is due to increased melanin production and is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, as well as sun exposure. It tends to affect Asian skin more, appearing as brownish patches over the cheeks, forehead, temples, nasal bridge, upper lips and jawline.It is best controlled by avoiding the sun and with regular use of sunscreen, lightening creams and topical agents, although it can persist in some cases. Other treatments include chemical peeling, intense pulsed light therapy and certain forms of laser therapy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding – certain ingredients such as tretinoin and hydroquinone that can be found in some skincare products should be avoided by breastfeeding mums.<h2>Dermatitis/eczema</h2>Eczema or dermatitis is a relatively common yet noninfectious condition, so it will not spread to your baby. Often it is an aggravation of an underlying sensitive skin condition that has been present for some time. For new mothers, it can also develop as a result of excessive water contact due to frequent handwashing.Use moisturiser regularly to soothe inflamed and itchy skin. Topical steroid creams are prescribed to calm inflamed skin and are safe to use even when breastfeeding. Use a gentle soap substitute and continue to moisturise even after the skin rash has settled.<h2>Stretchmarks</h2>Affecting at least 90 percent of pregnant women, stretchmarks are a form of scarring that appear red when fresh, but most will fade to white after delivery. During pregnancy, intensive use of moisturisers may help the condition, and there are specially formulated stretchmark creams on the market that you can continue using after delivery. For more severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe tretinoin cream to use postpartum when you are not breastfeeding. Some skin-tightening laser treatments are safe options to remove stretchmarks even if you are breastfeeding, but these usually require multiple sessions.<h2>Telogen effluvium</h2>This condition results in hair fall that usually occurs about three months after delivery. Though increased hair fall can be distressing to new mothers, it is almost always a self-limiting condition, and you will usually recover within six months. If you notice increased hair fall, consult a doctor to exclude other causes of hair loss (such as low iron levels). Topical medications can be used if you are not breastfeeding.

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Postpartum skin problems like acne, melasma, and stretch marks are common but temporary. Learn how to relieve and prevent the 5 most frequent postpartum skin woes.