Liver Treatment in Singapore

Dr Thng Yongxian

Liver & General Surgeon
MBBS • MMed • MRCS (IRE) • FRCSED • FAMS

Liver Surgery

Liver surgery, also known as hepatectomy, involves removing a portion of the liver to manage certain conditions. This procedure is commonly considered in cases of liver cancer, benign tumours, or damaged liver tissue that may affect overall function.

 

The liver plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient processing. Despite its complexity, it has a unique ability to regenerate, which allows surgeons to safely remove affected areas while preserving liver function.

 

Early detection and timely treatment of liver conditions are key to preventing complications. If you are experiencing symptoms or are at risk of liver disease, seeking medical evaluation early can support better outcomes and guide appropriate care.

 

For patients in Singapore seeking advanced consultation or treatment for liver conditions, Dr. Thng Yongxian is an expert in minimally invasive liver surgery. As a seasoned HPB surgeon, Dr. Thng tailors each surgical plan to reduce pain and surgical risks, ensuring the best possible outcome for his patients.

Liver Conditions Treated

Depending on the diagnosis, liver surgery or other interventions may be recommended to manage specific conditions. These include:
A common reason for liver surgery, liver cancer typically develops from liver cells, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type. Timely detection is important to guide treatment planning.
This condition involves permanent scarring of liver tissue, often due to chronic hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease. Advanced cirrhosis may limit treatment options and affect liver function.
Usually benign and fluid-filled, liver cysts are often found incidentally. Larger cysts or those causing symptoms may need surgical evaluation.
Chronic hepatitis B and C infections can lead to long-term liver damage. Ongoing monitoring and treatment are key to reducing the risk of complications such as cirrhosis or cancer.

Jaundice results from a build-up of bilirubin in the body and may indicate an issue with liver function or bile flow. Further investigation is often needed to determine the underlying cause.

Liver Diagnostic Services

A comprehensive evaluation is the first step in managing liver conditions effectively. The following diagnostic tools are commonly used to assess liver health and guide treatment planning:

Imaging (Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI)

These imaging tests provide detailed views of the liver to detect abnormalities such as tumours, cysts, or bile duct obstructions. Ultrasound is often used as an initial screening tool, while CT scans and MRI offer more detailed cross-sectional images for precise assessment.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests help assess how well the liver is functioning and may detect signs of inflammation or infection. These typically include liver function tests, viral hepatitis panels, and tumour markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) when cancer is suspected.

Liver Biopsy

In selected cases, a biopsy may be performed to examine liver tissue under a microscope. This helps determine the exact nature of a liver lesion, assess the degree of liver inflammation or fibrosis, and support accurate diagnosis when imaging alone is inconclusive.

Concerned about a liver condition? Get a thorough evaluation and individualised care from our dual fellowship-trained surgeon in Singapore.

Dr Thng Yongxian

Senior Consultant

Liver & General Surgeon

MBBS (SG) • MMed (Surg) • MRCS (Ire) • FRCSEd (Gen) • FAMS (Surg)

Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Liver & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.

Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and general surgeon with extensive experience in advanced laparoscopic liver and pancreas surgery. Over his career, he has performed surgical procedures, ranging from complex liver resections to minimally invasive pancreatic operations.

 

He first honed his subspecialty expertise in HPB surgery at the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, before completing a clinical fellowship in minimally invasive HPB laparoscopic surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. His surgical experience spans both public institutions such as the National University Health System as well as private hospitals including Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, and Mount Alvernia Hospital.

 

Dr Thng has been instrumental in advancing HPB surgery excellence in Singapore, pioneering his hospital’s laparoscopic HPB program and performing complex liver and pancreas surgeries, including ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy). His surgical techniques have been featured on live national television and presented at international surgical conferences.

 

Areas of Expertise

 

  • Advanced Laparoscopic HPB Surgery: Skilled in minimally invasive approaches for liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas conditions, reducing pain and surgical risks.
  • Complex Liver and Pancreas Surgery: Expertise in major HPB resections and minimally invasive HPB surgery.
  • Surgical Oncology & Trauma Care: Management of HPB cancers and emergency surgical cases requiring precision and speed.
  • International Fellowships and Training: Further training at Seoul National University Hospital Bundang, focusing on liver and pancreatic surgery.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with gastroenterologists, oncologists, and interventional radiologists to provide integrated care for patients.
  • Research & Academic Contributions: Awarded National Grants for medical technology, presented his surgeries at International conferences highlighting surgical techniques. 

Professional Appointments

 

  • Former Clinical Lead of HPB division NUHS
  • Member, Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Clinician Workgroup for Value-Driven Care (VDC)

Corporate & Personal Insurance Plans

Our Clinic Locations

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Alvernia

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Orchard

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Novena

Nexus Surgical @ Parkway East

Nexus Surgical @ Gleneagles Medical Centre

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Alvernia

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Orchard

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Novena

Nexus Surgical @ Parkway East

Nexus Surgical @ Gleneagles Medical Centre

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Alvernia

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Orchard

Nexus Surgical @ Mt. Elizabeth Novena

Nexus Surgical @ Parkway East

Nexus Surgical @ Gleneagles Medical Centre

Need help navigating your health?

If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to understand your treatment options, contact us today.