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Pancreas Treatments In Singapore

Dr Thng Yongxian

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

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Pancreas Surgery

The pancreas is a vital organ involved in both digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces enzymes that help break down food, as well as hormones like insulin that manage glucose levels. When the pancreas is affected by conditions such as cysts, tumours, or long-term inflammation, surgery may be considered as part of the treatment plan.

 

Pancreas surgery can involve removing part of the pancreas or addressing nearby structures that may also be affected, such as the bile duct or small intestine. The approach depends on the nature and extent of the condition.

 

Because pancreatic conditions can progress silently, early detection and timely intervention are important. Addressing issues early may help prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with a pancreatic condition or are experiencing ongoing symptoms, your doctor may recommend further evaluation to determine if surgery is appropriate.

Pancreas Conditions Treated

Dr Thng manages a range of pancreas-related conditions, from inflammation to complex tumours. Below are some of the common conditions that may require medical or surgical attention:

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can occur suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic). It may lead to abdominal pain, digestive issues, and in severe cases, complications involving nearby organs.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often develops silently in the early stages and may only cause symptoms when more advanced. Early detection and assessment by a specialist are essential for guiding appropriate treatment.

Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may be discovered incidentally on imaging. While many are benign, some may require monitoring or surgical removal depending on their type and potential risk.

Pancreatic Diagnostic Services

A range of diagnostic tests may be used to assess pancreatic function and identify underlying conditions. These investigations help guide treatment planning and monitor progress where needed.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may include measurements of lipase and amylase, enzymes that rise in cases of pancreatitis. Other tests may assess tumour markers like CA 19-9 and blood glucose or lipid levels, which can be affected by pancreatic dysfunction.

Stool Tests

The faecal elastase test evaluates how well the pancreas is producing digestive enzymes. It is often used to assess pancreatic insufficiency in cases of chronic pancreatitis or unexplained digestive symptoms.

Imaging Studies

Non-invasive imaging such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI help visualise the pancreas and detect inflammation, cysts, or masses. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows closer assessment of pancreatic lesions using high-frequency sound waves via an endoscope.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP combines endoscopy and imaging to evaluate the pancreatic and bile ducts. It is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as relieving blockages or taking tissue samples.

Biopsy

A pancreatic biopsy may be performed when imaging suggests abnormal tissue. This allows for microscopic examination to determine the nature of a lesion or confirm a diagnosis such as pancreatic cancer.

PAC-MANN Blood Test

The PAC-MANN test is a specialised blood test used to evaluate the risk of pancreatic cancer in selected patients. It may be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic tools when clinically appropriate.

If you’ve been advised to undergo pancreatic investigations or have concerns about persistent symptoms, consult our specialist, Dr Thng for a detailed evaluation and personalised care.

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Dr Thng Yongxian

Senior Consultant

HEPATOPANCREATOBILIARY & GENERAL SURGEON

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

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

  • Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
  • National University of Singapore
  • Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
  • Master of Medicine, General Surgery, Singapore
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore

Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and General Surgeon with extensive experience in both minimally invasive and open pancreatic surgeries. Over the course of his career, he has performed surgical procedures, including complex liver and pancreas operations.

 

He first pursued subspecialty training in HPB surgery at Singapore General Hospital, followed by a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive HPB Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. Dr Thng has since been instrumental in advancing pancreatic surgery excellence across both public institutions such as the National University Health System and private hospitals including Thomson Medical, Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Novena, and Mount Alvernia Hospital.

 

Dr Thng Yongxian is a pioneer in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, with a focus on pancreatic cancers and benign as well as malignant conditions like pancreatitis and cystic lesions. He is one of the surgeons in Singapore with extensive experience in minimally invasive Whipple procedures, distal pancreatectomies for complex liver and pancreatic cases.

 

Areas of Expertise

 

  • Minimally Invasive Pancreas Surgery: Performs advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures for pancreatic cancer and benign conditions to minimise pain, scarring, and recovery time.
  • Whipple’s and Distal Pancreatectomy: Expertise in both open and minimally invasive Whipple surgeries, ensuring precision and safety in complex resections.
  • Complex HPB Surgeries: Experienced in major HPB resections and minimally invasive HPB surgery, with expertise in high-risk liver and pancreatic operations.
  • Pioneering Techniques: Early adopter of minimally invasive techniques to enhance surgical outcomes and precision in HPB surgeries.
  • Multidisciplinary Care: Works closely with gastroenterologists, radiologists, and oncologists to provide holistic care tailored to each patient’s condition.
  • Research & Academic Contributions: Awarded National Grants for medical technology, presented his surgeries at International conferences highlighting surgical techniques. 
  • International Fellowships and Training: Further training at Seoul National University Hospital Bundang, focusing on liver and pancreatic surgery.

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

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