Stomach & Oesophagus Surgery
Dr Teong Chuah is a highly experienced upper gastrointestinal (GI) and general surgeon with a passion for providing exceptional patient care. He has developed a reputation for excellence in the treatment of stomach, oesophagus-related and general surgery conditions.
Dr Chuah has performed hundreds of oesophagus and stomach surgeries, and has a great history of patient outcomes.
Stomach and oesophagus conditions
- Cancer conditions, including oesophagus and stomach cancer
- Functional / reflux conditions
- Difficulties swallowing
- Extremely rare conditions
- Revision operations
Upper GI surgeries that Dr Chuah performs
Thoracoscopic or open oesophagectomy for oesophagus cancer
Laparoscopic or open gastrectomy for stomach cancer
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery / laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair (of any size, including very large).
Other functional oesophagus and stomach surgeries
Achalasia surgery (Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and Dor fundoplasty)
Laparoscopic median arcurate ligament release for median arcuate ligament syndrome
Endoscopic treatment and investigation (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies)
Resection of Zenker's diverticulum / pharyngeal pouch
Dedicated to providing the best quality of care
Dr Chuah strongly believes in patient-centred care, and he takes the time to listen to his patients’ concerns and develop treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs.
Specialising in complex Upper GI, stomach and oesophagus surgeries
Dr. Chuah is highly regarded in the medical community for his expertise and dedication to providing the best possible care for his patients. His ability to handle high-risk cases with precision and expertise is a testament to his exceptional training and experience.
Dr Chuah’s extensive training and vast experience have equipped him with the specialised skills needed to handle highly complex and challenging cases. He is often called on for complex cases and corrective surgeries, and has an excellent track record of results. His experience and training has seen him become well-equipped for even the most challenging cases.
Experienced in very rare conditions
Dr Teong Chuah is experienced in working with patients who have very rare conditions such as SMA syndrome, Zenker’s diverticulum / pharyngeal pouch, and median arcuate ligament syndrome. He is experienced in consulting with patients and other medical professionals about these conditions, and in treating these conditions with high-quality surgical care.
Preparing for your surgery: what you need to know
Dr Chuah understands that undergoing surgery, particularly stomach and oesophageal surgery, is a significant and sometimes life-changing step in your healthcare journey. In light of this, and to ensure the best possible outcomes for you, it’s important to remember that preparation is key.
Here’s what you can do to prepare for your upcoming procedure:
Pre-operative Assessments
Dr Chuah will conduct thorough assessments, which might include endoscopic examinations and imaging, to understand the extent of your condition. He is knowledgeable in working with many common and rare conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma or advanced oesophageal cancer, so you can rest assured knowing your health is in experienced and skilled hands. These assessments help in planning the most effective approach for your surgery.
Understand Your Procedure
Dr Chuah will provide comprehensive information about your surgery, whether it’s for stomach or oesophageal cancer, or any other conditions affecting your stomach or oesophagus. It’s important that you understand the specifics of your condition and surgery, as some components of it, such as the potential need to remove part of your oesophagus, complications with nearby lymph nodes, or the need to perform a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), will impact your recovery and your life moving forward.
Health Optimisation
To ensure you're in the best possible health for your surgery, Dr Chuah may advise on altering your diet, exercise routine, and managing any other health conditions in advance. This is because strengthening your immune system is crucial for your recovery.
Medication Management
If you’re on any medications, especially those that might impact your surgery such as blood thinners, Dr Chuah will guide you on how to manage these in the days leading up to your surgery.
Fasting Instructions
Prior to surgery, fasting is usually required. Dr Chuah will provide specific instructions about when you need to cease eating and drinking before surgery, and when you are able to start again once the surgery is complete.
Emotional Support
Major surgery can be emotionally challenging. Dr Chuah and his team are here to provide support and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel less anxious about the procedure ahead.
Post-operative care
After undergoing stomach or oesophagus surgery, taking time to ensure excellent post-operative care for yourself is essential for a smooth recovery. Dr Chuah is committed to providing comprehensive care and support during this period.
Aspects of your post-operative care that you will need to consider and monitor include:
Immediate Post-operative Care
Immediately after surgery, you will be kept in hospital for a short duration to be closely monitored. This includes managing pain, ensuring your vital signs are stable, and checking for any immediate post-surgical complications.
Nutritional Management
Following oesophageal surgery, dietary adjustments are often necessary. Initially, you may need a feeding tube, and Dr Chuah will guide you on how to manage this. Gradually, you will transition back to oral intake, beginning with liquids and moving onto soft foods as tolerated.
Wound Care and Monitoring
Ensuring your surgical site heals properly is paramount. After surgery, Dr Chuah will provide you with instructions for wound care and what you may need to watch out for, such as signs that indicate infection or poor healing of your surgical wound.
Follow-up Appointments
Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor your recovery and manage any complications. These appointments are also an opportunity to discuss any concerns about your recovery process with Dr Chuah.
Managing Long-term Risks
Post-surgery, especially in cases of cancer diagnosis, Dr Chuah will discuss strategies with you to monitor for any future complications or remaining cancer cells. He will also provide guidance on any additional treatments you may need, such as radiation therapy or palliative treatments.
Support System
Recovery can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Dr Chuah encourages building a strong support system of family and friends, and he and his team are always here to offer additional support and resources if you need them.
Frequently asked questions
For treating oesophageal cancer, Dr Chuah offers a range of surgical options tailored to the specific needs and stages of your cancer. This includes endoscopic resection for early stages, where cancer is limited to the oesophageal wall, and more extensive surgeries like oesophagectomy, which is a surgery to remove larger sections of the oesophagus and nearby lymph nodes.
Dr Chuah’s surgical approach is meticulously planned to maximise the removal of cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This involves precise surgical techniques and, often, the use of advanced imaging technology during the procedure to distinguish between affected and healthy tissues.
Like any major surgery, oesophageal surgery can temporarily impact your immune system cells as your body focuses on healing and recovery. You can rest assured, however, knowing that Dr Chuah’s team is here to provide you with comprehensive post-operative care and advice on nutrition and lifestyle changes that will support and strengthen your immune system during your recovery period.
Endoscopic resection is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily for early-stage oesophageal cancer. It involves removing cancerous or precancerous tissues through an endoscope, without the need for external incisions. This technique is ideal when cancer is confined to the superficial layers of the oesophagus.
The choice of treatment for oesophageal cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and personal preferences. While surgery is a common and effective treatment, especially for localised cancer, other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination, may be recommended in certain cases.
The length of your recovery period will depend on the type and extent of the surgery you undergo. Generally, hospital stays may last from a few days to a week, followed by a much longer recovery period at home, which may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Post-surgery, some patients may need to make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle. This could include eating smaller, more frequent meals, adjusting food textures, and sometimes taking nutritional supplements. Dr Chuah offers dedicated support and guidance to help you adapt to these changes smoothly.
Book an appointment with us today
Dr Teong Lip Chuah is a highly experienced Upper GI and General Surgeon with a history of great patient outcomes. He consults at the Mater Medical Centre, and operates at the Mater Private Hospital in South Brisbane.
Book your appointment today or call us to learn more about Dr Chuah’s high-quality, patient-focused surgical care.