Maven Surgery: Understanding Breast, Colorectal and General Surgical Care in Singapore

Maven Surgery is a specialist surgical practice in Singapore focused primarily on breast, colorectal and general surgery. The centre is led by Dr Chong Chee Keong, a breast, colorectal and general surgeon whose published professional profile lists more than 20 years of clinical experience along with FRCS qualifications from Edinburgh and Glasgow and Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. The practice currently provides services including breast cancer assessment and surgery, colorectal cancer treatment, colonoscopy, minimally invasive colorectal surgery, piles treatment, hernia surgery and other general surgical care.

For patients, choosing a specialist surgical clinic is rarely just about finding someone who performs an operation.

The process can involve screening, diagnosis, medical imaging, deciding whether surgery is necessary, understanding alternative treatments and planning recovery after a procedure.

Breast and colorectal conditions are particularly important because some serious diseases can initially cause few or no symptoms.

At the same time, not every breast lump, bowel change or episode of bleeding means cancer.

Accurate assessment is therefore essential before conclusions are made.

This guide explains Maven Surgery’s current areas of care, the role of screening and diagnosis, what patients may encounter during specialist evaluation and seven practical points to understand before arranging surgical care in Singapore.

What Is Maven Surgery?

Maven Surgery describes itself as a breast and colorectal surgical centre established to provide personalised care for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and general surgical conditions.

Its current website lists three main areas of specialty:

• Breast surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• General surgery

The practice also offers screening and diagnostic services including mammography, breast ultrasound and colonoscopy.

Where Is Maven Surgery Located?

The clinic’s current contact information lists consultations at three Singapore medical centres:

• Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
• Parkway East Medical Centre
• Farrer Park Medical Centre

The practice currently lists operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, with closure on Sundays and public holidays.

Patients should confirm the location of their appointment because the same specialist may consult at more than one medical centre.

7 Important Facts About Maven Surgery and Specialist Surgical Care

Understanding the clinic’s services is easier when they are considered within the broader process of screening, diagnosis and treatment.

1. Maven Surgery Focuses Strongly on Breast Care

Breast conditions range from harmless cysts to malignant tumours.

Maven Surgery currently offers assessment and treatment for both benign and cancer-related breast conditions and lists services including:

• Breast screening
• Mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast cancer surgery
• Mastectomy
• Breast conservation surgery
• Lymph node procedures

Its breast specialist information describes an approach that combines diagnostic assessment with surgical treatment when required.

Breast Conservation Surgery

Breast conservation surgery removes the cancerous area while preserving as much unaffected breast tissue as possible.

It can be suitable for selected patients depending on factors such as tumour size, location, breast size and the wider treatment plan.

Surgery is often combined with additional treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy where clinically appropriate.

The choice is individual rather than based on one standard treatment pathway.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy removes breast tissue and may be recommended when breast conserving surgery is unsuitable or when broader removal offers more appropriate disease control.

Maven Surgery also notes that mastectomy may be considered in selected high genetic risk situations.

Patients should understand why a particular operation is being recommended, what alternatives exist and whether reconstruction or other follow-up treatment needs to be considered.

2. Breast Screening Is Different From Diagnostic Testing

Screening is intended for people without symptoms.

Diagnostic testing investigates an existing symptom, abnormal examination or previous screening result.

This distinction matters.

Singapore’s HealthHub currently recommends that women aged 40 to 49 who choose mammography after discussing its benefits and limitations with a doctor generally undergo screening annually. Women aged 50 and above are generally advised to undergo mammography every two years.

Symptoms Should Not Wait for Routine Screening

A person who notices a breast lump, nipple discharge, persistent skin change or another concerning symptom should seek medical assessment rather than waiting until the next routine mammogram.

HealthHub specifically advises medical review when symptoms such as lumps, bleeding or unusual nipple discharge are present.

Diagnostic assessment may involve:

• Clinical breast examination
• Mammography
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy when required

Not every abnormal finding proves cancer.

Further testing is often required to establish the diagnosis.

3. Colorectal Care Is Another Major Focus

Maven Surgery also provides colorectal specialist services.

Its current website lists:

• Colonoscopy
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive colorectal surgery
• Colostomy-related care
• Haemorrhoid treatment
• Other colorectal assessments

The practice describes minimally invasive colorectal surgery as an option for selected patients where smaller incisions can be used while still addressing the diseased section of the bowel appropriately.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum.

HealthHub explains that many colorectal cancers develop gradually and may begin from non-cancerous polyps that can change over time.

Possible symptoms can include:

• Blood in the stool
• Persistent bowel habit changes
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

However, early colorectal cancer may cause no symptoms.

That is one reason screening has an important role.

4. Colonoscopy Can Be Used for Screening and Diagnosis

A colonoscopy allows a doctor to inspect the inner lining of the colon and rectum using a flexible camera.

It can serve several purposes.

A colonoscopy may be recommended to:

• Investigate rectal bleeding
• Assess bowel symptoms
• Examine an abnormal screening test
• Detect colorectal polyps
• Screen certain patients for colorectal cancer
• Monitor people with previous polyps or cancer

Maven Surgery currently includes colonoscopy among its colorectal services.

Current Singapore Colorectal Screening Guidance

As of September 2026, Singapore’s Ministry of Health continues to recommend that average-risk individuals begin population colorectal cancer screening at age 50.

The Ministry specifically reaffirmed the age 50 starting point after reviewing more recent local epidemiological evidence.

People at higher risk may require earlier screening.

For average-risk adults, HealthHub currently lists annual faecal immunochemical testing, known as FIT, as one screening option.

Colonoscopy is another recommended option and is generally performed at intervals of five to ten years for average-risk individuals when used as a screening test.

Higher-Risk Patients May Need a Different Plan

Family history can substantially alter screening recommendations.

HealthHub states that individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 60 or younger, or with multiple affected first-degree relatives, may be advised to begin colonoscopy earlier.

Other factors such as previous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease can also change the appropriate screening schedule.

Screening should therefore be personalised rather than selected only by age.

5. Maven Surgery Also Provides General Surgery

Not every patient visiting a surgeon has cancer.

General surgeons manage a wide range of conditions involving the abdomen, skin, soft tissue and other areas.

Maven Surgery currently lists general surgical treatment alongside its breast and colorectal services and specifically features hernia treatment among its available procedures.

Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.

Treatment depends on the hernia type, symptoms and risk of complications.

Maven Surgery describes several potential surgical approaches, including repairs using sutures or mesh depending on the individual situation.

Not every hernia requires identical treatment.

A surgeon typically considers:

• Hernia location
• Size
• Symptoms
• Previous surgery
• General health
• Risk of complications

Emergency symptoms such as severe sudden pain, vomiting or a trapped painful bulge require urgent medical assessment.

6. Haemorrhoid Treatment Can Be Surgical or Non-Surgical

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum.

Common symptoms can include:

• Bleeding
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling
• A lump near the anus

Maven Surgery currently offers dedicated haemorrhoid assessment and treatment. Its service information notes that milder cases may sometimes improve with diet and lifestyle measures, while persistent or more severe cases may require a medical procedure or surgery.

Rectal Bleeding Should Not Automatically Be Assumed to Be Piles

This is particularly important.

Bleeding can occur with haemorrhoids, but it can also occur with other colorectal conditions.

Persistent bleeding should therefore be medically assessed instead of being self-diagnosed.

Age, family history, bowel changes and other symptoms can affect the type of evaluation required.

7. Surgical Treatment Should Be Personalised

Two patients with the same general diagnosis may receive different treatment recommendations.

Important differences can include:

• Cancer stage
• Tumour location
• General health
• Previous operations
• Genetic risk
• Personal priorities
• Other medical conditions

Maven Surgery repeatedly describes its model as personalised care guided by individual diagnosis and treatment needs.

This principle is particularly important in cancer surgery.

Modern cancer treatment can involve a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other professionals.

Maven Surgery states that Dr Chong works with multidisciplinary teams in breast cancer management.

Who Is Dr Chong Chee Keong?

Dr Chong Chee Keong is the surgeon leading Maven Surgery.

His current profile lists him as a breast, colorectal and general surgeon with qualifications including:

• MBBS, Singapore
• FRCS, Edinburgh
• FRCS, Glasgow
• FAMS, Singapore

Maven Surgery states that he has more than 20 years of clinical experience and dual fellowship training.

The practice also lists current roles including Clinical Senior Lecturer appointments and a visiting consultant role at Changi General Hospital.

When evaluating any specialist, patients may wish to look at relevant experience for their particular condition rather than relying only on a general title.

What Happens During a Surgical Consultation?

A specialist consultation normally starts with understanding why the patient has been referred or why they have sought assessment.

The doctor may review:

• Symptoms
• Duration of symptoms
• Medical history
• Family history
• Previous imaging
• Blood tests
• Medication
• Previous surgery

A physical examination may then be performed where appropriate.

Additional tests may be recommended before any treatment decision is made.

Bring Previous Medical Records

Patients who already have reports should consider bringing:

• Mammograms
• Ultrasound reports
• CT or MRI scans
• Colonoscopy reports
• Biopsy results
• Pathology reports
• Discharge summaries

Having the original information available can help the specialist understand what has already been investigated.

Questions to Ask Before Surgery

Good medical decisions depend partly on understanding the proposed procedure.

Useful questions include:

• Why is surgery being recommended?
• Are there non-surgical alternatives?
• What operation is planned?
• What are the common risks?
• How long is the expected recovery?
• Will hospital admission be required?
• Will tissue be sent for pathology?
• What follow-up treatment might be needed?
• When can normal activities resume?

Patients should also discuss their medications because some drugs can affect bleeding, anaesthesia or recovery.

Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.

Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery

The term minimally invasive usually refers to operating through smaller incisions using specialised instruments rather than using one larger traditional incision.

Potential benefits in suitable patients can include:

• Smaller wounds
• Reduced postoperative discomfort
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to activities

However, minimally invasive surgery is not automatically the best approach for every condition.

The disease, previous operations, anatomy and complexity of the procedure can influence whether it is appropriate.

Maven Surgery currently highlights minimally invasive colorectal surgical techniques among its specialist services.

Breast Cancer Treatment Is More Than Surgery Alone

Breast cancer treatment may involve several different therapies.

Depending on cancer type and stage, treatment can include:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Targeted therapy

Maven Surgery’s breast cancer information notes that surgery may be used alone or combined with these additional therapies.

The sequence also varies.

Some patients undergo surgery first.

Others may receive systemic treatment before surgery to shrink or better control the tumour.

This is why treatment should be based on pathology and staging rather than following a generic formula.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Also Depends on Stage

Colorectal cancer surgery generally aims to remove the tumour along with an appropriate section of bowel and associated tissue.

However, the complete treatment plan depends on factors such as:

• Cancer location
• Stage
• Lymph node involvement
• Metastatic spread
• Patient fitness

Rectal cancer in particular may involve combinations of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation depending on the individual case.

Maven Surgery’s current patient information emphasises that the exact surgical approach differs according to tumour location and cancer stage.

How Early Detection Can Change Treatment Options

Screening aims to identify disease before symptoms become advanced.

This can be particularly valuable in both breast and colorectal cancer.

For colorectal cancer, screening can sometimes detect precancerous polyps before they become malignant.

HealthHub states that colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps, which means screening can sometimes contribute to cancer prevention as well as early diagnosis.

For breast cancer, regular mammography can identify abnormalities that may not yet be felt.

Early diagnosis does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it can expand the range of treatment options for some patients.

What Should Patients Consider When Choosing a Surgical Clinic?

Choosing a healthcare provider is a personal medical decision.

Useful factors to evaluate include:

Specialist Experience

Check whether the doctor’s experience matches the condition requiring treatment.

Communication

Patients should feel able to ask questions and understand why investigations or procedures are recommended.

Access to Diagnostics

Breast and colorectal care can require imaging, endoscopy, pathology and hospital facilities.

Multidisciplinary Support

Complex cancer treatment may involve several specialties.

Location

Follow-up visits may continue after surgery, so accessibility can matter.

Insurance and Costs

Patients should verify coverage directly with their insurer and healthcare provider because benefits differ between policies.

Do not assume a procedure is fully covered solely because the clinic or hospital is included within an insurance network.

When Should You Seek Medical Assessment?

Medical review may be appropriate for symptoms such as:

• A new breast lump
• Bloody nipple discharge
• Persistent breast skin changes
• Blood in stools
• Persistent bowel habit changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing abdominal discomfort
• Persistent rectal bleeding
• Painful or enlarging hernia

These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer.

They do mean that professional assessment may be appropriate.

HealthHub specifically recommends prompt medical review for symptoms associated with possible breast or colorectal disease rather than relying on routine screening alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maven Surgery?

Maven Surgery is a Singapore specialist practice focused on breast, colorectal and general surgery, with services including cancer surgery, screening, colonoscopy, hernia treatment and haemorrhoid care.

Who is the surgeon at Maven Surgery?

The practice is led by Dr Chong Chee Keong, a breast, colorectal and general surgeon whose current profile lists more than 20 years of clinical experience and FRCS qualifications from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Does Maven Surgery offer breast cancer screening?

Yes. Its current services include mammography and breast ultrasound alongside specialist breast assessment and surgery. Screening frequency should still follow individual risk and current Singapore recommendations.

Does Maven Surgery provide colonoscopy?

Yes. Colonoscopy is part of its current colorectal services and may be used for screening, investigation of symptoms or follow-up depending on the individual patient’s clinical situation.

At what age should colorectal cancer screening begin in Singapore?

Singapore’s Ministry of Health currently recommends that average-risk individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50. Higher-risk people may require earlier screening after medical assessment.

Where is Maven Surgery located in Singapore?

The practice currently lists clinics at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Farrer Park Medical Centre.

Conclusion

Maven Surgery provides specialist breast, colorectal and general surgical services in Singapore, including cancer assessment, screening, colonoscopy, minimally invasive procedures, hernia surgery and haemorrhoid treatment. The most appropriate investigation or operation depends on symptoms, diagnosis, cancer stage, risk factors and the patient’s wider health rather than one standard treatment pathway. For patients considering specialist care, understanding current screening recommendations, bringing previous medical records and asking clear questions about diagnosis and treatment options can make the consultation more useful and informed.