At-a-Glance

General surgery has always been my choice of subspeciality since medical school days. It covers a wide variety of conditions which makes the work interesting. Results from treatments for general surgical conditions are gratifying as they often provide immediate relief for patients. I was also inspired by my general surgical mentors during my undergraduate days and during my post graduate training, especially in the field of thyroid and endocrine surgery.

Patients newly diagnosed with a thyroid nodule should be evaluated by an endocrine surgeon. They may notice swelling in the neck or the thyroid nodules may be detected via ultrasound during health screening.

Patients who experience abnormal swelling or pain in the groin (inguinal), around the navel (umbilical), or at the site of a previous scar should seek a medical evaluation by a hernia specialist. Hernias can only be treated with surgery, and it is important to have the procedure done before complications such as bowel strangulation occur.

To stay current in medical field, I attend medical conferences and lectures on a regular basis. Medical journals are another way we stay updated with new research and advancements.

It is important to provide holistic care to patients, focusing not just on treating the disease but also on addressing the patient’s overall well-being. Treatment should be individualized to select the most suitable approach for each patient.

One of my recent significant patient encounters was with a gentleman in his early thirties who had been diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer. At the time, his wife was in her first trimester with their first child. Despite a guarded prognosis, we performed an adrenalectomy to control the disease. Following the surgery, he was placed on medical therapy. A year later, I received photos of his newborn from him. He was incredibly thankful to have lived to see his child, as this was his biggest concern before treatment. It’s always rewarding to know that your treatment has made a significant impact on a patient’s life. This experience underscores the importance of understanding each patient’s unique concerns and situation and tailoring our treatment goals accordingly.

Most people are confused by the terminology used for thyroid growth. A thyroid nodule refers to a lump in the thyroid gland. A goitre refers to a general enlargement of the whole gland. This can be a diffuse or nodular goitre depending on the cause of the enlargement.

Many patients believe they do not have thyroid problems if their neck is not visibly swollen. However, not all thyroid nodules are visible or palpable, especially those located deep in the posterior aspect of the thyroid lobes, which can be difficult to detect. This is also true for thyroid cancer, as early stages can be asymptomatic in some patients.

Additionally, there is a common misconception that reducing iodine intake can help shrink thyroid nodules. This is not accurate, as most patients with thyroid nodules have normal thyroid hormone levels, and the growth of these nodules is generally not related to hormonal dysfunction or excessive iodine intake.

It’s important to take the time to explain patients’ conditions and the necessary management options to them. The pros and cons of each option should be carefully outlined before recommending what we believe is best for the individual patient. Allowing patients time to think and ask questions before making a decision about their treatment is also beneficial.

Regular exercise helps me to feel energised and to stay focused. I typically go to the gym at least 3 times a week and meet up with friends for a run at least once a week.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds exciting potential for enhancing surgical precision in both diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes. Predictive analytics can help us identify high-risk patients, reducing the likelihood of complications. As AI technology becomes more widely adopted in healthcare systems worldwide, we can expect to see even more applications in medicine.

It is important to listen to one’s body and seek consultation early if there is any medical concern. One should also go for regular age-appropriate health screening.