Peritoneal Cancer Surgery

Peritoneal cancer frequently originates from the digestive tract (stomach & large intestine) or gynaecological organs (ovaries & fallopian tube). Unfortunately, these cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage by the time the patient becomes symptomatic.


Dr Thomas Ho

Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist
MBBS(Sydney), MMed(Surg), AFRCS(Ireland), FRCS(Edinburgh), FAMS(General Surgery)

What is peritoneum?

The peritoneum is a thin membrane lining the inside of our abdominal (peritoneal) cavity which enables some organs (eg. intestines) to be suspended and remain somewhat mobile within the abdomen.

What is peritoneal cancer surgery?

Several cancers such as ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, or mesothelioma have a tendency to spread to the peritoneum. This is known as metastatic cancer when the cancer had originated from somewhere else. Rarely, the cancer can originate in the peritoneum itself and is known as primary peritoneal cancer. Regardless of the origin, peritoneal cancer (or peritoneal carcinomatosis) is considered advanced or stage IV cancer.

Before the introduction of surgical treatment, peritoneal cancer was regarded a terminal event with the conventional treatment being systemic chemotherapy with a palliative intent. Such patients did not survive beyond a few months of the diagnosis. But in the early 1990s, Professor Sugarbaker showed improved survival after surgically removing these peritoneal cancers followed by a ‘heated chemotherapy bath’ within the peritoneal cavity.

This eventually led to the development and adoption of cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC) for peritoneal cancers. Today, it has become the established treatment for peritoneal metastasis arising from many gastrointestinal cancers and peritoneal mesothelioma. There is also increasing evidence for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis from ovarian cancers.

Diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Thomas Ho is accredited to perform surgery across all private hospitals in Singapore.

Our clinic is Medisave-Accredited and works with major insurance providers to ensure your claims are hassle-free.

The Specialist Behind Your Care

Dr Thomas Ho

Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist
20+ Years of Clinical Experience

MBBS(Sydney), MMed(Surg), AFRCS(Ireland), FRCS(Edinburgh), FAMS(General Surgery), FSSO(USA)

Dr. Thomas Ho is a distinguished surgeon well known for his expertise in Cancer Surgery, especially in the field of Head and Neck cancers as well as Abdominal and Digestive cancers. In 2009 he was awarded a MOH scholarship and completed a Surgical Oncology Fellowship in Canada, becoming one of only a handful of surgeons in Singapore with this recognition.

Prior to private practice, Dr. Ho founded the Head and Neck Surgery and Surgical Oncology service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Dr. Ho is experienced in laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic-assisted surgery, which he routinely employs in the treatment of thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, hernias, gallbladder diseases, adrenal and spleen disorders.

Early detection

Get Yourself Screened

The benefit of detecting surgical conditions early is to enable less invasive and extensive surgery while achieving the best results.

For your peace of mind

Wide Insurance Coverage

We are on the panel of most private insurance providers and are also accredited to process your Medisave claims.

Peace of mind with our comprehensive coverage
Dedicated assistance with claims and co-payment arrangements for your procedures

Have a health concern?
Contact us today.

We understand your anxieties and we’re here to support you throughout your health journey. If you would like to book an appointment or seek a second opinion, reach out to us through our enquiry form or give us a call at +65 6261 8311