|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
At the Department of Renal Medicine’s 50th-anniversary celebration luncheon, Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health, reflected on the history of the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) in the field of renal medicine since its formal founding in 1973.
Over the years, this department has made groundbreaking advancements, transformed the landscape of kidney care and made a profound impact on the lives of countless patients, according to Health Minister Ong.
SGH’s Renal Medicine Department has been a transformative force in kidney care. From pioneering Singapore’s first hemodialysis treatment in the early 1960s to groundbreaking achievements like Southeast Asia’s first deceased donor kidney transplant in 1970 and Singapore’s first living-related donor kidney transplant in 1976, their commitment to innovation and excellence has reshaped the landscape of renal medicine.
Continuously pushing boundaries, they achieved a milestone in 2015 with the first paired kidney donor exchange transplant. With over 1,600 kidney transplants performed to date, SGH has not only saved lives but also significantly improved the quality of life for countless kidney patients.
SGH’s contributions extend beyond transplantation. In 1980, the hospital introduced Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) as an alternative treatment for kidney patients. What started as a groundbreaking introduction has evolved into a regional reference centre for PD training and education. Today, SGH’s PD centre offers comprehensive training and outpatient treatment, empowering patients with knowledge and flexibility in managing their condition.
Health Minister Ong revealed that one of SGH’s most recent and exciting collaborations is with a local medical technology company. Together, they are developing the world’s first automated wearable artificial kidney device.
This innovation promises to revolutionise the lives of kidney patients by allowing them to undergo PD while on the go, granting them greater freedom and independence. This collaborative effort highlights SGH’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology to improve patient care continually.
In a separate and equally significant development at SGH, robotic surgery has been utilised to preserve kidney function. SGH introduced robotic surgery two decades ago for prostate cancer, and today, it offers this innovative approach for selected minimally invasive surgeries, such as partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer. By preserving the kidney and its function, this approach reduces the need for future dialysis and minimises the risk of complications that can arise when kidney function deteriorates.
As Associate Professor Henry Ho, Senior Consultant in the Department of Urology at SGH, explained, “Partial robotic nephrectomy surgery has many benefits such as lesser pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay.” However, the decision to opt for this procedure is highly individualised and depends on various factors, including tumour size, location, stage, patient health, and personal preferences.
He added that SGH’s pioneering work in robotic surgery exemplifies the hospital’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art treatments that cater to the specific needs of each patient. The combination of innovative technology, skilled medical professionals, and a patient-centred approach continues to make SGH a leader in the field of renal medicine.
Hence, the department’s tireless efforts and groundbreaking achievements have not only saved lives but have also significantly improved the quality of life for kidney patients in Singapore and beyond.
Further, Health Minister Ong cited that the advent of the world’s first automated wearable artificial kidney device and the widespread adoption of robotic surgery marked a significant turning point in the healthcare industry. These innovations bring about transformative changes in patient care, treatment accessibility, and medical technology.
As a testament to the ever-evolving capabilities of medical technology, these breakthroughs foster collaboration and skill development among healthcare professionals, driving innovation and improving the overall quality of care in the industry.
