Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Following a landmark study in the 1970’s, lumpectomy with postoperative radiotherapy has become accepted as the standard of care, conferring similar survival rate to mastectomy. The accepted wisdom for decades is to offer lumpectomy for small and favourably located tumours, while larger tumour and those close to the nipple are treated with mastectomy.

Oncoplastic surgery extended the boundary of lumpectomy by offering breast conserving approach to larger tumour, including those close to the nipple. By integrating plastic surgical principles with safe oncologic resection, oncoplastic surgery can result in a better breast shape and minimises defects and nipple displacement associated with traditional lumpectomy.

As an oncoplastic surgeon, Dr Cheng is able to optimise cosmetic outcome in most breast cancers large and small. He is trained in lattisimus dorsi muscle flap reconstruction; breast reduction techniques; as well as lifting of the nipple (mastopexy).

For patients who require mastectomy, including those with genetic predisposition, Dr Cheng offers skin preserving mastectomy with lattisimus dorsi muscle flap reconstruction for selected patients.

Breast cancer management is optimised by team approach. All breast cancer patients treated by Dr Cheng will have access to his breast care nurse either in his private practice or in affiliated hospitals. Breast cancer cases will be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, with oncologists, pathologists and radiologists.

Mini Thyroid Surgery

Utilising a magnifying loop with headlight, Dr Cheng makes the smallest possible incision to remove the thyroid gland, either in part or in total.

Apart from a better cosmetic outcome, patient experienced less pain. The majority are discharged home on day 1 or 2. The laryngeal nerves (nerves that supply the voice box muscles) are better preserved.

Dr Cheng uses harmonic scissors, which renders thyroid surgery safe and by and large bloodless. Drain tubes are usually unnecessary for the majority of Dr Cheng’s patients.

Keyhole Thyroid Surgery

Dr Cheng is the first surgeon in Melbourne to perform keyhole thyroid surgery without a neck incision. Three small incisions made under the arm pit and in the areola of the breast. Thyroid nodule is then removed using advanced keyhole instruments.

Not every case is suitable for this technique, which will take twice as long as the standard mini approach. You can ask Dr Cheng about this approach if you are interested in avoiding a neck scar.

Mini Parathyroid Surgery

There is no effective medical cure for primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgery is the only cure.

If an abnormal parathyroid gland is localised on nuclear medicine parathyroid scan, a mini incision could take place. The majority would go home the next day.

For lesion which are failed to localise on scans, neck exploration via a standard neck incision may be required. All 4 parathyroid glands are examined, and abnormal ones are removed.

Most patients are discharged home the next day.

Keyhole Adrenal Surgery

The adrenal gland is an endocrine organ, capable of producing hormones - powerful blood borne messengers which trigger distant tissues into actions. It comes in pair located just above the kidneys