SIGMUM’s Conference of Surgery and Surgical Education 2023

Welcome to the SIGMUM’s very first surgical conference! Our conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together surgeons, medical students, housemen, and medical officers from Malaysia and beyond. With a diverse audience expected from renowned institutions and hospitals, our conference offers a unique platform for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Our lineup of international and national surgeon speakers will share their expertise, insights, and best practices, covering the latest advancements in surgical techniques and technologies, as well as the surgical specialization pathways in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia! With hands-on workshops and interactive discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving field of surgery.

Surgical Education and Professional Development

This presentation covers the comparison between traditional and modern surgical teaching methods, whilst coming to the conclusion that the traditional teaching method is no longer relevant in today’s day and age. Teaching methods have evolved with the introduction of E-learning, robotics, and even the pandemic in 2020. It also stresses the importance of being able to adapt to change, which is the strongest asset anyone can have.

Regarding what it takes to be a surgeon, a general surgeon handles both preoperative and postoperative management, having the need to cover a broad spectrum of disease, including both elective and emergency surgeries. To be a surgeon, it requires strong and persistent values in order to be a good surgeon as many challenges will come in their way. The details of housemanship were discussed in this presentation, including its objective and the responsibilities of a houseman. This presentation also demonstrated the need for general surgeons in Malaysia.

Clinical Insights and Disease Management

Approach to A Patient With Breast Disease

The appropriate approach to any mass in the breast is the triple assessment. Triple assessment is made up of 3 domains: clinical, imaging and pathology. The following table summarizes the key components of this approach:

Mammography allows the classification of lesions according to BIRADS classification while breast ultrasound is the main modality for women below 35 who have relatively dense breasts. Masses can be visualised and classified into benign or malignant through imaging. However, the definitive diagnostic test is a core biopsy.

Advances in Management of Colorectal Cancer

In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is known as the 2nd most common cancer. Prevalence is highest amongst the Chinese as well as the male population. Surgery has been the cornerstone for cancer management since the early days. However, surgical interventions for rectal cancer led to many complications such as impotence and urinary incontinence. In the past, Non-Total Mesorectal Excision (non-TME) Anterior Resection was done for rectal cancer patients, highlighting the need for evolving surgical practices.

Associated Professional Organizations

• SIGMUM: Surgical Interest Group of Monash University Malaysia.
• MAEMHS: Malaysian Association of Education in Medical & Health Sciences, an NGO for educators established in 1984.