13 May 2010
MYB speaks to health professionals in this weekly column
This neurosurgeon tells POON CHIAN HUI that surgery is like a 10-hour race
I decided to specialise in neurosurgery because...
The subject intrigued me when I was a medical student, partly because we had very little exposure to this niche area.
It is also a field with constant innovation and research, and a heavy reliance on technology. Many neurosurgeons are geek freaks who enjoy working with gadgets.
The brain is fascinating because...
It holds everything human, setting us apart from animals.
Yet we do not know enough about it. Every part of the brain controls something and everyone's brain is different. I can never predict what will happen after surgery.
If I was to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be...
An Ironman triathlete. Brain surgery can take many hours. Hence, like any endurance athlete, I have to be well-trained to handle a 10-hour long race. My job needs focus, determination and plenty of preparation.
I have come across all types of cases...
My work largely consists of operating on brain tumours and stroke-related issues – for example, removing blood clots and reconstructing blood vessels.
I have many memorable cases. Some years ago, there was a young, intelligent boy who suddenly developed a large blood clot in his brain.
Initially, I thought surgery would be very difficult and that he might not pull through. The operation took 23 hours. He recovered well and is now back in school.
Another interest of mine is head injury, a devastating condition when the young are struck down in the prime of their lives.
A typical day for me would be...
I wake up at 4am to cycle or jog for up to two hours.
By 7.30am, I am at work, sorting out paperwork and attending meetings. I am usually in the operating theatre or seeing patients at the clinic from 9.30am till I knock off at about 6pm.
I swim 40 laps in a public pool near my house in the evening about thrice a week. I get home in time for dinner with my wife, 40, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and our daughters, aged 11 and five.
After dinner, I either help my daughters with their studies or play with them. By 9.30pm, the whole family goes to bed.
I love patients who...
Are completely honest with me. If they are not enthusiastic about being operated on, they should tell me so – I'm fine with it. After all, it's natural to be scared of surgery.
Patients who get my goat...
None do. Patients who come to see me are either anxious or desperate, as they likely face a disability or even death.
One little known fact about brain tumour is...
It's no longer a death knell, thanks to today's technology. For example, the operating microscope and image-guided surgery have helped to lower the risk of neurosurgery.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
When lives are saved and patients are able to return to good health. Sharing the journey with them and their families during a difficult time in their lives creates a bond that is difficult to describe.
It breaks my heart when...
An adverse event like death can be extremely traumatic to the whole medical team. Self-belief, emotional control and discipline will be affected.
However, wallowing in failure will only be detrimental to others who need our help.
I wouldn't trade places for the world because...
I'm very fortunate to have fulfilled my dream of being a neurosurgeon. So far, it's been quite a blast.
My best tip...
Lead a healthy lifestyle. While brain-related problems may not be directly influenced by lifestyle, you will want to be in the best possible shape to conquer any disease that comes your way. The fitter you are, the better chance you have of recovering.
Associate Professor Ivan Ng, 44
OCCUPATION: Senior consultant and head of the neurosurgery departments of both the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Singapore General Hospital. Started the Acute Brain Injury Research Programme at NNI 10 years ago.
HOW HE KEEPS FIT: Wakes up at 4am to cycle or jog for up to two hours every day and swims 40 laps in the evening three times a week.
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