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Forging Ahead: Bridging Gaps in Global Surgery
9-11th July 2025,
Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Benjamin Leong Dak Keung
Datuk Dr Benjamin Leong is currently the Head of Vascular Surgery Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2, Sabah and the National Head of Vascular Surgery Subspecialty of Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
He qualified in medicine from Republic of Ireland in 2000. He was trained in vascular surgery under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia based in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Royal Perth Hospital, Australia.
He started permanent vascular service in the State of Sabah, Malaysia, based in Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2, Kota Kinabalu in the year of 2014. Since then, he has pioneered numerous vascular milestones in Sabah. He has great interest in vascular access surgery for haemodialysis and minimal invasive endovascular interventions, especially complex aortic interventions.
He appreciates the importance of vascular training and has conducted multiple endovascular workshops for both national and international participants and proctored endovascular procedures in both local and overseas vascular centres. Besides, he has numerous peer-reviewed publications and is also a keen speaker in both local and international vascular meetings to share his knowledge and experience.
His ultimate vision is to improve the service of Vascular Surgery for the nation and improve the awareness of vascular diseases both among the public and health care providers.
Abstract
Vascular surgery emergencies can be both life- and limb-threatening. Prompt diagnosis and swift initial management are of paramount importance. Immediate basic interventions, such as compression, haemostatic suturing or, if warranted, tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding from trauma or bleeding fistula, are essential skills in rural district hospital.
Besides, clinical acumen in diagnosing vascular emergencies, such as acute limb ischaemia and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, is also essential as patients can be referred early to a vascular centre with initiation of early management, such as, anti-coagulation and resuscitation respectively.
The classic teaching of 5Ps (Pale, Pulseless, Pain, Paralysis, Perishing Cold) for acute limb ischaemia and Triad of Leaking AAA (Hypotension, Abdominal/Back Pain and Pulsatile Mass) should always be ringing fresh in mind.