Press coverage & public recognition of Mr Siong-Seng Liau

Mr Siong-Seng Liau’s work in robotic HPB surgery Cambridge has been widely recognised in media outlets such as ITV News, BBC Look East, and the Cambridge Independent. His leadership in advancing minimally invasive surgical care has received national attention.

In safe hands: Mr Liau’s surgical expertise meets robotic precision

Robotic surgeons at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, including Mr Siong-Seng Liau, say robots will never fully replace surgeons in the operating theatre, but will enhance precision and outcomes. Mr Liau’s patient, Stephanie Hemming, shared her story of surviving complex pancreatic cancer surgery, performed with the da Vinci Xi robotic system donated by the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). Stephanie praised the blend of cutting-edge technology and the essential human touch from her surgeon, highlighting how this partnership led to a smoother operation and recovery. The surgeons stressed that while robotic assistance offers less invasive procedures and quicker recoveries, the critical surgeon-patient relationship and human judgement remain irreplaceable.

Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust

Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust​

Cambridge Radio-ACT’s Amazing People Interview

Record-breaking robotic surgery at Addenbrooke’s

In April 2025, Mr Liau led a pioneering double robotic surgery—the first of its kind at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. This complex procedure involved the simultaneous removal of both a bowel and liver tumour using minimally invasive techniques. Patient Philip Greene described the experience as “blown away by how fast it was all over,” emphasizing the swift recovery and minimal discomfort associated with robotic surgery.

“This is the first time we have done this kind of double robotic surgery procedure, which is extremely rare elsewhere in the country, and we are delighted it was such a success.”
— Mr Siong Seng Liau, Chair of the Robotic Surgery Steering Group at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

‘Super Sunday’ sets new surgical record

In January 2025, Mr Liau spearheaded a ‘Super Sunday’ event at Addenbrooke’s, performing a record ten robotic gallbladder surgeries in a single day. All patients were discharged the same day, thanks to the precision and efficiency of robotic-assisted keyhole surgery.
“Robotic surgery has revolutionised patient care, providing better precision and accuracy. It is less invasive, allowing patients to recover more quickly and to have a shorter stay in hospital.”
— Mr Siong Seng Liau, Chair of the Robotic Surgery Steering Group at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Celebrating 500 robotic surgeries

In July 2024, Addenbrooke’s Hospital celebrated performing over 500 robotic-assisted surgeries in a year, thanks to the support of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. Mr Liau highlighted the impact of this technology on patient recovery times and surgical outcomes. “It has been an incredible 12 months during which we have treated hundreds of patients for a multitude of different conditions using techniques that often allow them to go home more quickly.” — Mr Siong Seng Liau, Chair of the Robotic Surgery Steering Group at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Featured on ITV News

Mr Liau was featured on ITV News discussing advances in minimally invasive surgery and how robotic technology is transforming patient care. His interview highlighted the benefits of faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved surgical precision.

“Robotic surgery represents a significant leap forward in how we treat complex abdominal conditions. It enables us to perform delicate operations with greater accuracy, ultimately benefiting patients with quicker recoveries and better outcomes.”
— Mr Siong Seng Liau, Consultant HPB Surgeon

These features underscore Mr Liau’s commitment to advancing surgical practices and improving patient outcomes through innovation and compassionate care.

Pioneering Double Robotic Surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital

In April 2025, Mr Siong Seng Liau successfully performed a groundbreaking double robotic surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital — the first procedure of its kind at this centre.
This complex operation involved the simultaneous removal of both a bowel tumour and a liver tumour using state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology. The dual approach allowed the entire procedure to be completed through minimally invasive keyhole incisions, reducing trauma to the patient’s body.

What Makes This Surgery Unique?

  • First of its Kind at Addenbrooke’s: This double robotic procedure is extremely rare in the UK, demonstrating the hospital’s and Mr Liau’s leading role in surgical innovation.
  • Minimally Invasive Precision: The robotic system provides enhanced dexterity and visualization, enabling highly precise removal of tumours with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Faster Recovery: Thanks to smaller incisions and less surgical trauma, patients benefit from significantly reduced pain and quicker return to daily activities compared to traditional open surgery.
  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: This complex surgery requires close collaboration between specialist surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing teams, all committed to achieving the best patient outcomes.

Patient Experience
The patient, Philip Greene, described the procedure and recovery as remarkable:
“I was blown away by how fast it was all over. The team at Addenbrooke’s made me feel completely supported throughout. The recovery was quicker than I ever expected.”

Advancing Surgical Care
Mr Liau leads the Robotic Surgery Steering Group at Addenbrooke’s, driving innovation to bring cutting-edge surgical techniques to more patients. This successful double robotic surgery sets a new benchmark for what can be achieved through minimally invasive approaches, offering hope to patients facing complex multi-site tumours.

Robotic surgery initiatives and innovation

Mr Liau has led the development of high-intensity robotic surgery sessions at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, known as ‘Super Sunday’ operating lists. Initiated in January 2025, this programme was designed to help reduce surgical waiting lists within the NHS by increasing capacity for routine operations. It has been featured in ITV News, BBC, and local media coverage:

ITV News Anglia (with patient interview)

BBC Look East (Evening News, 27/01/2025): [BBC iPlayer – Look East]

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: (Headlines, 27 Jan 2025)

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT)

Cambridge Independent

In April 2025, Mr Liau was part of the surgical team that carried out a robotic-assisted double-organ resectional surgery (though done previously elsewhere, this was the first for Addenbrooke’s Hospital). This procedure demonstrated the feasibility of applying robotic platforms to more complex, combined surgeries. The case has been covered extensively:

East Anglian Daily Times

Cambridge Independent

Since 2020, Mr Liau has co-led the establishment of a multi-specialty robotic surgery programme at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH). In the absence of initial NHS capital funding, he helped lead a successful £1.5 million fundraising campaign through Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust to acquire a new robotic system and support the expansion of robotic services across six specialities, including wide community engagement, public appeals and patient mailings.

As of July 2024, over 500 patients have been treated using the newly acquired robotic system. Several patients have publicly shared their experiences, expressing appreciation for the timely and minimally invasive care received. These acknowledgements have featured in media interviews and charitable communications, reflecting the broader impact of the service on patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Cambridge News (via PressReader)

Media and public recognition

Mr Liau’s work in advancing robotic surgery has been acknowledged across multiple media platforms. He has been featured in televised news segments by ITV News and BBC Look East, highlighting the clinical impact of robotic programmes at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, including patient recovery stories and service milestones. Radio interviews on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, including The Chris Mann Show, further explored the patient experience and innovation in surgical care. Patients, including those featured in the ITV and Suffolk News interviews, have shared positive feedback about the care they received and the benefits of robotic-assisted procedures.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: Interview on Chris Mann’s Show (10 July 2024)

His contributions have also received literary recognition. Notably, his clinical work is acknowledged in the 2021 novel Lily by Rose Tremain, and discussed in interviews with Penguin Books and The Telegraph, where the author reflects on her medical experiences and the professionals who inspired aspects of the story.

Lily’s powerful closing scene is followed by the book’s real-life dedication to Mr Siong-Seng Liau, the Consultant Surgeon who Tremain credits with saving her life in 2019, when she was seriously ill with pancreatic cancer. It is a heartfelt, humbling end-note.

TRUSTED EXPERT SURGICAL CARE, DELIVERED QUICKLY AND RELIABLY

Start your journey with us today

Don’t let gallstones continue to affect your quality of life. With modern, minimally invasive options, treatment is quicker, safer, and easier than ever. Mr Liau understands how worrying it can be to face surgery. That is why he takes a calm, clear, and compassionate approach to every consultation. From first meeting to post-operative care, you will receive expert guidance every step of the way.

STEP 1

Contact us

Use the online contact form or call Mr Liau’s secretary to arrange an in-person or virtual consultation at a time that suits you.

STEP 2

Consultation

Mr Liau will review your symptoms, medical history, and any available scans (ultrasound, MRI, or CT), and provide clear, personalised advice on whether surgery is needed.

STEP 3

Surgery & follow-up

If surgery is recommended, most procedures are done as keyhole (laparoscopic) cholecystectomy. Recovery is usually quick, with most patients going home the same day or after one night. Follow-up care is arranged to support your recovery.

Patient testimonials

Mr Liau’s Consultation Fees

Initial consultation – £250

Follow up consultation – £185

Please note that any additional investigations will be charged separately by the hospital you are treated in.