Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies in Singapore are typically performed by a gastroenterologist using a long, flexible tube with a built-in light and a tiny camera called a colonoscope. It passes through your anus and rectum before moving into your colon to capture images of the inside of your large intestine. This will allow your doctor to see inside your colon on a monitor in real time.

During the procedure, the patient lies on their side before being given anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, your doctor will gently insert the colonoscope into the rectum. As the colonoscope is guided through the colon, the walls of the colon are examined to look for abnormalities like colon polyps, ulcers, inflammation, or signs of colorectal cancer.

If abnormalities are identified, a biopsy will be performed to analyse the tissue sample and determine whether they are benign or cancerous. Additionally, if colon polyps are discovered, they will be removed using specialised instruments passed through the colonoscope.

Following the procedure, the patient is monitored until the anaesthesia wears off, which can take a few hours. Additionally, the patient may experience mild discomfort, bloating, or gas due to the air or carbon dioxide used during the procedure. These symptoms usually resolve on their own quickly.

Are you due for a colonoscopy? Then, schedule an appointment with Oikos Endoscopy & Day Surgery Centre to check your colon to ensure it is healthy and functioning efficiently.

How many colonoscopies are needed?

We often recommend that our patients undergo routine colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer every ten years for low- to average-risk patients, starting at 50 years old. However, the frequency varies depending on several factors, such as individual risk factors and family medical history.

On the other hand, follow-up colonoscopies every 3 to 5 years are highly recommended for patients who have had confirmed colon polyps. This is to monitor for any changes or developments with the polyps.

What results can I expect from a colonoscopy?

Following the procedure, some of the results that you can expect are:

• Positive results: a positive result indicates polyps, or abnormal tissues, are present in the colon. While most colon polyps are benign, some can be precancerous and, as such, are often removed during a colonoscopy. The samples are then sent for further investigation to determine if they are benign, malignant, or precancerous. If you have more than two polyps in your colon, you may be advised to undergo several rounds of colonoscopies. The same recommendation is made if your polyps are larger than 0.4 inches in diameter.
• Negative results: a negative result is good, as it indicates no abnormalities in the colon.
• Abnormal results: abnormal results refer to when your doctor identifies issues, such as uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammation, chronic tissue damage, and colon stenosis. In such cases, your doctor will discuss possible treatment plans and how to best manage your symptoms and conditions.

At Oikos Endoscopy & Day Surgery Centre, our doctors will discuss the colonoscopy findings with you to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the results. Rest assured that your colon health is in excellent hands at Oikos Endoscopy & Day Surgery Centre.