Gastroscopy

What is a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a type of endoscopic procedure that allows doctors to have a better look at the lining of your oesophagus, stomach, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is often used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and certain types of cancer. Your doctor may recommend you undergo a gastroscopy if you have been experiencing some of the following symptoms:

Black or tarry stools
Chronic and severe heartburn
Difficulty swallowing food
Feeling as if food is stuck in the breastbone
Pain in the upper abdomen
Persistent vomiting episodes
Regurgitating food
Unexplained anaemia
Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting blood

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How is a gastroscopy performed in Singapore?

During a gastroscopy, the patient lies on their left side or sits upright. A local anaesthesia is administered into the back of the throat to numb the area and reduce the gag reflex. In some cases, a mouth guard will also be provided to protect the teeth and the scope. Additionally, breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level are constantly monitored throughout the procedure.

Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the gastroenterologist will gently insert the gastroscope through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach, and upper GI tract. As the endoscopy is navigated through the digestive tract, the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and upper GI tract is examined. The camera transmits images to a monitor in real-time to provide a clear view of any abnormalities, like ulcers, bleeding, tumours, or inflammation.

If abnormalities are detected, tissue samples will be collected to be biopsied and tested for cancerous cells.

After the examination is complete, the gastroscope is carefully and gently removed. The patient is then monitored for a while to ensure that they do not experience any immediate complications post-procedure. In fact, most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after a gastroscopy.

A gastroscopy in Singapore is also used to monitor treatments for various medical conditions, such as:

Cirrhosis
Crohn’s disease
Peptic ulcers
Swollen veins in the lower oesophagus

What conditions can gastroscopies detect/diagnose?

Gastroscopies can diagnose or detect various conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as:

Barret’s oesophagus
Bleeding
Cancersand tumours
O es ophageal varices
O es ophageal strictures
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastritis
Hiatal hernia
Infections like helicobacter pylori bacteria
Peptic ulcers

What results can I expect from a gastroscopy in Singapore?

Some of the results that you can expect from a gastroscopy in Singapore are:

Normal findings:if the gastroscopy yielded normal results, it typically indicates no abnormalities were found during the gastroscopy. Aside from reassurance that no significant issues were identified, it also indicates that the upper GI tract is healthy.
Abnormal findings:abnormal findings indicate the presence of inflammation, ulcers, tumours, or lesions. Assuming these abnormalities are identified during a gastroscopy, your specialist will discuss possible follow-up procedures and further evaluation. Abnormal results can refer to ulcers, tumours, and coeliac disease.
Biopsy results:in some cases, tissue samples may be obtained if they suspect abnormalities. The tissue samples are then sent to a laboratory to be tested for cancerous cells.

How many gastroscopies are recommended?

At Oikos Endoscopy & Day Surgery Centre, we often consider several factors, such as age, family’s medical history, symptoms, and individual risk factors, before recommending the optimal frequency of gastroscopies.

But generally, gastroscopies are performed for diagnostic purposes. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer or has an increased risk of developing cancer in the future, it is usually recommended to undergo routine gastroscopy once every 2 to 3 years.

If you have a family history of cancer or GI-related diseases, then we encourage you to undergo a check-up to have your symptoms and risk factors evaluated. Call us today to schedule an appointment with Oikos Endoscopy & Day Surgery Centre!

Frequently asked questions

Is a gastroscopy painful?

Gastroscopies are usually not painful, but it can be quite uncomfortable.

How long does a gastroscopy take?

The procedure can take anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes to complete.

Can I eat before a gastroscopy?

No, you will be asked to fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure.

How should I prepare for a gastroscopy?

Several steps are involved in preparing for a gastroscopy. The first step is to screen for any existing medical or health conditions to prevent any adverse side effects of anaesthesia. You will then be asked to fast 8 hours before the procedure; however, you are permitted to drink clear liquids up to two hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, if you are on any medication, such as blood thinners, your doctor might make a few adjustments just to ensure that the findings from the gastroscopies are accurate.

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Gastroscopy

How is a gastroscopy performed in Singapore?

What conditions can gastroscopies detect/diagnose?

Frequently asked questions

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