Colonoscopy
In Singapore

MOH recommends individuals aged 50 and above to undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, begin screening earlier. Having symptoms such as blood in stools, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained diarrhoea, pus or mucus in stools? Consult a specialist immediately to get screened.

Dr Tan Yu-Meng
Director, Consultant General Surgeon
Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min
Consultant General Surgeon

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum. The colonoscope is equipped with a light and a tiny camera that allows your specialist to visualize the inner lining of the colon and rectum. By examining these images, the doctor can identify any abnormalities that may require further investigation or treatment. Your specialist may also take samples of tissue for biopsy or remove polyps if found.

Are you above the age of 50 or have family history of colorectal cancer?

Consult our fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon for a comprehensive screening and accurate diagnosis.

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Who Should Go For A Colonoscopy?

In Singapore, MOH recommends that individuals undergo a colonoscopy screening starting at the age of 50, with subsequent screenings every ten years. However, certain factors may necessitate earlier or more frequent screenings, such as a family history of colon cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or the presence of specific genetic syndromes.

Additionally, consult a specialist if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

  • Blood in stools
  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained and long-lasting diarrhoea
  • Pus or mucus in the stools

 

How To Prepare For Your Colonoscopy

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure the colonoscopy procedure’s accuracy and effectiveness. Your colorectal surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the test, which typically includes a specific diet and bowel cleansing regimen.

In the days leading up to the colonoscopy, you may be asked to follow a low-fibre diet to help minimize the amount of residue in the colon. Additionally, you will need to consume a bowel-cleansing solution to ensure your colon is thoroughly cleaned before the procedure.

Follow these instructions carefully, inadequate bowel preparation can result in an inaccurate test. You should also arrange for someone to accompany you to the procedure and drive you home after the procedure, as the sedation may impair your ability to drive or ride safely.

Dr Tan Yu-Meng

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Tan continues to be one of few surgeons in Asia who perform specialized surgery for peritoneal malignancies in Asia.

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, First Class Honors & Distinction at the University of London) 1994
  • RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh) 1999
  • Further training in advanced HPB surgery and liver transplantation at the world renowned Liver Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Further training in living donor liver transplantation in Japan.

With his interest in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic (GI-HPB) surgery and the treatment of cancer, Dr Tan joined the department of surgical oncology at the National Cancer Centre in 2003 as a consultant.

Dr Tan’s interest in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies was part of his effort in leading a multidisciplinary team from NCC to Washington Cancer Institute to adopt the techniques and protocols of peritonectomy and HIPEC (Sugarbaker procedure) from Dr Paul Sugarbaker in 2009.

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Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min

Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Jonathan Foo has expertise in managing various General Surgical and Colorectal conditions. He excels at advanced endoscopic, open and minimally invasive (“key-hole”) techniques, as well as robotic surgery.

Dr Foo is a specialist Colorectal surgeon with comprehensive training in other minimally invasive(laparoscopic) General Surgical conditions such as hernia repair and gallbladder surgery.

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, NUS) 2002
  • MRCSEd (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) 2007
  • MMed (Master of Medicine in Surgery) 2008
  • Further Advanced Training At the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Unit in Portsmouth, UK

Dr Foo firmly believes that every surgical procedures must be customized to the individual in order to achieve an optimal outcome for his patients.

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Risks & Complications

Colonoscopies are generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated by patients. But as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks involved which include bleeding, infection, bowel perforation, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia.

To minimize these risks, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, both before and after the procedure. In addition, be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking or any allergies you may have.

What To Expect

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short period to ensure that you’re recovering well from the sedation. It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, such as cramping or bloating, following the test. However, these symptoms should resolve relatively quickly.

Your specialist will discuss the results of the colonoscopy with you and recommend any necessary follow-up tests or treatments based on their findings. If polyps or tissue samples were removed during the procedure, these will be sent for further analysis to determine if they are cancerous or precancerous.

Colonoscopy Cost In Singapore

The cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the location of the procedure (public or private hospital), the doctor’s experience, and whether any additional tests or treatments are required during the test.

You can use Medisave or your insurance shield plan to offset the costs of the colonoscopy. Speak to us to learn more about financing options.

Can I Use Medisave For A Colonoscopy?

Yes you can use Medisave or your insurance shield plan to offset the costs of the colonoscopy. Speak to us to learn more about financing options.

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Our clinics are under the following

insurance panels

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

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    Colonoscopy In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    How long does a Colonoscopy take?

    A colonoscopy typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The time may vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure.

    How soon will I get the results of the Colonoscopy?

    The results of the procedure will typically be available immediately. If there were polyps removed, we will contact you for the biopsy results.

    Can I eat before a Colonoscopy?

    You will need to follow a special diet in the days leading up to the procedure, and may be asked to avoid certain foods and drinks, such as dairy products, fibre, and alcohol. Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure that the procedure is successful.

    Can I drive or ride a motorcycle after a Colonoscopy?

    No, you should not drive after the procedure due to the sedatives used during the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to rest for the remainder of the day.

    Is a Colonoscopy painful?

    Most patients do not experience any pain during a colonoscopy. However, you may experience some mild discomfort, such as bloating and cramping. These symptoms should resolve within a few hours after the procedure.