Gastroscopy In Singapore

Gastroscopy plays a critical role in detecting certain types of cancer, such as gastric cancer, which has a high incidence rate in Singapore. Early detection through gastroscopy can improve outcomes and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Dr Jonathan Foo Shuo Min
Consultant General Surgeon

What is Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of various digestive issues, including cancer. It allows doctors to view the lining of the digestive system and take biopsies or perform other treatments if necessary.

Gastroscopy plays a critical role in detecting certain types of cancer, such as gastric cancer, which has a high incidence rate in Singapore. Early detection through gastroscopy can improve outcomes and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Who is Gastroscopy For?

Gastroscopy may be the right procedure for individuals who experience:

  • Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Suspected ulcers or inflammation in the digestive system
  • Suspected cancer or precancerous lesions in the digestive system

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have a family history of digestive diseases, you should consult your colorectal specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What are the Benefits of Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy offers several benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues, including:

Accurate diagnosis

Gastroscopy allows doctors to view the lining of the digestive system and take biopsies or perform other treatments if necessary. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.

Early detection of cancer

Gastroscopy can detect certain types of cancer, such as gastric cancer. Early detection can lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

Minimally Invasive

Gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that it does not require major incisions or surgery. This can lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications.

Safe and Effective

Gastroscopy is considered a safe and effective procedure, with a low risk of complications.

What is the Procedure Like?

A gastroscopy typically takes around 15-30 minutes to complete. The exact length of the procedure may vary depending on what the doctor finds and whether any treatments are performed.

You can expect the following steps during the procedure:

  • You will be asked to lie on your side on a table. The doctor or nurse will ask you to get comfortable and then may use straps or pillows to help keep you in position.
  • A local anaesthetic will be applied to your throat to numb it, and you may be given a sedative to help you relax.
  • The doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (known as an endoscope) through your mouth and into your digestive system. The endoscope is gently guided down your throat and into your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. You will be asked to swallow as the endoscope is inserted, which can help it move more easily.
  • The doctor will use the camera to view the lining of your digestive system and may take biopsies or perform other treatments if necessary. If a problem is found, the doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for further testing or perform other treatments, such as removing polyps or dilating a narrow area.
  • After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period of time before being allowed to go home.

Post Procedure Recovery

Your colorectal specialist will provide you post-procedural guidelines for your recovery. Guidelines will typically be:

  • You may feel some mild discomfort or bloating in your abdomen after the procedure. This is normal and should go away within a few hours.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for a period of time after the procedure. This is to give your digestive system time to recover and avoid any complications.
  • Rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure. Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
  • If you were given a sedative during the procedure, no driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours afterwards.

If you experience any persistent or severe symptoms after the procedure, such as severe abdominal pain or vomiting, you should contact your colorectal specialist immediately.

Post Procedure Diet & Lifestyle

After your procedure, your colorectal specialist may prescribe you specific instructions for your diet such as:

  • Eating a light, soft diet for a few days after the procedure. This can include foods such as soup, yoghurt, or mashed potatoes.
  • Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and foods that are difficult to digest for a few days after the procedure.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and promote healing.
  • Avoiding smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns about your post-procedure diet, be sure to discuss them with your colorectal specialist.

Risks And Complications of Gastroscopy

Although gastroscopy is generally a safe and low-risk procedure, there are some potential risks and complications that may occur such as:

  • Bleeding: In rare cases, gastroscopy can cause bleeding in the digestive system. This is more likely to occur if a biopsy or other treatment is performed during the procedure.
  • Perforation: Also rare, gastroscopy can cause a tear or perforation in the digestive system. This can lead to infection or other complications and may require surgery to repair.
  • Reactions to sedation: Some individuals may have an adverse reaction to the sedative used during the procedure, such as an allergic reaction or difficulty breathing.
  • Infection: The risk of infection is generally low for gastroscopy.
  • Other complications: Other rare complications of gastroscopy may include damage to the teeth or throat, aspiration of stomach contents, or an irregular heartbeat.

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.

Read Full Bio

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.

Read Full Bio

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    Gastroscopy In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    How often should I have a Gastroscopy Screening?

    The frequency of gastroscopy screening depends on a variety of factors, including age, family history, and personal health history. Your colorectal specialist can provide specific recommendations based on your circumstances.

    Can I eat or drink before the Gastroscopy Procedure?

    You will be instructed to fast for a period of time before the gastroscopy procedure to ensure that your stomach is empty. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking.

    How long does it take to get results from a Gastroscopy?

    The time it takes to get results from a gastroscopy can vary depending on the specific tests performed and the laboratory processing of the samples. In some cases, results may be available within a few days, while in others it may take several weeks.

    What should I do if I experience complications after a Gastroscopy procedure?

    If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications after a gastroscopy procedure, such as severe abdominal pain or bleeding, consult your colorectal specialist immediately.

    When can I resume normal activities after a Gastroscopy?

    You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure and avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. You can typically resume normal activities the following day.