Endoscopy Singapore | Endoscopy Procedure OGD

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Upper Endoscopy (Oesophago-gastro- duodenoscopy)

By Dr. Tan Wah Siew & Dr. Lee Ser Yee

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look at the inner lining of the upper digestive tract.

What is an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure which involves inserting a long flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) into the body to examine a person’s digestive tract.

An endoscope has a channel through which the doctor can insert tools, to perform biopsies, remove polyps or insert devices like stents.

Why do you need an Endoscopy?

To screen for cancer
To evaluate your symptoms and diagnose a disease
Treatment of certain conditions e.g., Removal of polyps, stenting for obstruction

How do you prepare for Endoscopy?

You will be given detailed preparation instructions. They may include the following:

Stop eating or drinking for several hours prior to the procedure
Take laxatives and/or use an enema to clean out your bowels for a colonoscopy
Stop certain medications like blood thinning medications several days prior to the procedure

How safe are Endoscopies?

Endoscopies are very safe procedures in the hands of an experienced specialist.

Are there different types of Endoscopies?

Yes. The type of endoscopy performed will depend on the part of the body that needs to be examined.

Those offered by our clinic include:

Gastroscopy (For the stomach and duodenum)
Colonoscopy (For the colon and rectum)
Colonic stenting (For colonic obstruction/blockage)
Choledochoscopy (For the bile ducts)

What is a Gastroscopy (OGD)?

A Gastroscopy, also known as Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) is used to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The scope is inserted through the mouth after application of a local anaesthetic throat spray and/or sedation.

Why do you need a Gastroscopy (OGD)?

Gastroscopy can be used to:

Evaluate symptoms of abdominal pain or bloating, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, reflux, unexplained loss of weight or loss of appetite
Identify the cause of bleeding from the upper GI tract and help to stop the bleeding
Detect cancer and obtain biopsy samples
Removal of polyps or foreign bodies e.g., fishbone

What happens after Endoscopy?

The doctor will explain to you what was found during endoscopy. If biopsies and/or polyp removal were performed, a follow up appointment will be arranged to review these results.

As endoscopies are usually performed under sedation, you may need to arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure.

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054 | Fax: 6764 0054 | Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg

Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054 | Fax: 6271 0054

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