Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): Detecting and Diagnosing Digestive Disorders and Cancers
Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist, Dual Fellowship Trained Surgeon
MBBS (Melbourne), Masters of Medicine (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery)
Table of Content
Introduction
What is an Endoscopy or Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy, also known as an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and video camera is gently inserted through the mouth and advanced to the duodenum. The camera transmits images to a screen, allowing your doctor to assess any abnormalities along the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastroscopy is an effective tool for detecting conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infection, stomach cancer, and oesophageal cancer.
To ensure your comfort, sedation will be administered before the procedure begins.
Early Detection and Treatment of Digestive Conditions
A gastroscopy is performed to examine the alimentary tract and diagnose conditions like stomach cancer, gastritis, peptic ulcers and oesophageal cancer. Early detection of diseases like stomach cancer can significantly improve outcomes with treatment.
An endoscopy may also be performed to treat conditions, such as bleeding ulcers, non-cancerous or cancerous growth or tumours.
When do I need to go for a Gastroscopy?
It is advisable to go for a scope if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Symptoms to look out for:
- Severe abdominal or stomach pain
- Severe abdominal bloating
- Gastric pains
- Frequent indigestion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Reflux, heartburn symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Iron deficiency anaemia or low blood count
- Family history of digestive cancers
The Procedure
What to expect during a Gastroscopy?
Before the Procedure
- Consultation with our doctor to discuss your symptoms, followed by scheduling your gastroscopy at your preferred available time.
- On the day of your gastroscopy, you will need to check in 30–60 minutes before the procedure.
- You will be administered sedation before the procedure. It is advised that patients do not drive to their appointment.
During the Procedure
- In most cases, patients are asleep during the procedure.
- A gastroscopy typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If polyps or abnormalities are detected, they will be removed during the procedure, which may extend its duration.
- The presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria will also be assessed.
- If you have a colonoscopy scheduled, it will be performed after the gastroscopy.
After the Procedure
- After your procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery area of the endoscopy centre
- You will be provided with refreshments once you are fully awake.
- Preliminary results may be shared immediately. If biopsies or tissue samples were taken, these will be sent for analysis, and the final results will be discussed during a follow-up appointment.
- Due to the sedation, you will need someone to accompany you home, as you should not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
20+ Years of Clinical Expertise
Dr Tan Chun Hai (陈俊海医生)
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Endoscopy & Minimally-Invasive Surgery Specialist
Dr. Tan Chun Hai is a dual fellowship-trained specialist in Laparoscopic (keyhole) Stomach Cancer Surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. He is proficient in minimally invasive surgical techniques, treating conditions such as gallstones, appendicitis, GERD, and upper gastrointestinal cancers of the stomach and oesophagus.
In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr Tan specialises in performing endoscopies and managing a wide range of digestive disorders. These include abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
When applicable, Dr. Tan provides same-day treatment within a few hours of diagnosis. Dr. Tan subscribes to a less invasive practice, promoting less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays.
Have a digesive health concern?
Give us a call at 6250 5610 or contact us through the following enquiry form.
For emergencies after hours, send us a text via WhatsApp > head to Gleneagles Urgent Care Centre and request for Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Our Clinic: 6A Napier Road, Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, #05-36A, Singapore 258500
Frequently Asked Questions
A gastroscopy generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes. However, if polyps need to be removed or abnormalities are detected, the procedure may take longer. Any polyps found will be removed during the procedure and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Dr Tan will also assess for the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
A therapeutic gastroscopy may require additional time, as it can involve procedures such as medication injections, application of endoscopic clips, or electrocautery to stop bleeding.
Yes, it is possible to have both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy performed during the same appointment.
This combined approach is often recommended for patients requiring evaluation of both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts.
Typically, the gastroscopy is performed first, followed by the colonoscopy. Since both procedures involve sedation, combining them allows for a more efficient process, reducing the need for multiple appointments and recovery periods.
Your doctor will discuss the suitability of performing both procedures together based on your specific condition and medical history.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria. It can cause ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
For some people, if infection with H. pylori is not detected or treated, this may lead to inflammation of your stomach lining (gastritis), stomach ulcers and possibly stomach cancer.
Up to 80% of stomach cancer have been attributed to H. pylori infection.
H. pylori is one of the commonest long-term bacterial infections worldwide, affecting up to 50-70% in some parts of the world. In Singapore, it has been estimated that 31% of the population has been infected by H. pylori.
H. pylori can enter your body and live in your digestive tract for years before symptoms start.
It attacks the lining of your stomach that usually protects you from the acid used to digest food. Once H. pylori have done enough damage, acid can get through the lining, which leads to stomach ulcers.
Ulcers left untreated for a long period of time can eventually turn into stomach cancer.
Recovery time after a gastroscopy is usually short:
Most patients can resume normal activities the following day. However, since sedation is used, you may feel drowsy or slightly unsteady for a few hours after the procedure.
You will be monitored in the recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
It is advised to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours.
Your doctor will provide specific post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Like any medical procedure, a gastroscopy carries some risks, but serious complications are rare. Potential risks include:
- Reaction to the sedation
- Perforation of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum happens in less than 0.01% of gastroscopy. The risk is lower if this is performed by a specialist skilled in gastroscopy.
- Bleeding after polypectomies. Please inform Dr Tan if you are on blood thinners or anti-platelets medications. These are usually started if you had a stroke, heart attack or stent placed in your body. These medications are usually started by your GP, cardiologist or neurologist. Bleeding can occur immediately after the scope, or up to 10 days after the procedure.
- Abdominal Bloating – this usually settles within a day or two after the endoscopy.
- Sore throat
- A Diagnostic Gastroscopy is performed to check for symptoms, biopsy any abnormalities, or confirm a diagnosis of oesophagus, stomach or duodenal cancer. It can also be used to check the presence of Helicobacter Pylori bacteria. If the results come back as positive, we will give give you antibiotics for treatment.
- A Therapeutic Gastroscopy is used to treat a condition or disease related to the alimentary tract.
- Most commonly it is used to stop bleeding ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. If there is any narrowing in the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum, there can be options used to open up the narrowing using advanced endoscopic techniques.
The surgeon or specialist fees for a gastroscopy typically range from $650 to $1,100 SGD*, excluding GST, facility charges, and consumables. Separate consultation fees will also apply.
The total cost may vary depending on the complexity of your case.
Gastroscopy expenses can be subsidised through Medisave and insurance, subject to pre-approval.
*This fee range is based on MOH benchmarks. Please note that it does not include additional procedures, if required.
For a detailed cost estimate and breakdown, please contact our clinic.
As endoscopies are assigned a TOSP code, they can be subsidised through your health insurance plan or Medisave.
Our staff will assist with treatment pre-authorisations and obtaining a letter of guarantee prior to your procedure.
For further clarification, please contact our clinic or consult your health insurance provider.
