Gastroscopy

What is a Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a common medical procedure in Singapore that examines the upper part of the digestive system, covering the throat, food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). This evaluation involves using a gastroscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at one end, allowing doctors to visually inspect these regions for any indications of conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or other digestive system diseases.

Gastroscopy plays a significant role in diagnosing various conditions affecting the upper digestive tract, such as ulcers or inflammation, and determining suitable treatment options.

How does a Gastroscopy work in Singapore?

On the day of the procedure, you will normally need to fast for 6 hours before your gastroscopy. This is to ensure that your stomach is empty during the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with further instructions.

Before the gastroscopy procedure, a numbing spray will be applied to your mouth and throat. If you wear removable dentures, they will need to be removed. You may also receive a sedative via intravenous administration to induce a brief period of sleep.

You will be positioned on your left side, and a small tube or protective ring will be inserted between your teeth to keep your mouth open and prevent accidental biting of the gastroscope. Initially, you will need to swallow to allow the gastroscope to enter your oesophagus. It will then be carefully inserted into your stomach and towards the entrance of your duodenum.

The live video feed from the gastroscope lets your doctor examine the lining of your oesophagus and stomach for indications of redness or inflammation. The screen may also reveal bleeding, varicose veins, strictures (unusually narrow areas), and stomach ulcers. If necessary, a biopsy may be performed if suspicious growths are identified. 

Benefits of a Gastroscopy in Singapore

• Direct visualisation: provides real-time visualisation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, enabling accurate diagnosis of conditions.
• Diagnosis of various conditions: can diagnose conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcers, gastritis, tumours, and inflammation within the digestive system.
• More accurate than other tests: can accurately diagnose conditions compared to traditional X-rays or barium swallow methods.
• Treatment: gastroscopy can be used for medical interventions such as treating bleeding ulcers, removing foreign objects, and performing biopsies for further examination.
• Early detection: can be used to detect potentially serious conditions early, leading to improved management and outcomes.
• Safe and effective: a safe and highly effective diagnostic technique with minimal risk of complications.

What conditions can Gastroscopy treat/diagnose in Singapore?

A gastroscopy can be used to treat or diagnose the following conditions:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Ulcers
• Coeliac disease
• Oesophageal cancer
• Gastritis
• Barrett's oesophagus
• Stomach cancer
• Oesophageal varices
• Oesophageal stricture
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection

What results can I expect from a Gastroscopy?

Based on the procedure's findings, you can expect various outcomes when undergoing a gastroscopy in Singapore. It is important to note that gastroscopy is primarily used to diagnose conditions that affect the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. While it is not usually used as treatment, your specialist may use it as part of a treatment plan.

During a gastroscopy, the specialist performing the procedure may give you immediate feedback. This may include observations of abnormalities such as inflammation, bleeding, or polyps. If a biopsy is taken for further analysis, processing your results may take longer.

Normal results would indicate that the inner lining of your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum appears healthy, with no signs of ulcers, tumours, inflammation, or other abnormalities. Additionally, varied results depend on several factors, including your specific symptoms and the expertise of your healthcare provider.

How many Gastroscopy procedure are needed?

The number of gastroscopy sessions you may require depends on several factors, including the purpose of the examination, initial findings and overall health. One session may suffice if your gastroscopy is conducted for diagnosis purposes and the results return normal.

Patients with conditions such as peptic ulcers may need a follow-up gastroscopy after treatment to ensure healing or successful extraction. Generally, this involves at least two sessions, one for diagnosis and another for post-treatment evaluation.

Individuals with Barrett's oesophagus or ongoing gastric ulcer problems may need regular gastroscopy sessions to monitor their health and assess treatment effectiveness. Your specialist decides the frequency of these sessions based on individual needs and risks.

Biopsy results from the initial gastroscopy could lead to further examination or treatment. This may require additional sessions and is determined by your healthcare provider.

Generally, the decision to have multiple gastroscopy sessions in Singapore is made on a case-by-case basis, considering initial findings and your response to treatment(s). Your specialist will discuss the recommended gastroscopy sessions based on your unique circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?

Preparing for a gastroscopy involves fasting for a specific period, typically 6 to 8 hours before the procedure, to ensure the stomach and duodenum are empty. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions before the procedure. 

Is a gastroscopy painful?

Generally, gastroscopy is not painful, but it can cause mild discomfort. Most patients are given a sedative to help them relax and a local anaesthetic to numb the throat. These can significantly reduce discomfort. Some patients may feel a very mild gagging sensation, but this is usually well-managed with the provided medications.

How long does a gastroscopy session take?

The procedure typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. However, preparation time and the recovery period post-sedation may increase the total time of your session to around 2 to 3 hours.

How soon will I know the results after the gastroscopy?

In many cases, your specialist can provide immediate feedback post-procedure. However, if a biopsy was conducted, the results may require a few days to process at the lab.