What is Gastroscopy?
A Gastroscopy is a form of endoscopic investigation of your upper gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the bowel, to confirm or rule out the presence of medical conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastritis.
It is essentially a ‘camera test’ whereby the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) is directly visualised using a flexible scope (‘camera’) that is inserted through the mouth. Through the scope, a small forceps or a snare can be introduced to allow biopsies and removal of polyps.
A Gastroscopy can be performed for suspicion of either a benign or malignant condition. The common benign conditions that warrant a gastroscopy include Gastritis, Gastric/Duodenal ulcer, Helicobacter.pylori, Gastric acid reflux disease and Gallstones.
The common symptoms associated with the above benign conditions include pain or discomfort or bloating at the upper abdomen, burning sensation in the middle of the chest (heartburn) and the passage of black stools or fresh blood.
A Gastroscopy is performed for:
- Gastric cancer screening
- Patients with ulcers / polyps
- Evaluation of upper abdominal discomfort and pain
- Anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Problems with swallowing
- Reflux and heartburn symptoms
Gastroscopy is also the most effective screening method for stomach cancer.
Gastroscopy Procedures
Preparing for Gastroscopy
No bowel clearance is needed. The patient only needs to abstain from solid food at least 6 hours before and is allowed to continue to consume plain water till 2 hours before the gastroscopy. If you are on medication, you may be required to stop taking them temporarily beforehand, depending on your situation.
During the Gastroscopy
During a gastroscopy, the stomach will be inspected for any abnormalities. A thorough exam utilising narrow-band imaging and near-focusing examination will allow subtle abnormalities of the gastric lining to be discovered. This is particularly important in gastric cancer screening as Early Gastric Cancer (EGC) only manifests as subtle changes of the gastric lining.
The gastroscopy is usually performed as a day surgery procedure, which takes about 10 – 20 minutes following the sedation process.
For more information, please contact our Surgery Clinic in Singapore at 6251 8884 or email surgicalcentre@thomsonmedical.com.
Thomson Surgical Centre
Thomson Medical Centre, #03-01
339 Thomson Road, Singapore 307677
WhatsApp: 8666 1646
Phone : 6251 8884
Fax: 6261 3632
Email: surgicalcentre@thomsonmedical.com
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 8.30am – 1.00pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays