A gastroscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera attached through the mouth to view the upper digestive tract. This procedure may be called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or esophagoscopy.
Gastroscopy is used to diagnose and manage certain diseases or conditions involving the structures in the upper part of your digestive system, including your stomach, esophagus, duodenum, jejunum, liver, and bile ducts. During this procedure, tissue samples are taken for biopsy if necessary. See related pieces of information on this page;https://drganesh.sg/gastroscopy-singapore-a-doctors-guide-on-how-its-done/
A pathologist then studies these samples under a microscope to look for cancerous or precancerous cells. Once lesions have been identified as benign on the gastroscope, they can be removed for biopsy during a separate procedure called an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). EMR is designed to remove the precancerous cells and thus prevent them from becoming cancerous.
It may also be used to confirm a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis in people who have symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, and fever. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a gastroscopy with biopsies helps confirm if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It also allows your doctor to determine which parts of your digestive system are affected by these diseases so treatment can begin.
A gastroscopy procedure in Singapore can also be useful for finding intestinal blockages caused by tumors, scar tissue, adhesions, or food. Your doctor may also recommend it for examining the throat and esophagus for potential causes of bad breath, such as tonsil stones, gum disease, or narrowing of the esophagus due to a tumor.
What to Expect During the Gastroscopy Procedure
Before your procedure begins, you will receive medication through an intravenous (IV) catheter in your hand or arm. This is so you do not feel any discomfort while you are receiving numbing medicine and while your doctor inserts the lighted instrument into your mouth. You will feel some pressure when the doctor advances the flexible tube through your throat and into your esophagus.
You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time while the gastroscope is advanced through your throat and into your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Your doctor will take images during the procedure that are transmitted to a video monitor in the room so you can see them as well. Most procedures last 30 minutes, but it’s not unusual for them to last up to an hour under certain circumstances.
How painful is the Gastroscopy Procedure?
The medication used before your gastroscopy procedure in Singapore, along with numbing medicine sprayed on your throat, will make sure you do not feel any pain during the actual exam. However, some people describe having mild discomfort when receiving local anesthesia if they have an endoscopy of the upper part of their esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. This discomfort has been described as “sensation of pressure,” “discomfort,” and “burning,” which last for just a few seconds.
After the gastroscopy procedure
At the end of your exam, you may be asked to wait until your doctor assesses the images taken during your test. You will probably be advised not to eat or drink anything until you can talk with your doctor. Most people are able to go home shortly after the procedure is completed, but some may be required to stay in hospital. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, bloating, feeling bloated, gas pain, or heartburn
Tips for Minimizing any Discomfort or Pain Associated with the Gastroscopy Procedure
If you have any questions about your upcoming gastroscopy procedure in Singapore, speak to your doctor in advance. The following tips may help reduce some discomfort before and during your gastroscopy:
- Arrive at the hospital on time to check vital signs quickly when you arrive. If you are taking medications, make sure to bring all medication with you.
- Ask your doctor if there are certain foods or drinks you should avoid before having a gastroscopy. Also inquire about potential side effects—just in case. It helps immensely to know what one is getting into beforehand. This makes it easier for them to cope after they do get through it.
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, bloating, feeling bloated, gas pain, or heartburn. These side effects may last for a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of medication used. Ask your doctor how long it will be before you are able to return to your normal diet and activities. If you have any concerns about your upcoming gastroscopy, speak to your doctor in advance.
How to Find the best Clinic for Gastroscopy Procedure in Singapore
A reputable and reliable hospital will be able to provide you with information and clear guidelines about your upcoming procedure. They should be able to offer a wide range of services from initial diagnosis through treatment, recovery counseling, follow-up appointments, and referrals.
When you are choosing a hospital for gastroscopy procedure in Singapore, it is important that they have highly trained doctors who can give you specific information about your procedure. Ask about the experience level of the physicians that will perform your test. If you have any concerns or questions before your exam, ask to speak with a nurse who performs these procedures regularly. A ‘friendly’ team environment also makes a big difference toward a patient’s well-being.
A reputable hospital will have highly trained doctors who can give you specific information about your procedure. Check that they have experience with gastroscopy. Also, ask to speak to a nurse who performs gastroscopies regularly, as they will understand the procedure better.
In Closing
As with any medical procedure, it is always best to be familiar with the hospital where you are having your test done. If possible, find out what other patients have experienced during their stay, and take note of how well the staff communicated.
Also, see if there were any complaints made or lawsuits filed against the said facility to ensure that they provide quality care for each patient under their care. The more information you gather about the gastroscopy procedure in Singapore before your exam, the easier it will be for you when you go in for your procedure.
Our surgical clinic, G&L Surgical Clinic has highly trained doctors who specialize in gastroscopy. To know more about gastroscopy procedures done at our surgical clinic, email enquiry@drganesh.sg.
Dr Ganesh (General Surgeon in Singapore) – Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy
Suite 1 #05-23, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Rd, 329563
+65 6255 1234
https://drganesh.sg
