A gastroscopy is a test used to check the inside of your throat, food pipe (esophagus), and stomach, recognized as the upper part of your digestive system. It is a common and safe medical procedure that allows doctors to closely examine these areas to look for any problems, such as ulcers, inflammation, or signs of disease.
If you undergo a gastroscopy, knowing what to anticipate can help reduce any anxiety. It is being done with an endoscope or a thin, flexible tube, which has a small camera and light at the tip. The doctor gently guides this tube through your mouth and down your throat to get clear images of the inside of your upper digestive tract, also often called an upper endoscopy.
Why Might You Need a Gastroscopy?
Your doctor might recommend a gastroscopy for several reasons:
- To investigate symptoms like persistent stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, or recurring heartburn
- To diagnose conditions such as stomach ulcers, inflammation, or tumors
- To take tissue samples (biopsies) for further testing
- To treat certain conditions, such as stopping bleeding from an ulcer or removing small growths
Preparing for Your Gastroscopy
Proper preparation is essential for a successful gastroscopy procedure. Singapore hospitals and clinics typically provide detailed instructions, but general preparation includes:
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure (usually overnight)
- Adjusting or temporarily stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners
- Arranging for someone to accompany you home, as you shouldn’t drive after sedation
- Informing your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you take
What Happens During the Procedure?
The gastroscopy procedure typically follows these steps:
- Before the procedure: A healthcare provider will check your vital signs and place an IV line in your arm for sedation.
- Sedation: Most patients receive a mild sedative to help them relax. You’ll feel drowsy but will remain conscious.
- Numbing spray: Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
- Insertion of the endoscope: The doctor will gently insert the endoscope through your mouth. You might feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel pain.
- Examination: The doctor examines your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, possibly taking photos or biopsies.
- Removal of the endoscope: Once the examination is complete, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn.
The entire procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes, though you’ll need to spend additional time recovering from sedation.
After Your Gastroscopy
After a gastroscopy procedure, Singapore healthcare providers typically monitor patients for about 1-2 hours. You might experience:
- A mildly sore throat for a day or two
- Bloating or gas pains from the air introduced during the procedure
- Drowsiness from the sedation
Most people can return to their normal diet once their gag reflex returns, usually within a few hours. You should avoid alcohol for 24 hours and exhausting activities until the next day.
Gastroscopy Procedure in Singapore: What to Expect
Singapore’s healthcare system is well-known for its excellence, offering state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained medical specialists. The gastroscopy procedure Singapore is carried out to high standards in both public and private healthcare facilities. Patients can look forward to safe, dependable care and precise diagnoses in a professional environment
Most hospitals and specialized digestive centers offer this procedure as both an outpatient service and as part of inpatient care. The cost varies depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital, your subsidy status, and your insurance coverage.
Potential Risks and Complications
While a gastroscopy is generally safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks:
- Mild discomfort or sore throat
- Adverse reaction to sedation
- Very rarely, perforation (a tear in the digestive tract) or bleeding
These serious complications are extremely uncommon, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 procedures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
After your gastroscopy procedure, it is necessary to contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, vomiting with blood, fever, and chest pain.
Conclusion
With the advanced technology nowadays, it allows doctors to identify and manage various digestive conditions, such as gastroscopy. Discuss with your trusted doctor to get the right information and the preparation you need to make yourself ready for the procedure.
