A gastroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of your upper digestive system, which includes your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It’s carried out using an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible camera. Learn more about this procedure here: https://alphagastro.sg/services/gastroscopy/.
During a gastroscopy, your consultant can take samples of tissue (biopsies) for testing if they suspect you have a condition that needs treatment. They may also be able to treat some conditions during the procedure.
For example, they can remove a small piece of tissue to test for cancer or widen a narrowed section of your esophagus (dilatation). You may have a gastroscopy to investigate symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, recurrent vomiting, bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo, feeling like food gets stuck after you swallow, or losing weight without trying.
To prepare for the procedure, you’ll be asked to fast for four to six hours beforehand. This means not eating or drinking anything during this time.
You may be given a sedative to help you relax. The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t feel any pain.
You may feel some discomfort when the endoscope is moving around inside you and when air is introduced into your stomach through the endoscope. After the procedure, you’ll need to rest for about 30 to 60 minutes until the sedative wears off.
You should be able to eat and drink after this time. You may have some bloating and wind for a short while afterward. If you had biopsies taken, you might also have some light bleeding from your rectum (back passage) for a day or so.
These are all normal side effects and should improve quickly. It’s important that you don’t drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after having sedation because it can affect your reactions.
Make sure someone can give you a lift home after the procedure. In some cases, people have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during the procedure (general anesthetic).
This can cause symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure (hypotension). These reactions are rare but can be life-threatening.
If you have these symptoms during or immediately after the procedure, tell the medical staff straight away so they can treat you accordingly. You should also let them know if you’re pregnant, as this may affect what type of anesthetic is used during the procedure since anesthesia is mostly avoided during pregnancy to ensure fetal safety.
Do I Need a Referral before Visiting a Gastroscopy Clinic in Singapore?
For people contemplating visits to gastroscopy clinics, one of the most common questions is whether there is a need for a referral before visiting a gastroscopy clinic in Singapore. Here is a simple answer: a GP referral is not always necessary to visit a gastroscopy clinic.
However, it is advisable to speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your stomach or digestive health, as they will be able to refer you to the most appropriate healthcare professional. Perhaps the most notable benefit of getting a referral before visiting your gastroscopy clinic in Singapore is that by seeing a GP first, you can ensure that any tests or procedures are necessary and that you are referred to the most appropriate specialist.
Sometimes GPs will refer patients directly to a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system) if they feel it is necessary. However, in most cases, a referral to a gastroscopy clinic will be made so that the patient can undergo further investigation.
If you do not have any concerns about your stomach or digestive health but would still like to undergo a gastroscopy procedure, you can still simply book an appointment with a gastroscopy clinic directly. Many clinics offer walk-in appointments, so you won’t need to wait long for treatment.
What Happens on Your First Visit to a Gastroenterologist?
If you have been referred to a gastroenterologist, you will usually have an initial consultation. This will allow the specialist to assess your symptoms and medical history and decide whether any further tests or procedures are necessary.
During the initial consultation, the gastroenterologist will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination, which usually involves feeling your abdomen (tummy) to check for abnormalities.
The gastroenterologist may also order some tests to be carried out, such as blood tests or stool sample tests. In some cases, they may refer you for further tests, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy.
If you have any questions or concerns about your condition or the tests and procedures that have been recommended, make sure to ask the specialist during your consultation. They will be able to explain everything to you in detail and help put your mind at ease.
After the initial consultation, the gastroenterologist will usually recommend a course of treatment. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol. In some cases, medication may be necessary to control your symptoms.
If you have been referred for further tests or procedures, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist will usually arrange for these to be carried out as soon as possible.
Which is the Best Gastroscopy Clinic in Singapore?
If you’re thinking of having a gastroscopy, it’s important to choose a reputable clinic with experience performing the procedure. There are many clinics that offer gastroscopies in Singapore, so it’s worth doing some research to find one that’s right for you.
One of the best clinics in Singapore is the Alpha Digestive & Liver Center. The clinic offers a wide range of digestive health services, including gastroscopies.
The clinic’s team of experienced gastroenterologists is highly skilled in performing the procedure and will make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout. Once you’ve found a clinic that you’re interested in, it’s important to book an appointment for a consultation.
This will allow you to meet with the doctor and discuss your medical history and why you’re considering having a gastroscopy. The doctor will also be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure. After your consultation, you’ll be able to decide whether or not having a gastroscopy is the right decision for you.
Wrapping Up
You do not necessarily need a referral to visit a gastroscopy clinic in Singapore since many clinics offer walk-in appointments. However, it’s always a good idea to book a consultation beforehand so that you can discuss your symptoms and medical history with the doctor.
If you have been referred for a gastroscopy or any other procedure, the gastroenterologist will usually arrange for this to be carried out as soon as possible. Once the procedure is complete, you will be able to discuss the results with the doctor, and they will advise you on the best course of treatment.
The Alpha Digestive & Liver Center offers a wide range of digestive health services, including gastroscopies. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists is highly skilled in performing the procedure and will make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout. If you would like to book a consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Call: (65) 6235 9658 or visit us;
Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre | Dr Benjamin Yip
3 Mt Elizabeth #15-09
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
+65 8876 9034
