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What Is Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that utilises an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera – to examine internal organs and tissues. Inserted into the body, the endoscope transmits live images to a monitor, allowing doctors to visualise and assess the condition of these internal structures. This enables them to diagnose conditions, collect tissue samples (biopsies), and even perform certain treatments.

Why Is an Endoscopy Done?

Endoscopy serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

  • Diagnosis

    – It helps identify the cause of symptoms (such as abdominal pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or changes in bowel habits), detect abnormalities (like ulcers, polyps, or tumours), and collect tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis.

  • Treatment

    – Endoscopy can be used to remove polyps, stop bleeding ulcers, widen narrowed passages, and remove foreign objects.

If you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux, bowel changes, blood in stool, or persistent abdominal pain, consult your doctor to see if you need an endoscopy.

What Are the Different Types of Endoscopy?

Endoscopy can be performed on various parts of the body. Common types include:

  • Colonoscopy

    A colonoscopy examines the entire length of the large intestine (colon) and rectum to identify polyps or colorectal cancer. In Singapore, regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended starting from age 50 for average-risk individuals, to detect changes or abnormalities early before they develop into cancer. For those with a personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer, and other gastrointestinal conditions, or a family history of colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is recommended at an earlier age and more frequently.

  • Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

    A gastroscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. This procedure is often performed to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. A gastroscopy can help diagnose conditions like stomach or oesophageal cancer and identify the source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

  • Sigmoidoscopy

    A sigmoidoscopy examines the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon and rectum). It is often performed to diagnose several symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding, and polyps. A sigmoidoscopy may also be used to test for colon and rectal cancer, take tissue samples for biopsies, and remove polyps and haemorrhoids.

  • Bronchoscopy

    A bronchoscopy examines the airways in the lungs, including the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (the larger airways that branch off the trachea). It can be used to diagnose lung cancer, airway blockages, lung infections (such as tuberculosis and pneumonia), and other lung diseases. Additionally, a bronchoscopy can be used to treat conditions such as removing foreign objects from the airways, controlling bleeding, and even treating tumours with laser therapy or radiation.

  • Cystoscopy

    A cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). It can be used to diagnose conditions like urinary bladder cancer, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections and investigate symptoms like blood in the urine or frequent urination. Additionally, it can be used to treat certain conditions, such as removing small bladder tumours.

  • Laparoscopy

    A laparoscopy examines the organs inside the stomach or pelvis. It is used to detect abnormalities such as tumours, injuries, internal bleeding, infections, and unexplained pain. It is often recommended when other diagnostic tests, like physical exams, X-rays, or CT scans, fail to provide a clear diagnosis. Laparoscopy can also help determine the stage of cancer in abdominal organs, assess the severity and location of injuries, and evaluate the extent of internal bleeding.

An endoscopy is a safe procedure to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Contact us today to discuss your symptoms.

What Can I Expect During an Endoscopy?

Preparing for Endoscopy

This will depend on the type of endoscopy that one is getting. Usually, this involves fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure and temporarily adjusting your medications.

If you are getting a colonoscopy, you will be asked to follow a clear liquid diet and take laxatives to cleanse your bowels right before the procedure.

During the Procedure

You will be given anaesthesia and sedation to help you relax. The type of anaesthesia (local or general) will vary depending on the type of endoscopy.

The doctor will then gently insert the endoscope into the appropriate opening (e.g. mouth or anus for gastroscopy and colonoscopy) or via small incisions.

The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes for gastroscopy and 30-45 minutes for colonoscopy.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will be monitored until the effects of the sedation wear off. You may experience mild side effects such as soreness or cramping, which typically subside quickly. You will also be advised to avoid driving for the rest of the day due to the effects of the sedation.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is generally a safe procedure. However, in rare cases, possible risks and complications may include infection, bleeding, perforation, persistent pain at the endoscopy site, and fever. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.