Endoscopy
What is an
Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to observe the inside of the patient’s body. An endoscope, a
thin and flexible instrument equipped with a light and camera, is inserted through the mouth or anus, and used to
take live images of the internal organs, which are then displayed on a monitor.
An endoscopy is also conducted to extract samples for imaging and biopsy tests, as well as perform minor surgeries
such as polyp removal. It is a relatively safe and painless procedure sometimes performed under sedation.
Why Would
Someone
Need It?
An endoscopy is useful for both diagnosing and treating a condition while simultaneously avoiding invasive procedures like open surgery. A colorectal surgeon may order an endoscopy for the following reasons:
- To determine the root cause of abnormal symptoms
- To help the doctor better assess the condition of internal organs
- To extract tissue samples for further laboratory testing (biopsy)
- To perform surgical procedures such as ulcer treatment or gallstone and polyp removal
Endoscopies are typically performed alongside other imaging and blood tests.
What are the
Possible Risks?
- pain in the endoscopy site
- swelling in incision site (for laparoscopies)
- bleeding
- infections
- perforations or tears (particularly in the gastrointestinal tract)
- reaction to sedatives
- fever
What to do Before an Endoscopy Procedure
As a minimally invasive procedure, an endoscopy normally takes less than an hour to complete. It does not require an
overnight stay at the hospital, and some may be performed without sedation.
For most types of endoscopies, the patient is advised to fast for 12 hours before the procedure. Liquids may be
allowed until two hours before the operation, depending on the type of endoscopy.
For patients who are going to have their gastrointestinal tract examined, they will be prescribed laxatives or enemas
to help clear the bowels before the endoscopy. Any medications being currently taken, allergies and other conditions
should be disclosed to the doctor to allow for certain adjustments in the endoscopy, if necessary.
Ho Kok Sun Colorectal specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various colorectal conditions including colorectal cancer through minimally invasive
methods such as endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
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Colorectal Surgeon
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#04-08, Singapore 228510
| Tel | : (+65) 6737 2778 |
| Fax | : (+65) 6737 2389 |
| : hokoksuncolorectal@gmail.com |
| Mon - Fri | : 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm |
| Sat | : 9am - 1pm |
| Closed | : Sunday, Public Holiday |