Undergoing a medical procedure for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Many patients in Singapore feel anxious about endoscopy, a standard procedure used to examine the body’s internal structures.
Understanding what endoscopy entails, from preparation to post-procedure care, can help alleviate these concerns and ensure you feel more confident and prepared.
Endoscopies are performed by an endoscopist or endoscopy specialist in Singapore, a medical professional trained in gastroenterology, surgery, or other relevant fields. They use specialised instruments, such as an endoscope—a flexible tube with a light and camera attached—to view and operate on internal organs such as the lungs and stomach.
Endoscopy specialists in Singapore diagnose, monitor, and sometimes treat conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, lung infections and gastric cancer. Patients undergoing endoscopy often find additional insights through gastroscopy screening in Singapore, which offers a more focused examination of the upper digestive tract.
Preparing For Your Appointment
Before The Appointment
Preparation for an endoscopy begins days before the actual procedure. Your endoscopy specialist will provide instructions based on the type of endoscopy you’re having.
To prepare for an endoscopy, inform your specialist about your medical history, including any allergies and all medications or supplements you take. Certain medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued.
You may need to follow a special diet a few days before the procedure, typically avoiding solid foods and sticking to clear liquids 24 hours before the endoscopy. You’ll need to cleanse your bowel for some types of endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. Clearing the bowel may involve taking a prescribed laxative solution to clear the intestines.
On The Day Of The Appointment
On the day of your endoscopy, ensure you follow all instructions meticulously. Most endoscopic procedures require fasting, so refrain from eating or drinking for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment, as sedatives or anaesthesia will be administered, impairing your ability to drive. Wear loose-fitting clothing to the appointment, as you may need to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
The Endoscopy Procedure
What Happens During An Endoscopy
When you arrive for your endoscopy in Singapore, you’ll be greeted by the medical team and given an overview of the procedure. Here’s what typically happens:
- Preparation: You’ll change into a gown and be connected to devices that monitor your vital signs.
- Sedation: You’ll receive a sedative or anaesthesia to help you relax or sleep during the procedure.
- Insertion of the endoscope: The endoscope is gently inserted into your body through a natural opening, such as your mouth or rectum, depending on the type of endoscopy.
- Examination: The specialist uses the endoscope’s camera to examine the internal structures. Small instruments can be pushed through the endoscope to take tissue samples or perform minor treatments if necessary.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on its complexity.
Safety And Hygiene
Safety and hygiene are paramount in endoscopic procedures. The endoscope and all instruments are thoroughly sterilised to prevent infections. Doctors follow strict protocols to ensure a sterile environment and minimise any risk of complications.
Post-Procedure Care
Immediately After The Procedure
After the endoscopy, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, where the staff will observe you until the sedation wears off. Here’s what to expect:
- Observation: You’ll be observed for adverse reactions to the sedative or the procedure.
- Rest: It’s normal to feel groggy or sleepy. Rest until you feel alert enough to go home.
- Instructions: You’ll receive post-procedure care instructions, including dietary guidelines and activity restrictions.
Follow-Up
Follow-up care is essential to ensure proper recovery and address any findings from the endoscopy. Your endoscopy specialist in Singapore will discuss the results with you, often on the same day, if no biopsies were taken. If tissue samples were collected, it may take a few days to get the results.
Contact your specialist if you experience severe pain, fever, vomiting, or any unusual symptoms after the procedure. Your endoscopy specialist may recommend additional tests, treatments, or lifestyle changes depending on the results. Patients interested in a complete digestive health check should consider both endoscopy and colonoscopy screening in Singapore, as these procedures collectively enhance the detection of early-stage gastrointestinal conditions.
Endoscopy Specialist In Singapore
Advanced Colorectal & General Surgery’s endoscopy specialists are trained and experienced in various endoscopic procedures in Singapore. If you’re considering a gastrointestinal check-up, you might want to understand the different endoscopic procedures to determine the most suitable option. We prioritise patient comfort and safety, ensuring each procedure is conducted with the utmost care.
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive pre- and post-procedure support, guiding you through every step to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
To learn more about endoscopy, get in touch with us.
