Stomach problems like pain, bloating, and unexplained weight loss can be alarming, but determining the exact cause often requires examining the digestive tract. This is where gastroscopy becomes essential.
A gastroscopy can accurately diagnose and treat a variety of digestive conditions. When experiencing persistent stomach issues, consulting with a gastroscopy doctor in Singapore can provide you with a clear diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. This article will explain how the tool helps diagnose GERD, gastritis, stomach cancer and more. When experiencing persistent stomach issues, consulting with a gastroscopy doctor in Singapore can provide you with a clear diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Gastroscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the oesophageal lining, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Gastroscopy in Singapore is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows doctors to view the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.
This minimally invasive procedure calls for a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to be inserted through the mouth. The camera attached to it allows the doctor to visualise the digestive tract and take tissue samples if necessary.
Gastroscopy in Singapore is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. It can diagnose the following conditions.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptoms and risks
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently recedes back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Common symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to more severe complications, such as oesophageal ulcers, strictures, or Barrett’s oesophagus—a precursor to oesophageal cancer.
Diagnosis through gastroscopy
A gastroscopy in Singapore is often performed to assess the extent of damage in patients with GERD. Through this procedure, the doctor can visualise the oesophageal lining and detect inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
In some cases, a biopsy may be taken during the procedure to rule out Barrett’s oesophagus or cancerous changes. Gastroscopy in Singapore provides direct visualisation, making it a critical tool in diagnosing and managing GERD.
Gastritis
Understanding gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, either acute or chronic. It is often caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, long-term use of NSAID drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, or stress. Symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion.
Gastroscopy's role in diagnosis
Gastroscopy in Singapore lets the doctor see the inflamed areas of the stomach lining directly. During the procedure, the doctor may also take a biopsy to test for H. pylori infection, a common cause of gastritis.
Gastroscopy’s ability to confirm inflammation and identify the underlying cause makes it essential in diagnosing and treating gastritis.
Stomach Ulcers
Signs and symptoms
Stomach ulcers are sores that grow on the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine. Common symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and, in more severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.
Diagnosis with gastroscopy
Gastroscopy in Singapore is the most effective way to diagnose stomach ulcers. The procedure allows the doctor to visualise the ulcer and determine its size and location.
If necessary, the doctor can also take a biopsy during the gastroscopy to rule out malignancy, especially in older patients or those with unusual symptoms. This direct observation is critical for confirming the presence of ulcers and deciding on the appropriate treatment.
Celiac Disease
Symptoms and diagnosis
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive condition in which ingested gluten damages the small intestine. Symptoms vary widely but often include diarrhoea, weight loss, bloating, and malnutrition. Sometimes, the symptoms can be subtle or atypical, making diagnosis challenging.
Gastroscopy's contribution to diagnosis
In diagnosing celiac disease, gastroscopy takes tissue samples from the small intestine. These biopsies are examined for signs of villous atrophy, which is a characteristic feature of celiac disease.
Although blood tests can suggest celiac disease, gastroscopy with biopsy is the best for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the degree of intestinal damage.
Stomach Polyps
What are stomach polyps?
Stomach polyps are abnormal growths that form on the lining of the stomach. Most stomach polyps are benign and do not cause symptoms, but some types can develop into stomach cancer if left untreated.
Detecting polyps through gastroscopy
Gastroscopy in Singapore is the primary method for detecting stomach polyps. During the procedure, the doctor can locate and remove polyps, if necessary, for further analysis. Detecting and removing polyps with gastroscopy helps prevent the progression of precancerous polyps into more severe conditions.
Stomach Cancer
Early signs and symptoms
Stomach cancer can be hard to identify in its early phase because symptoms are often vague and nonspecific. Early signs may include indigestion, bloating, mild stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
As the cancer progresses, more alarming symptoms such as vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and bloody stools may develop.
Diagnosing stomach cancer
Gastroscopy in Singapore is crucial for diagnosing stomach cancer, especially in its early stages. During a gastroscopy, the doctor can visually inspect the stomach lining for abnormal growths or suspicious areas.
Biopsies taken during the procedure can confirm the presence of cancer cells. Early diagnosis through gastroscopy significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for stomach cancer.
Gastroscopy Services in Singapore
Gastroscopy in Singapore is an essential tool in diagnosing digestive diseases, allowing for early detection and management of conditions like GERD, gastritis, stomach ulcers, celiac disease, and stomach cancer. Before scheduling the procedure, our gastroscopy doctor in Singapore will discuss all the preparatory steps needed to ensure accuracy and comfort.
Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery offers comprehensive gastroscopy services in Singapore to diagnose a wide range of digestive disorders. Our clinic uses current technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient comfort during the procedure. Patients can expect personalised care and a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action for their digestive health.
During a consultation, our gastroscopy doctor in Singapore will explain the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. The expertise of our gastroscopy doctor in Singapore is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic symptoms that have previously gone undiagnosed.
Our gastroscopy clinic in Singapore is known for their modern facilities and patient-centric care approaches. The staff at our gastroscopy clinic in Singapore are trained to handle patients with care. Comprehensive care in gastroscopy clinics in Singapore includes follow-up appointments to monitor patients’ health over time.
Booking an appointment at our gastroscopy clinic in Singapore can be done online for convenience. If you have any of the symptoms described in this article, book a consultation for gastroscopy screening today.
