| ENDOSCOPY |
| What is a Gastroenterology Endoscopy? |
| Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is an examination of the digestive tract using a flexible, lighted fibreoptic scope. The procedure enables the physicians to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach, portions of the small intestine, and the large intestine. The physician can obtain biopsies for an accurate diagnosis. Endoscopy also enables physicians to treat some disorders without open surgery. Dilatation of narrowed areas of the intestine and removal of polyps which are growths in the digestive tract can be done even on an outpatient basis |
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COLONOSCOPY |
| Why should you screen for colorectal cancer? |
| Colorectal cancer is the commonest cancer in males and third most common in females. It can be screened and prevented. Just like mammography for breast cancer and PAP smear for cervical cancer, colorectal cancer can be screened with various methods. Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer can improve outcome and save lives. Removal of cancer before it spreads is curative. Periodic screening and removal of pre-cancerous growth can also prevent one from developing cancer. |
| What is a colonic polyp? |
| It is a growth in the large intestine. |
| Are colorectal polyps dangerous? |
| There are many types of polyps. Some are cancerous and many are benign (non-cancerous). However, some benign polyps (adenomas) can transform to a cancer if it is not removed. Cancer risk for adenomas depends on the size and histology. |
| Is colonoscopy painful? |
| The procedure is usually done with sedation ie. you will be asleep during the examination. When you wake up later, the procedure would have been completed. In short, you should not experience much pain. Most of the discomfort is actually felt on the day before the procedure, when you have to purge but only allow to drink fluid and not eat. |
| How do I prepare myself for a colonoscopy procedure? |
| Refer to bowel preparation for colonoscopy (Download available) |
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OGDS |
| Why do we do OGDS? |
| OGDS is abbreviation for oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. OGDS is a good and safe procedure that enables thorough examination of the oesophagus, stomach and a small portion of the small intestine (duodenum). It allows accurate diagnosis and enables delivery of endoscopic treatment. |
| How do I prepare myself for an OGDS examination? |
| Refer to bowel preparation for OGDS. (Download available) |
| How common is Helicobacter pylori infection? |
| H.pylori infection is very common and may be commonest infection in mankind. The prevalence of this infection depends on the country of origin, hygiene, race and age. |
| How do we get the infection? |
| From the contaminated food and water that we have ingested. |
| What are the complications of Helicobacter pylori infection? |
| All infected individuals will have stomach lining inflammation although many remain asymptomatic. Complications include gastritis, peptic ulcers, stomach bleeding, stomach perforation, intestinal metaplasia, gastric atrophy and finally gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma. Infected patients will be 3-6 times more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to non-infected individuals. |
| What should you do if your H.pylori serology is positive? |
| Clients with positive serology test should confirm the presence of the infection with either an endoscopy, urea breath test or stool antigen test. All the tests are very specific and sensitive test. However, endoscopic examination will enable an inspection of upper digestive tract to look for complications. Pre-cancerous lesions may need biopsies and repeated follow-ups. |
| Is there a cure for Helicobacter pylori infection? |
| Definitely! The infection can be cured and the treatment usually is only 1-2 weeks duration. |
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HAEMORRHOID |
| What is a haemorrhoid? |
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| When should we seek treatment for per rectal bleeding? |
| Per rectal bleeding is common but is definitely not normal. Rectal bleeding ideally should be evaluated especially if it is recurrent, late onset or is associated with other gut symptoms. |
| What is haemorrhoid band ligation and is it painful? |
It is simple, daycare procedure to ligate and obliterate some of the blood vessels that supply and form the haemorrhoid. It can be easily done within 10-15 minutes. No anaesthesia or sedation is needed. Often it is painless as ligation is placed high up on the part of the anal canal which ‘cannot feel the normal pain’. However, a small portion of patients may feel a vague discomfort for 2-3 days. Pain is rare. |
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CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY |
| How do I prepare myself for capsule endoscopy? |
| Similar to preparation for colonoscopy (Download is available) |
| How do we get the capsule endoscope out from our body? |
| It will come out naturally during bowel opening. |
| Do we need to retrieve the capsule endoscope once it comes out? |
| No, you don’t need to. All the captured pictures will be stored in the data recorder which worn around your waist and not in the capsule endoscope. |