Gastroscopy

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Hosted By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Ask Dr Jarrod Lee about:

  • Reasons for doctors to suggest a gastroscopy
  • How is a gastroscopy performed
  • Cost of gastroscopy in Singapore
  • How to prep for a gastroscopy
  • What does a gastroscopy test for

Questions 4

What is the purpose of a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is used to examine the organs of the upper digestive tract: the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (it's the first and shortest segment of the small intestine). I perform gastroscopy for 3 groups of patients: Patients with symptoms that may be due to disorders of the upper digestive tract. I use gastroscopy to examine the internal lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum for disorders. I may also obtain tissue biopsies to allow further examination of cellular structures under a microscope by a pathologist.

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

How painful is a gastroscopy, and what kind of sedation is used during the procedure?

Thanks for the D2D. Gastroscopy is usually performed under moderate or ‘conscious’ sedation. This is a state where patient is ‘put to sleep’ or sedated, but can be respond purposefully when called or touched. The medication is given through an intravenous line, and I adjust the dose accordingly to achieve the desired state of sedation. This way, I ensure that just enough sedation is given, and I avoid the side effects and complications of the medication. Most of my gastroscopy procedures are completed within 15 minutes, so the total dose of medication I give is low.

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

What will happen if the gastroscopy shows an abnormality?

Thanks for the D2D. When I find an abnormality, I will do the following: Make an endoscopic diagnosis. In many conditions, a good endoscopic diagnosis and picture documentation is sufficient to proceed to management. Try to find an underlying cause of the condition. For example, if there is a stomach ulcer, I will look for an underlying infection which may have caused the ulcer. Assess the severity of the condition and look for associated complications. Determine whether tissue biopsy is needed, and obtain the appropriate samples if so.

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Who should go for a gastroscopy?

Thanks for the D2D. Unlike colonoscopy, ‘routine’ gastroscopy for general screening is not proven. I typically advise 2 groups of people to go for ‘screening’ gastroscopy. 1. Patients with symptoms that may be due to disorders of the upper digestive tract, as the gastroscopy may be able to diagnose a problem to allow treatment and prevent it from getting worse.

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox