Gastroscopy is a procedure to examine the stomach’s lining. During gastroscopy, a flexible tube with a light and camera is gently inserted through the mouth.
It travels down the throat into the stomach, projecting images onto a screen. This allows gastro specialists to closely inspect the stomach’s condition.
If any abnormalities are found, small tissue samples can be taken for analysis. Gastroscopy is crucial for diagnosing stomach problems early, enabling prompt treatment. See how to prepare for gastroscopy among other basics on this page; https://andrea-digestive-clinic.com/gastroscopy/.
Why Would Someone Need a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy, a fairly common procedure in Singapore offers a host of advantages in diagnosing and addressing underlying health concerns. This efficient process, taking between 15 to 45 minutes, boasts minimal discomfort, among several other benefits including being more accurate than X-rays when it comes to detecting diseases, etc.
Now, since this procedure involves the insertion of an object (a flexible tube) through the mouth and into the stomach, it may sound outright complicated or even scary. That said, it is natural to wonder; ‘why would someone need gastroscopy’? Here are seven key reasons why your GP may recommend a visit to a gastro specialist for gastroscopy in Singapore;
- Persistent Heartburn or Acid Reflux: Frequent and intense heartburn, acid reflux, or stomach content regurgitation may prompt your GP to advise a gastroscopy. This procedure assesses the esophagus for signs of inflammation. It also checks for possible erosion, or damage arising from stomach acid. This way, it can help identify conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the pre-cancerous Barrett’s esophagus.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Dysphagia, characterized by uneasy or painful swallowing. It does signify an array of potential underlying concerns such as esophageal strictures, inflammation, or even tumors. Gastroscopy generates precise images of the esophageal lining, making it easy for gastro specialists to pinpoint the root cause of dysphagia and determine suitable treatment strategies.
- Unexplained Upper Abdominal Pain: Persistent upper abdominal pain, unexplained by initial assessments, might necessitate a gastroscopy. This diagnostic procedure aids in the identification of conditions such as ulcers, gastritis (stomach lining inflammation), or even stomach cancer. Gastroscopy enables a detailed examination, assisting doctors in accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
- Anemia or Blood Loss: Individuals diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia or experiencing unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding could benefit from a gastroscopy. By scrutinizing the stomach lining, this procedure unveils sources of bleeding, such as ulcers or vulnerable blood vessels. Identifying the origin of bleeding is imperative for tailored treatment and effective management.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Unanticipated and abrupt weight loss could signify various gastrointestinal disorders, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or certain cancers. Gastroscopy helps spot inflammation, damage, or tumors within the upper digestive tract that could contribute to weight loss. This way, it highlights key factors and assists in determining a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Monitoring Known Conditions: Patients living with established gastrointestinal conditions, like celiac disease or Barrett’s esophagus, may need regular monitoring to gauge the condition’s progression or treatment efficacy. Gastroscopy ensures a direct visual assessment of affected areas, enabling gastro specialists to make informed decisions regarding ongoing care and management.
- Screening for Cancer and Pre-cancerous Conditions: Gastroscopy is also an invaluable tool for the early detection and screening of cancer and pre-cancerous states. A striking illustration is Barrett’s esophagus. Here, chronic acid reflux can induce alterations in the esophageal lining, elevating the risk of esophageal cancer. Routine gastroscopies enable the timely identification of these alterations. This facilitates prompt intervention when treatment yields optimal results.
What Diseases can be detected by a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is effective for disease detection due to its direct view inside the stomach and digestive tract. With the help of a thin tube with a camera as earlier explained, doctors see any abnormalities, like ulcers or tumors. Here are some of the most common diseases that can be detected by gastroscopy;
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and the well-known sensation of heartburn. Gastroscopy can help reveal the visible signs of esophagitis. Typically these may include an inflammation of the esophagus lining or any damage that may have occurred due to chronic exposure to stomach acid. This direct visualization aids doctors in accurately assessing the extent of the damage. It also allows for easy planning of appropriate treatment strategies.
- Gastritis: Gastritis entails the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can result from a range of factors including bacterial infections, certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption. During assessments, gastroscopy provides a clear view of the inflammation within the stomach. The procedure helps doctors gauge the extent of the inflammation and its severity. This makes it easier to identify the underlying cause and to design a suitable treatment plan.
- Peptic Ulcers: These are essentially sores that develop within the stomach. They may also develop on the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. Gastroscopy, with its magnified and detailed view, can directly identify and assess the size of these ulcers. And what’s more, it allows for an evaluation on whether any complications, like bleeding or perforation, have developed due to the presence of these ulcers.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. Usually, it is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This condition damages the lining of the small intestine. Through gastroscopy, doctors can obtain biopsies from the small intestine. These biopsies can help confirm the presence of this disorder, and the extent of damage as well as the severity of the disease.
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can lead to stomach infections. It has been linked to the development of ulcers and even stomach cancer. Gastroscopy’s ability to directly visualize the stomach’s interior allows doctors to identify the presence of this bacterium. It also allows for an assessment of any associated damage it might have caused.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: Prolonged and untreated GERD can sometimes result in a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. This condition involves changes in the lining of the esophagus. It is known to increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Gastroscopy can detect these changes in the esophageal lining. Early detection means that it makes it easier for monitoring of the progression of the condition and implementation of management strategies to mitigate the risk of cancer development.
- Esophageal Cancer: Early detection of esophageal cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. Gastroscopy plays a key role in this regard. By allowing doctors to closely inspect the esophagus for any abnormalities or unusual growths, the procedure helps in identifying the early signs of cancer. This enables medical professionals to intervene promptly, initiating appropriate treatments to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
Final Thoughts on Gastroscopy in Singapore
Gastroscopy is simple but highly effective in getting a direct window into the stomach and upper digestive tract. It provides critical insights that aid in formulating accurate diagnoses and tailoring appropriate treatment plans. Top of Form
If you’ve been recommended gastroscopy in Singapore or just want to discuss it with a gastro specialist, call or visit us at;
The Andrea’s Digestive, Colon, Liver and Gall Bladder Clinic
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-11/12
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
