Gastroscopy Screening in Singapore

How to Prepare for Your Gastroscopy

For patients who will undergo gastroscopy in Singapore, they need to take some steps beforehand in preparation for the procedure, including:

• Fasting - Refraining from eating or drinking anything for 4 to 6 hours prior to the examination is needed. Instead, patients are advised to only consume clear liquids, such as water, for up to 2 hours before the appointment as having an empty stomach is crucial in helping the doctor clearly visualise the entire GI tract.
• Certain Medications - Avoid taking certain medications that may cause blood clotting. These include blood thinners, aspirin, and high blood (hypertension) and diabetic medications. Follow doctor’s advice or discuss the list of safe medications and dosages that can be taken before the procedure.
• Arrange Someone to Take You Home - Since esophageal gastroscopy can sometimes be done under sedation, you may feel drowsy and disoriented afterwards and hence should arrange for someone to bring you home afterwards. However, if you only had a numbing throat spray, you can then be left to head home by yourself once the doctor has discharged you.

What to Expect During Your Gastroscopy Screening

• Before the Procedure - Before undergoing gastroscopy screening in Singapore, patients should discuss with their doctors on when to take regular medicines, or if they are suffering from allergies or other health conditions that may affect the procedure’s result. They will also perform a final evaluation before proceeding to the operating room.
• During the Procedure - Gastroscopy is an outpatient screening procedure that usually takes only 15 to 45 minutes. In this procedure, the doctor either administers an anaesthetic throat spray for throat numbness or an intravenous sedation. A plastic mouthpiece will be used for dental protection and to hold the mouth open. A gastroscope will be slowly inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to examine the gastric lining of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine (duodenum) and perform biopsy (tissue sample) if any abnormalities are present.
• After the Procedure - Once the examination is done, patients will be taken to a recovery room to rest until the sedation wears off. It is common for patients to experience mild and temporary postoperative effects, including a mild sore throat or bloating, which will resolve within a few days. The doctor will also set a follow-up appointment to discuss the procedure and findings.