Dr Ziggy Yeh
General and Colorectal Surgeon
Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeon
GASTROSCOPY
What is Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a procedure for investing, sampling, and treating a variety of symptoms or diseases occurring in oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first 12 inches of small intestine). It is also a useful tool to screen for gastric cancer in an individual with high risk of developing cancer. The common symptoms that warrant a gastroscopy are
-
Severe or Chronic Abdominal Pain
-
Bloating
-
Reflux
-
Difficulty to Swallow or Digest
-
Weight Loss
-
Anaemia
After a light sedative is given, a flexible camera called gastroscope is inserted from the mouth into oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can assess inflammation, ulceration, or cancer in the upper gastrointestinal organs far more accurate than X-ray, Barium meal, or CT scan. A gastroscopy also offers the therapeutic benefit, in which any abnormal tissue can be sampled or removed upon discovery.
Gastroscopy Preparation
1. The Bowel Preparation is not required unless you schedule a colonoscopy at the same date. If you are having two procedures, please also refer to Colonoscopy Preparation.
2. Cease the medications as per Dr. Yeh's instruction
Stop Proton Pump Inhibitors (such as Somac, Nexium) for 2 weeks
Stop H2 Blockers (such as Zantac, Pepcid AC, Tagamet) for 2 weeks
Stop Aspirin, Plavix or Warfarin for one week
Stop Non-vitamin k Oral AntiCoagulants (NOAC such as Pradaxa, Eliquis, or Xarelto) for 72 hours
Stop SGLT2 Inhibitors, a new diabetic medication, for 72 hours (such as Dapagliflozin, Forxiga, Empagliflozin, Jardiance, Canagliflozin, or Invokana)
3. Follow the Fasting Instruction from the Booking and Admission Unit of the Hospital
4. Arrange a relative or a friend to pick you up after the procedure. It is illegal to drive under the influence of sedative medication. It is safe to drive a motor vehicle or operative machinery 24 hours after the procedure.
5. Ensure there is close supervision by your relative or friend for 12 hours after discharge home.
6. Dress casual clothes. Leave valuables such as watches or jewellery at home. Avoid wearing makeup, lipsticks, nail polish and artificial nails.