3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Gastroscopy/OGD

Gastroscopy/OGD

What is a gastroscopy/OGD?

Gastroscopy, also known as Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD), is an endoscopic procedure that inspects the interior surfaces of the upper digestive tract. Gastroscopies are performed using a gastroscope, which is a flexible and thin tube equipped with a light and camera at the tip. Gastroscopies are instrumental in diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions such as gastric cancer (link to service page) – the 7th and 10th most common cancer among men and women respectively in Singapore.
A gastroscopy utilises a gastroscope, a flexible tube equipped with a small camera and light to visualise the health of a patient’s oesophagus and upper GI tract to identify the root causes of presented symptoms such as;
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloody stool
  • Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
  • Nausea
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss

    • How does a gastroscopy/OGD work?

    A gastroscopy is a safe and simple endoscopic procedure that takes between 15-45 minutes to complete. Before the procedure, you will be asked to fast for 6-8 hours to reduce the risk of vomiting and provide gastroenterologists with a clearer view of the digestive tract. Additionally, you will also be asked to stop taking certain blood thinning or blood clotting medications, like aspirin.
    Upon arriving at the clinic, you will be shown to the treatment room to change into a surgical gown. Before the gastroenterologist begins the procedure, you will be administered a local anaesthesia to numb the throat and reduce gag reflex. You may be provided with a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
    A gastroscopy enables the visualisation of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
    Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the gastroenterologist will gently insert the gastroscope through the patient’s mouth, guiding it down the oesophagus, into the stomach, and then into the duodenum. Your gastroenterologist may also opt to pump air through the gastroscope, and into the stomach or duodenum for better visualisation.
    As the gastroscope moves through the upper digestive tract, the camera transmits the images on a monitor in real-time. Your gastroenterologist will examine these images for abnormalities like inflammation upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and tumours. If necessary, specialised tools can be passed through the gastroscope to take a tissue sample (biopsy), for further investigations.
    Following the procedure, the gastroscope is carefully, and gently withdrawn. You will then be monitored briefly until the sedative wears off.
    A gastroscopy helps gastroenterologists examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions.

    What are the benefits of gastroscopy/OGD?

    Gastroscopy offers several significant benefits for patients, including:

    Increases survival rate:

    Gastroscopies are pertinent in the early detection of upper GI cancers.

    Diagnostic accuracy:

    Gastroscopy provides high-quality, detailed images that allow for precise diagnosis of various conditions affecting the upper digestive tract.

    Minimally invasive:

    Gastroscopies do not require surgical incisions, resulting in a lower risk of complications and a quicker recovery time compared to more invasive procedures.

    Therapeutic capabilities:

    beyond diagnosis, gastroscopy can also be utilised to perform certain treatments, such as removing small tumours and treating bleeding sites.

    Biopsy capability:

    Tissue samples can be collected during the procedure, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like cancer or infections.
    Gastroscopy provides high-quality, detailed images that allow for precise diagnosis of various conditions affecting the upper digestive tract.
    Gastroscopy is beneficial as it allows accurate analysis of the health of your digestive tract. If you have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases such as stomach cancer, and polyps, then we encourage you to book a consultation with our specialist.

    What conditions can gastroscopy/OGD diagnose?

    Gastroscopy is used to diagnose, and sometimes treat a variety of conditions, including:

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

    chronic acid reflux that can lead to inflammation or damage to the oesophagus.

    Esophagitis:

    an inflammation of the oesophagus, often due to acid reflux or infections.

    Barrett’s oesophagus:

    a condition characterised by the changes to the oesophagus lining due to prolonged acid exposure, and increasing the risk of cancer.

    Stomach ulcers:

    open sores that develop on the stomach lining due to infections or prolonged use of certain medications.

    Celiac disease:

    an immune disease characterised by an allergic reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine lining.

    Gastritis:

    an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute or chronic.

    Hiatal hernia:

    a condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, and into the chest cavity.

    Esophageal or Gastric tumours:

    benign or malignant abnormal growths that are found in the oesophagus or the stomach.

    Bleeding in the upper GI tract:

    bleeding due to ulcers, tumours, or varices.

    Swallowed foreign objects:

    objects that were accidentally ingested can be retrieved during a gastroscopy.

    What results can I expect?

    Patients are typically informed about the preliminary findings almost immediately after the procedure. Depending on the results of the findings, your gastroenterologist may recommend follow-up care or additional procedures. This is even more so if the results confirm the presence of inflammation, ulcers, or tumours. On the other hand, if your results indicate no abnormalities, your gastroenterologist may advise you to schedule a routine gastroscopy as a precautionary measure.

    How many treatment sessions are needed?

    In most cases, a single gastroscopy session is sufficient for diagnostic purposes. However, suppose the procedure is used to treat a condition, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding, additional sessions may be required to monitor healing and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, the need for further procedures will depend on the individual’s specific condition, response to treatment, and risk factors for developing gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric cancer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The procedure is generally not painful due to the local anaesthetic administered and, if necessary, a sedative. Patients might feel some discomfort or pressure, but severe pain is uncommon. A sore throat can occur afterwards but usually resolves within a day or two.

    While gastroscopy is generally safe, it carries some risks, including adverse reactions to sedatives, bleeding (especially if a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed), and, rarely, perforation of the digestive tract. Discuss any concerns with your doctor beforehand.

    If you receive a sedative, you will need someone to accompany you home, as the sedative can impair your ability to drive and make decisions for the rest of the day.

    Location

    Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

    3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

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