What is an Endoscopy Procedure?
We are grateful for choosing The Surgeons and aim to provide a comfortable and smooth experience for every patient. Our motto is "Caring Hearts, Evidence Based Minds, Skilled Hands" and our commitment is to strive to achieve it for every patient.
The common endoscopy procedures by The Surgeons are Oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy (OGD), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. These procedure use a thin, long and flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on one end. An OGD examines the esophageus, stomach and duodenum. Colonoscopy examines the rectum, entire colon and if required, the terminal ileum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and left colon. Images captured from the video camera is then shown on a TV monitor for a detailed view.
An endoscopy procedure is a safe and effective way to examine and detect cancer or precancerous lesions. Lesions such as polyps may be removed. Biopsies can be performed also during endoscopy. In bleeding lesions therapeutic procedures can be performed during endoscopy for hemostasis.
(* Preparation may differ between patients due to medical conditions)
General Advice
- Please do not wear any jewellery or bring any valuables.
- Remove all nail polish. Do not wear high-heeled shoes.
- Bring along admission form and other documents required for registration
- Hospitalization Leave will be issued to you for the day of your procedure.
- Procedure start time may vary, depending on how complex the previous procedures are before yours
Sedation Advice
Endoscopy procedures are performed under sedation. The medication will be given to you through intravenous injection. An anaesthetist may be present during the procedure if deep sedation is required or you have certain medical conditions that require additional monitoring. After the procedure, a caregiver (adult) is required to accompany you home as you will feel drowsy after the procedure. Do not drive, sign legal documents, operate machinery, exercise or drink alcohol after the procedure.
*It has been observed that high use of sleeping tablets, medications for anxiety or depression, smoking or alcohol may reduce effectiveness of sedation. We advise all patients to
- Discuss with us all medications that you are on to better understand your condition
- Cut smoking as best as you can to just a few sticks a day for a few days before the scope
- Stop alcohol for at least 5-7 days before the scope
Diet Advice
To allow the endoscopist to look at the bowel lining clearly, you will need to follow a low residue diet for 3 days before the procedure. You may continue to have regular portions at your meal times.
Please refer to Low Residue Diet
Medication Advice
| Category of Medication | Example of medications | Date to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Blood-thinning medication* | Aspirin (Cardiprin), Warfarin (Marevan), Clopidogrel (Placta), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Dipyridamole (Perazodin), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis) | Please consult your doctor |
| Possibly blood-thinning supplements* | Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Gingko (Tanakan), Ginseng, Valerian, Hypericum (St. John’s Wort), Kava (Kavain), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic, Jamu | Stop 1 week before procedure unless otherwise advised |
| Iron supplements | Ferrous Gluconate (Sangobion), Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Sulphate | Stop 1 week before procedure unless otherwise advised |
*This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure, please approach our staff for help. If you are unsure which medication to take/stop, please bring along your medication for our staff to check through,
This is a general guide and please clarify with our staff. We may require to consult your diabetic doctor for specific medication modifications.
For morning procedure
- Take DM medication and insulin as usual the day before
- Oral DM medication – omit morning DM medications. Take any lunch/evening medications as usual and do not take any extra dose to replace missed morning dose.
- Basal insulin ( eg. Insulatard, Lantus)- take 70% of your usual morning dose. Take dose due at lunch/dinner/bedtime as usual.
For afternoon procedure
- Take DM medication and insulin as usual the day before
- Oral DM medication – omit morning and lunch DM medications. Take any evening medications as usual and do not take any extra dose to replace missed morning dose.
- Basal insulin ( eg. Insulatard, Lantus)- take 70% of your usual morning dose.Take dose due at dinner/bedtime as usual.
- Short acting insulin (eg Actrapid, Humulog) or premixed insulin (eg Mixtard, Novomix)- do not take morning and lunch dose. Take your normal diner insulin dose.
Bowel Preparation Advice for Colonoscopy
Bowel preparation is important to ensure an accurate and comfortable colonoscopy is performed. A good bowel preparation ensures there is minimal residue in the colon and the internal lining of the colon is well visualised. Inadequate preparation may result in repeating the colonoscopy procedure on another day.
After taking bowel preparation (Picoprep or Fortrans)
- You will pass motion frequently
- Drink plenty of clear liquids to prevent dehydration and to help clean your colon completely
- If vomiting, cramping and/or pain occurs, do stop consuming more bowel preparation. If the clinic is opened, please do consult us. For after-hours we may recommend going to the Emergency department if you are very uncomfortable.
Our Motto
Caring Hearts, Educated Minds, Skilled Hands
Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth #16-09, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,Singapore 228510
Tel:+65 6518 4688
Fax:+65 6235 0897
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road Connexion,#08-07 Farrer Park Medical Centre,Singapore 217562
Tel:+65 6518 4868
Fax:+65 6443 6616
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
