An endoscopy clinic offers essential diagnostic services for evaluating digestive tract conditions. In Singapore, patients turn to these clinics for advanced, minimally invasive procedures that detect gastrointestinal issues early and accurately. Whether you’re experiencing acid reflux, stomach pain, or digestive irregularities, visiting an endoscopy clinic can be the first step toward effective treatment.Endoscopy is a specialized medical procedure for examining the digestive tract. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the body.
Doctors use endoscopy to diagnose conditions that affect the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, and other organs. In Singapore, endoscopy clinics offer advanced diagnostic tools for detecting and managing digestive disorders early. Learn more
This article discusses conditions detected through endoscopy. It will help you understand when to seek this procedure and what to expect. Let’s begin!
What Is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy allows doctors to look inside the body without surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive and provides real-time images of internal organs.
It is performed using an endoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a light and a camera. There are several different types of endoscopies you may be recommended, depending on the symptoms you are presenting. Most used examples include;
Gastroscopy
This procedure involves inserting the endoscope through the mouth to inspect the oesophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like ulcers, reflux, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. It is often used for screening colon cancer, detecting polyps, and diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Bronchoscopy
In this procedure, the endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the airways and lungs. It is useful for diagnosing respiratory conditions, such as infections, lung cancer, or obstructed airways.
Cystoscopy
This involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the urethra to inspect the bladder and urethra. It is often used to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent infections, or bladder cancer.
The good thing with endoscopy is that it is safe, quick, and highly effective. It usually takes just about 15 to 60 minutes.
Which Conditions can be Diagnosed Through Endoscopy?
Your GP can handle the vast majority of health conditions you face. However, there are instances where they may need to refer you to a specialist facility like an endoscopy clinic. If you’ve been advised to visit an endoscopy clinic in Singapore but still are unsure why, you may have presented symptoms of any of the following conditions;
Acid Reflux and GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This causes heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Endoscopy helps diagnose GERD by detecting:
Oesophagitis
This condition refers to inflammation of the oesophagus. It is often caused by stomach acid repeatedly flowing back into the oesophagus, known as acid reflux. It can result in symptoms like pain, difficulty swallowing, and a burning sensation in the chest.
Barrett’s Oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus occurs when the lining of the oesophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure, often from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition increases the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, particularly in individuals with long-standing acid reflux.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can exacerbate acid reflux. This condition may lead to frequent heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining. They are caused by infections (H. pylori bacteria) or long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
For stomach cancer, your endoscopy clinic in Singapore can detect the ulcer size and location, which helps determine the severity. Also,o through endoscopy, the specialists can detect bleeding ulcers, which indicates potential complications.
Also, the specialists can detect H. pylori infection. For H. pylori infection, a biopsy can be done during endoscopy to confirm the infection. For stomach ulcers, treatment includes antibiotics, acid-reducing medications, and dietary changes.
Colon Polyps and Colorectal Cancer
Colon polyps are abnormal growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While many polyps remain benign, some can develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated.
Regular screening and removal of certain types of polyps can help reduce the risk of cancer, as early detection is key to preventing further complications. During the procedure, the specialists at your endoscopy clinic in Singapore can detect polyps and, if needed, remove them to prevent cancer.
Another common condition, mostly detected through endoscopy, is colorectal cancer. Depending on your risk factor, you may be advised to begin your endoscopies early or have them more frequently, considering that early-stage cancer is treatable. Your endoscopy clinic in Singapore can also detect inflammation, which is linked to conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Infections and Inflammation
Endoscopy also helps identify infections, inflammation, or abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive infections can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Thanks to endoscopy, the specialists in a good endoscopy clinic in Singapore can get a clear view of the digestive tract. It aids in diagnosing the underlying cause and determining the best treatment.
Common gastrointestinal infections that endoscopy can detect include Helicobacter pylori (linked to ulcers), Clostridium difficile (causing severe diarrhea), and viral infections like norovirus or rotavirus. It can also identify parasitic infections, such as giardiasis.
What’s more, it may reveal fungal infections or inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, which can mimic infection symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Endoscopy also detects inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
When Should You Consider an Endoscopy?
You may be referred to an endoscopy clinic if you experience persistent heartburn or acid reflux, unexplained stomach pain or bloating, or notice blood in your stool or vomit. You may also be recommended an endoscopy if you are having difficulty swallowing or struggling with chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Endoscopy provides credible information about the digestive tract. Used correctly, it can help to identify underlying issues like ulcers, inflammation, or tumors.
Early detection of these conditions is crucial, as it can prevent serious complications and allow for more effective treatment. Not to forget, regular screening is key to addressing digestive concerns before they escalate into more severe problems.
It’s a Wrap!
Endoscopy is a crucial tool for diagnosing digestive disorders. So, if you have persistent digestive symptoms, consult an endoscopy clinic in Singapore.
Early diagnosis ensures better treatment and faster recovery, so don’t delay care. If you’re experiencing persistent digestive symptoms and are looking to schedule a consultation at a trusted endoscopy clinic in Singapore, reach out to us today:
Dr. Lee Chin Li
Lee Surgery and Endoscopy – Specialist in Colorectal and Gallbladder Surgery
Gleneagles Medical Centre, 6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499
www.leesurgery.com.sg
+65 6255 0720
