Dr Kenneth Koo

Dysphagia Specialist In Singapore With 20 Years Experience

  • Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing can be a sign of serious medical disorders
  • If left untreated, it can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss

Dr Kenneth Koo has extensive experience in treating dysphagia and other gastrointestinal symptoms & conditions in adults.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing can be a symptom of many medical disorders. This happens when the food you swallow can’t pass easily from the mouth into your stomach. The process of swallowing seems simple, but involves your brain and nervous system, muscles at the back of your throat and oesophagus.

Dysphagia can occur as a result of a problem in these parts of the body.

Common Symptoms of Dysphagia

Other symptoms linked to dysphagia include:

  • Having trouble with swallowing
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Coughing or gagging when swallowing
  • A sensation of something getting stuck in your throat or chest
  • Food coming back up (regurgitation)
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss
About our Gastroenterologist

Dr Kenneth Koo

Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist

Gleneagles Medical Centre

  • MBBS
  • M Med (Int Med)
  • MRCP (UK)
  • FRCP (Edin)

Dr Kenneth Koo is an experienced gastroenterologist with more than 20 years’ experience and is well trained in managing all types of digestive and liver conditions.

Prior to joining private practise, Dr Kenneth Koo was Director of Gastroenterology and Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. An integral member of the team which transitioned from Alexander Hospital to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in 2015, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the gastroenterology division including the growth, development and governance.

Dedication to his patients and clinical practise can be seen from several service quality awards obtained over the years.

How Is Dysphagia Treated?

Treatment of dysphagia depends on the underlying cause.

If the dysphagia is due to a progressive or permanent neurological condition that is not expected to improve, then sometimes placement of feeding tubes such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy ( PEG ) will be necessary.

If the dysphagia is due blockage from scarring of the oesophagus due to long term acid reflux, then a balloon can be used to widen the scarred and narrowed portion of the oesophagus during gastroscopy.

Schedule An Appointment

If you experience prolonged difficulty swallowing, consult Dr Kenneth Koo for an accurate assessment of your condition

Why Do Patients Choose
The GI & Liver Center

  • Previous Director of Gastroenterology & Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • More Than 20 Years’ Experience
  • Accurate Diagnosis Through Comprehensive Screening Tools
  • Accepting Patients With & Without Insurance
  • Transparent & Honest Charges

Schedule An Appointment With Our Clinic

If left untreated, dysphagia can lead to life-threatening health problems. Get properly diagnosed and treated by a qualified gastroenterologist.

How Is Dysphagia Diagnosed?

Assessment of dysphagia will include a thorough review of the medical history and symptoms as well as a proper physical examination. Diagnostic tests can include an assessment by a speech therapist, scans of the neck and chest as well as a gastroscopy. Gastroscopy involves inserting a flexible endoscope from the mouth into the oesophagus and stomach to look for any blockages.

What Conditions Cause Dysphagia?

  • Conditions which cause narrowing or blockage of the oesophagus eg esophageal tumours, scarring from chronic acid reflux, external compression from an enlarged thyroid gland etc.
  • Neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and motor neuron disease can cause dysphagia.
  • Muscular disorders of the oesophagus eg achalasia, oesophageal spasms etc.
Billing & Insurance

Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans

We accept a range of policies that covers individual health insurance as well as corporate insurance plans. We have partnered with many insurance companies such as Aviva, IHP, Great Eastern, and more!

Our Clinic

Feel free to drop by at our clinic at 6 Napier Road #06-16, Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499

Enquire With Us

We are here to help. Fill in the form below to send us your enquiry or schedule an appointment.
Please Note: Adult patients ONLY.

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    Visit Our Clinic

    The GI & Liver Center

    6 Napier Road #06-16
    Gleneagles Medical Center
    Singapore 258499

    enquiries@tglc.sg

    Mon-Fri: 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 5pm
    Sat: 8.30am – 12.30pm
    Sun & PH: Closed