Dr Kenneth Koo

ERCP Specialist In Singapore With 20 Years Experience

  • ERCP is an effective tool to identify and treat problems in the pancreas and bile duct
  • It provides a less invasive procedure than open surgery for treating several bile duct system diseases

Dr Kenneth Koo has extensive experience in treating various Gastrointestinal and Liver Conditions in adults, with extensive training in ERCP.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): What Is It?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure to diagnose and treat diseases of the bile duct system. Bile ducts are small tubes that carries bile produced by the liver into the intestines to aid digestion.

ERCP uses a combination of X-ray and an endoscope – a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip. The procedure is performed by a doctor with training in advanced endoscopic techniques. ERCP is done under sedation to minimise patient’s discomfort.

What Are the Indications for ERCP?

Gastroenterologists commonly use ERCP to diagnose and treat the following conditions:

  • Bile duct stones
  • Bile duct infections
  • Bile duct strictures ( ie narrowings )
  • Bile leaks eg after surgery
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.

ERCP Procedure: Before, During & After

How to Prepare for ERCP?

Before the procedure, you should:

  • Fast for 6 hours.
  • Let your gastroenterologist know about any medications and supplements you take on a daily basis especially any blood thinners eg aspirin.
  • Inform your gastroenterologist about any special medical conditions you have, such as pregnancy, diabetes, lung and heart conditions, or allergies to any medications.
  • Ask someone to accompany you on your way home after the procedure, as you may feel drowsy after taking a sedative.

Depending on each individual case, Dr Koo and his team will walk you through a detailed plan for your ERCP preparation.

What Happens During ERCP?

ERCP is typically performed on an in-patient basis, with an overnight stay for observation after procedure. ERCP may take 1-2 hours. Sedation will be administered intravenously before the procedure begins.

During an ERCP,  the endoscope is inserted via the mouth to the ampulla ( opening of the bile duct ), which is located in the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). Instruments can then be inserted into the bile duct and a dye injected to highlight the biliary system and make it more visible on X-rays.

Once the problem is identified, your gastroenterologist may perform one of the following treatments:

  • Stent placement. A stent is a hollow tube that is placed to open blocked or narrow ducts.
  • Stone(s) removal. ERCP is a typical procedure of choice for the removal of common bile duct stones. Large stones will need to be broken down first before they can be safely removed.
  • Biopsy. During an ERCP,  abnormal tissue samples may be taken for further investigation.

What to Expect Afterwards?

Once the ERCP is completed, you will be brought to a recovery room where you will be observed until the sedation wears off. This will be followed by an over-night stay for continued monitoring of any complications.

Ideally, someone should accompany you on your way home. Since sedatives affect coordination and judgement, you should avoid driving and operating machinery for at least 8 hours.

You may experience some soreness in your throat, bloating and cramping after the procedure. This is common and should go away within 1-2 days.

Make An Enquiry

Dr Koo strives to provide accurate diagnosis & effective treatments for each patient. Our team will guide you through the treatment & recovery process, ensuring you get the highest level of care & service.

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

Dr Koo is a highly-experienced gastroenterologist with extensive training in ERCP & other types of advanced endoscopic procedures. Schedule a consultation with Dr Koo today.

Is ERCP Safe? What Are the Potential Risks?

Having a gastroenterologist experienced in ERCP is extremely important to the efficacy of the procedure. ERCP is not without risks. Complications can include perforation ( injury to the intestine tract ), bleeding, pancreatitis etc. These risks can be mitigated by an experienced endoscopist.

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

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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