Dr Kenneth Koo has extensive experience in gastroscopy procedures. He has performed more than 2000 gastroscopies.
A gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
The endoscope has a light and a camera at one end. The camera sends images of the inside of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to a monitor which is observed by your specialist.
A gastroscopy can be used to investigate problems such as dysphagia (swallowing problems) or persistent stomachaches, diagnose conditions such as stomach ulcers or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even to treat conditions such as bleeding ulcers, a blockage in the oesophagus, non-cancerous growths (polyps) or small cancerous tumours
A gastroscopy often takes around 15 minutes, although it may take longer if it’s being used to treat a condition or remove polyps.
Before the procedure, your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You might also be sedated.
A spray may be applied to the throat to numb it, and you will be asked to remove any dentures or plates.
Your specialist will gently insert the gastroscope through your mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper part of the small bowel).
Any discomfort at the back of the throat is minimised by the use of the throat spray and sedation. Depending on the situation, your specialist may also perform the following:
Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist
Gleneagles Medical Centre
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.
Your specialist may recommend a gastroscopy if you have certain symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, upper-abdominal pain that does not go away, unexplained weight loss and bloating.
It can also be used to screen for stomach cancer and to check for abnormal findings detected on CT scans or MRI scans.
Gastroscopies are also used to diagnose or treat the following:
Do check with your doctor whether you need to stop taking any of your medicines beforehand. You may need to stop taking any prescribed medicines for indigestion for up to 2 weeks before the procedure. This is because the medicine can mask some of the problems that a gastroscopy could find. You are required to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that your stomach is completely empty. This will allow good visualisation and reduces the risk of vomiting during the procedure.
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!
Feel free to drop by at our clinic at 6 Napier Road #06-16, Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
6 Napier Road #06-16 Gleneagles Medical Center Singapore 258499
Mon-Fri: 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 5pm Sat: 8.30am – 12.30pm Sun & PH: Closed
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