What Is Gastroscopy Screening?
A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure used to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). During the procedure, a thin flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through the mouth to allow direct visual assessment of the upper digestive tract.
Gastroscopy is commonly performed to investigate symptoms such as:
- Persistent indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained anaemia
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Suspected stomach ulcers or inflammation
In some patients, gastroscopy may also be used as a screening or surveillance tool to detect conditions such as ulcers, Barrett’s oesophagus, polyps, or early cancers of the upper digestive tract.
Who Should Consider Gastroscopy Screening in Singapore?
You may benefit from a gastroscopy if you have:
- Persistent reflux or indigestion symptoms
- Long-standing acid reflux disease
- Difficulty swallowing
- Recurrent upper abdominal pain
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- A family history of stomach or oesophageal cancer
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Black stools or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
In Singapore, gastroscopy is commonly recommended for individuals with persistent upper gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly when symptoms do not improve with medication or lifestyle measures.
Long-standing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease may increase the risk of complications such as oesophagitis or Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where the lining of the lower oesophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure.
A gastroscopy may be recommended if you:
- Have reflux symptoms for many years
- Require long-term acid suppression medication
- Develop worsening symptoms despite treatment
- Experience difficulty swallowing
- Have associated weight loss, anaemia, or bleeding symptoms
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, age, risk factors, and overall clinical history before recommending screening.
How to Prepare for Your Gastroscopy
Preparation for gastroscopy is usually straightforward.
Patients are generally advised to:
- Avoid eating for at least 6 hours before the procedure
- Avoid drinking liquids for several hours beforehand
- Inform the doctor about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions
- Discuss blood-thinning medications in advance if applicable
Specific preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical condition and whether sedation is planned.
What to Expect During and After Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure and typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
During the procedure:
- Sedation is commonly given to improve comfort
- The throat may be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray
- A thin flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the upper digestive tract
- The doctor examines the lining for inflammation, ulcers, polyps, or other abnormalities
After the procedure:
- Patients are monitored during recovery from sedation
- Mild bloating or throat discomfort may occur temporarily
- Most patients can return home the same day
- Driving should be avoided for the remainder of the day if sedation was given
Your doctor will usually discuss preliminary findings after the procedure, although biopsy results may take several days.
Can biopsies or H. pylori testing be done during the same procedure?
Yes. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be safely taken during gastroscopy if required. These biopsies are painless and may help diagnose:
- Inflammation or gastritis
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
- Coeliac disease
- Barrett's oesophagus
- Polyps or abnormal tissue changes
Testing for H. pylori can often be performed using biopsy samples taken during the procedure.
When Is Repeat Gastroscopy Needed?
Repeat gastroscopy may be recommended in certain situations, including:
- Surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus
- Follow-up of stomach ulcers
- Monitoring of gastric polyps
- Evaluation of persistent or worsening symptoms
- Surveillance in selected high-risk individuals
The timing of repeat procedures depends on the underlying condition and biopsy findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about colorectal cancer screening.