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Colonoscopy / Gastroscopy
Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy are claimable under hospitalization insurance policy (a.k.a “SHIELD” PLAN) and Medisave / Medishield Life under the Singapore Ministry of Health Table of Surgical Procedures code of SF702C and SF701I respectively. For details, please visit this MOH link.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a special test using a flexible tube to look at the internal lining of the colon and rectum. It also allows biopsies to be taken. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy examination if you have symptoms suggesting possible problems in the colon or rectum. Some symptoms include bleeding, change in your bowel habits, unexplained abdominal symptoms. Colonoscopy is also used to monitor patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and for follow-up of patients with history of colon cancer or polyp. The bowel must first be thoroughly cleaned before a colonoscopy. This is done either the day before or the same morning as your colonoscopy. You will be asked to drink medication that would make you have diarrhoea to pass out all the stools inside. The colonoscope is inserted through the anus and advanced to the portion of the colon where the small intestine enters. Your doctor will remove any polyps or take biopsies if necessary.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an outpatient procedure using an endoscope to examine your esophagus, stomach and part of your duodenum.You need to fast at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that you have an empty stomach and will not vomit during the procedure. This will give a clearer view and will allow the doctor a thorough examination.
You will be sedated and will not gag or feel any pain during the procedure. A small endoscope is used to examine your esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum. If needed, a biopsy of the lining of the stomach may be taken to test for bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) or to exclude cancer. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes.
Indications:
- Persistent discomfort or pain in the stomach area
- Persistent indigestion and heartburn
- Bloating after meals
- Feeling of fullness even after small meals
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting of blood or having blood in the stools
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an outpatient procedure using an endoscope to examine your esophagus, stomach and part of your duodenum.You need to fast at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that you have an empty stomach and will not vomit during the procedure. This will give a clearer view and will allow the doctor a thorough examination.
You will be sedated and will not gag or feel any pain during the procedure. A small endoscope is used to examine your esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum. If needed, a biopsy of the lining of the stomach may be taken to test for bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) or to exclude cancer. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes.
Indications:
- Persistent discomfort or pain in the stomach area
- Persistent indigestion and heartburn
- Bloating after meals
- Feeling of fullness even after small meals
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting of blood or having blood in the stools