ENDOSCOPY

Endoscopy is a procedure whereby the organs inside a person’s body is looked at using an instrument called the endoscope. The procedure has varying names depending on the parts of the body that a doctor intends to inspect. Amongst the most common procedures are laparoscopy, colonoscopy and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS).

GASTROSCOPY (OGDS)

Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) is also known as Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy or Gastroscopy. It is used to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Similar to colonoscopy, an OGDS procedure allows accurate diagnosis and treatment.

OGDS is performed to evaluate persistent upper abdominal symptoms such as gastric pain, indigestion, reflux, difficulty in swallowing or symptoms suggestive of bleeding or ulcer. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, polyps and cancers.

OGDS procedure involves the insertion of a gastroscope, a lighted flexible fibre optic endoscope or videoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach and the duodenum. Prior to the procedure, local anesthetic is usually sprayed to the back of the patient’s throat to numb the throat. In preparation for this procedure, patients are required to fast 6 hours to make sure the stomach is empty.

If any abnormalities are seen during the procedure, accessory instruments may be used to take tissue samples (biopsies), for an accurate diagnosis which then allows the determination of treatment and management of the condition.

OGDS is a safe procedure. Major complications with this procedure are very rare. As a General and Colorectal Surgeon, Dr. Shankar Gunarasa is highly skilled and has performed high volumes of OGDS.

COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is a common outpatient procedure carried out to examine the entire large intestine (the colon and rectum). The procedure allows accurate diagnosis and treatment. Colonoscopy screening is recommended for those between the age of 40 to 50.

The purpose of colonoscopy amongst others are as follows :-

  • to evaluate symptoms such as chronic constipation, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding;
  • to evaluate changes in bowel habits;
  • to detect and remove polyps; and
  • to diagnose and treat early colorectal cancer, diverticulosis and other colon related diseases.

The key to colonoscopy is the use of a colonoscope, a flexible instrument which includes a camera, that is inserted through the anal cavity to examine the entire large intestine. Where abnormal tissue or polys are found, a colonoscope is used to remove the tissue or to take tissue samples for biopsy. To keep the patient comfortable during the procedure, anesthesia is administered

Prior to a colonoscopy, bowel preparation is necessary to completely clean and empty the colon. In preparation for this procedure, the patient will be advised to consume low-fibre food, to follow a clear liquid diet and to consume a special cleansing solution (laxatives). 

Complications of colonoscopies are rare and uncommon if performed by specially trained and experienced surgeons. As a General and Colorectal Surgeon, Dr. Shankar Gunarasa is highly skilled and has performed high volumes of colonoscopies. 

en_USEnglish
en_USEnglish zh_CNChinese