our endoscopic services / Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer is Singapore’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, and is also Singapore’s top killer, affecting more than 1,865 cases each year.
It typically starts as a non-cancerous polyp, which may develop into cancer over time. Most colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with a Colonoscopy, the most accurate type of screening for this disease.
A colonoscopy is an outpatient screening procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to carefully examine and look inside your large intestine, also known as the colon (large intestine). A colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to examine the entire length of the large intestine. The procedure is typically used as a method of diagnostic screening for colon polyps and colorectal cancer.
It is also used to explore causes of other conditions such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea and other intestinal issues.
If you suffer from one or some of the following digestive symptoms, you may need a colonoscopy to investigate further. Some medical conditions that may need a colonoscopy for further examination include.
If you belong to one of the following categories, you may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, and its best to perform routine colonoscopies to rule out any potential serious health conditions:
Colonoscopy screening is often regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for catching and preventing colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, including Singapore. Quick identification is absolutely critical to defeating colorectal cancer.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should start getting a colonoscopy earlier.
A colonoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home the same day. Read here on our blog on preparing for your colonoscopy.
You’ll receive anaesthesia (moderate or deep sedation) before the procedure to prepare you for the investigation. You will be sleeping during the procedure and will feel no pain.
Your endoscopist will carefully insert the colonoscopy into your anus. A small camera is mounted to the colonoscope which will send a video image to a monitor screen. Your gastroenterologist will then guide the scope gently around the bends of the colon.
Your gastroenterologist will then examine your colon during the process, and may also remove colon polyps and sample abnormal tissue, which will be evaluated further in the lab.
The recovery period from the anaesthesia will take about 30 mins to an hour, depending on the type of sedation. You will be able to resume normal activities the next day. The doctor will then arrange for any follow-ups if necessary.
And many more!
For corporate shield plans, kindly contact us and we will be able to advise accordingly.
Personalised and tailored e treatment plans helmed by Dr Tan Poh Seng with wealth of gastroenterology experience and expertise.
Endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy are personally performed by Dr Tan who has carried out thousands of these endoscopies.
Our clinic is conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital.
A colonoscopy, performed by a qualified and experienced gastroenterologist, is a very safe procedure that involves minimal discomfort for the patient. Although there is a risk of perforation and bleeding, it is extremely rare, occurring in 1 in every 1000 cases.
No. The colonoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia. As you will be asleep, you will not experience any pain at all. However, after the procedure, some patients may feel some bloatedness.
It depends on your risk levels for contracting colon cancer, along with any other medical conditions. However, after a polyp-free colonoscopy, most people won’t need another one for the next 5 to 10 years.
3 Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, #16-02, Singapore 228510
3 Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, #16-02, Singapore 228510
Here at PS Tan Digestive & Liver Centre, we are dedicated to providing quality healthcare and endoscopic services to all our patients. We’re on a quest to lower colorectal cancer rates and to effectively treat a wide range of digestive diseases.
