Colonoscopy

Reasons for colonoscopy

When our body got those symptoms, it may tell us we need to do the appropriate checks.

• Blood/ mucus/ pus in stool
• Constipation/ Diarrhea (Change in bowel habit)
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Frequent bowel opening
• Anal bleeding
• History of colonic polyps/ colorectal cancer (Family history of colon cancer should regularly check once)
• Asymptomatic patients >50 year old are encouraged to have colonoscopy screening to prevent colon cancer

Colonoscopy:

During colonoscopy, doctors will sedate the patients and patients usually will feel no pain and will not recall any discomfort during the colonoscopy procedure. Doctors pass the endoscope through the patients' anus to the cecum or terminal ileum. Through the video screen, doctors can diagnose the diseases inside the colon. If polyps are found, it can be removed immediately and sent for histology examination. If a cancer is found, the doctor will take a biopsy for histology examination.

Before Colonoscopy:

• Start eating low-residue food 3 days before colonoscopy
• Eat Congee/ rice noodle/ macaroni 1 day before colonoscopy
• Take laxative solution the night before colonoscopy
• Stop eating and drinking 6 hours before colonoscopy

After Colonoscopy:

• Resume regular diet after colonoscopy
• Abdominal bloating and bowel colic sensation will resolve with passage of flatus

*Doctor will explain the result to the patient after the colonoscopy

Gastroscopy/ Upper Endoscopy

Reasons for check

• Stomach pain/ ache/ bloating sensation (Peptic Ulcer disease)
• Repeated vomiting
• Gas/ Acid regurgitation (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
• Upper abdominal pain or swelling
• Foreign body ingestion
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Passing tarry stool

Uppper Endoscopy:

During upper endoscopy, doctors will sedate the patients and patients usually will feel no pain and will not recall any discomfort during the procedure. Doctors pass the endoscope through the patients' mouth to the duodenum. Through the video screen, doctors can diagnose the diseases inside the upper gastrointestinal tract. If polyps are found, it can be removed immediately and sent for histology examination. If a cancer is found, the doctor will take a biopsy for histology examination. In addition, doctors would take some stomach tissue to test the presence of bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which may causes gastric/ duodenal inflammation, ulcers or even stomach cancer.

Before Upper Endoscopy:

• Stop eating and drinking 6 hours before upper endoscopy

After Upper Endoscopy:

• Resume regular diet after upper endoscopy
• There may be some mild stomach bloating, but situation will be improved gradually

*Doctor will explain the check result to the patient after upper endoscopy