COLONOSCOPY
What Does Screening Colonoscopy in Singapore Intends?
Screening colonoscopy in Singapore is a preventive healthcare measure for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
The primary objectives of screening colonoscopy are:
- Early Detection: It helps identify precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer, often before symptoms develop, increasing the chances of successful treatment and cure.
- Prevention: Removal of polyps during the procedure can prevent the progression of small growth into cancerous lesions.
- Risk Assessment: For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, a colonoscopy helps assess their likelihood of developing the disease, allowing for tailored surveillance and preventive strategies.
- Health Promotion: Screening colonoscopy promotes awareness about the importance of regular check-ups and encourages a healthier lifestyle to reduce the risk of colorectal diseases.
If you want to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, consider screening colonoscopy in Singapore at Crest Surgical Practice.
How Can a Colonoscopy Specialist in Singapore at Crest Surgical Practice Help You?
A colonoscopy specialist in Singapore at Crest Surgical Practice helps maintain and improve patient’s gastrointestinal health.
Our experienced Colonoscopy doctor in Singapore provides expert guidance on bowel preparation, ensuring the procedure’s accuracy and effectiveness.
We will discuss treatment options, risk factors, and preventive measures for gastrointestinal conditions. Beyond the procedure, we offer compassionate care, address concerns, and answer questions to alleviate your anxiety.
Our qualified colonoscopy specialist in Singapore ensures proper diagnoses, preventive care, and valuable guidance to safeguard your gastrointestinal health. We aim for early intervention, improved outcomes, and overall well-being.
Consult an experienced Colonoscopy doctor in Singapore at Crest Surgical Practice. We can guide you through the process and ensure you receive quality care from our specialists.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that a doctor uses to look inside your large intestine (colon) and rectum with a camera attached to a flexible tube. The test can help the doctor find any problems, such as growths or tumors, and remove them if necessary. It is commonly done to check for colon cancer or other bowel diseases, and it usually takes less than an hour to complete. You will be given medicine to make you sleepy and comfortable during the procedure.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
You may need a colonoscopy for various reasons, including:
Screening for colon cancer: Colonoscopy is an important tool for detecting colon cancer early when it is more treatable. Doctors recommend regular screening for colon cancer starting at age 50 for most people, and earlier for those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
Investigation of symptoms: Colonoscopy can help diagnose the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits.
Detection of polyps: Colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon that can sometimes become cancerous.
Monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your doctor may recommend it to monitor the health of your colon and detect any changes or complications.
Follow-up after previous colon polyp or cancer removal: If you have had a previous colon polyp or cancer removed, your doctor may recommend follow-up colonoscopy to check for recurrence or new growths.
Your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy if they think it is necessary based on your medical history, symptoms, or risk factors. If you are unsure if you need a colonoscopy, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.
How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleaning out your colon so that the doctor can get a clear view of the colon lining during the procedure. Here are some general steps you can follow to prepare for a colonoscopy:
Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. It is essential to follow them carefully to ensure that your colon is clean and free of any obstructions.
Clear liquid diet: You will need to follow a clear liquid diet for one to two days before the procedure.
Bowel preparation: You will need to take a bowel preparation solution prescribed by your doctor to clean out your colon. This solution is usually taken in divided doses the day before the procedure. It is essential to drink plenty of clear liquids to prevent dehydration.
Medication adjustments: You may need to adjust the timing or dosage of some of your medications before the procedure. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on this.
Arrange transportation: You will be sedated during the procedure, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home afterward.
It is essential to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about how to prepare the procedure. Following the preparation instructions carefully will help ensure that the procedure is safe and effective.
Is colonoscopy painful?
A colonoscopy is typically not painful. You may feel mild discomfort, cramping, or pressure as the colonoscope is moved through your colon, but it’s usually temporary and can be relieved with slow, deep breaths. You’ll be given sedation to help you relax during the procedure, which can cause drowsiness and temporary memory loss. Afterward, you may feel some bloating, gas, or mild abdominal discomfort, but these symptoms are usually temporary and will go away quickly.
Are there any risks associated with colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure, but there are rare risks and complications. Bleeding, perforation (a tear or hole in the colon), infection, and reactions to sedation are possible, but these are uncommon. Before the procedure, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. In most cases, the benefits of detecting and preventing colon cancer through colonoscopy outweigh the risks.
Are there any alternative to colonoscopy
There are several alternative tests that can be used to screen for colon cancer. Some of these include:
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This is a stool-based test that looks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. It is a simple and non-invasive test that can be done at home.
Stool DNA test: This is another stool-based test that looks for DNA changes in the stool that may indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous polyps.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is a procedure similar to colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon. It is less invasive than colonoscopy and does not require sedation.
Virtual colonoscopy: This is a type of CT scan that creates detailed images of the colon. It is less invasive than colonoscopy, but it still requires bowel preparation and can miss some small polyps.
It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor and choose the test that is best for you based on your age, medical history, and personal preferences.
How frequent do I need a colonoscopy?
The recommended frequency for colonoscopy screening depends on your age and your risk of colon cancer. For people at average risk of colon cancer, the general guidelines are:
Age 50 to 75: A colonoscopy every 10 years, or a stool-based test every year, or a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
Age 76 to 85: The decision to screen should be based on your overall health and life expectancy.
For people at higher risk of colon cancer due to family history, personal history of colon polyps, or other factors, more frequent colonoscopy screening may be recommended. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and the appropriate screening schedule for you.
Other Endoscopy Procedures
F.A.Q Related To COLONOSCOPY
Can I eat immediately after a colonoscopy?
What if the colonoscopy finds polyps?
I am under 50 years; do I need a colonoscopy?
What is the cost of colonoscopy in Singapore?
Consult us
Dr LEE Kuok Chung
Senior Consultant General Surgeon
Subspeciality interest: Colorectal, Advanced Endoscopy and Robotic Surgery
Dr TAN Wee Boon
Senior Consultant General Surgeon
Subspeciality interest: Thyroid, Hernia and Endocrine Surgery
Dr KIM Guowei
Senior Consultant General Surgeon
Subspeciality interest: Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery
Crest Surgical Practice
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