Endoscopy is a medical procedure used to view the inside of the body. It is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool used to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and conditions. These include but are not limited to: polyps or growths in the colon, bleeding in the digestive tract, bowel habit changes, gastritis, ulcers, and difficulty swallowing.
On average, the endoscopy cost in Singapore can be from $1500 (for a simple gastroscopy) to $10,000 (multiple endoscopies with an inpatient stay). Several factors can affect the cost so it varies. Some of the additional factors that can affect the final cost of endoscopy include:
- The professional fee of the doctor
- The hospital facility fee
- Miscellaneous fees
- Fee for tissue samples taken
- Hospital facility fee
- Sedation fee (when applicable)
Risks Associated with Endoscopy
When it comes to endoscopy, there are two main types of risks that should be considered: risks associated with the procedure itself and risks due to side effects.
The risks associated with endoscopy may include:
- Mild cramping – Most people experience mild cramping during or after the procedure. This should pass within a few hours.
- Bloating – You may experience a bloated feeling for a few hours after the procedure.
- Over sedation – You may be given sedatives to help you relax during the procedure, but if too much is given, you may become overly sedated and experience side effects such as confusion and difficulty waking up.
- Numbness in the throat – This is a rare, but possible side effect.
- Tear (or perforation) in the esophagus or stomach lining – This is a rare, but possible risk.
Aside from the risks associated with the procedure itself, there are also risks associated with the side effects of the procedure. These can include:
- Vomiting blood – If you experience vomiting blood after the procedure, it is important to speak to your doctor right away.
- Pain in the chest – You may experience chest pain after the procedure. If this persists or is severe, speak to your doctor right away.
- Persistent and severe abdominal pain – If you experience abdominal pain that persists or is severe, speak to your doctor right away.
- Shortness of breath – If you experience shortness of breath after the procedure, seek medical attention right away.
- Dark-colored stool – If you experience dark-colored stool, speak to your doctor right away.
What Happens During an Endoscopy
During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth or rectum and into the digestive tract. The endoscope has a tiny camera at the end that captures images of the inside of the body and sends them to a monitor for the doctor to view.
To diagnose or treat some conditions, the doctor may use instruments inserted through the endoscope to take samples of tissue or remove polyps or growths. Endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating many digestive diseases and disorders.
It can help identify the cause of symptoms such as painful swallowing, chronic vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. It can also help locate and remove growths such as polyps and tumors.
Endoscopy is a safe and effective tool to diagnose and treat many digestive diseases and disorders. If you’re having symptoms related to your digestive tract, talk to your doctor about whether an endoscopy is right for you.