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| Endoscopy Procedures |
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| Is
There Anything Else I Need To Know? |
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| Are there any risks involved in endoscopy? |
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| Theoretically, there is a minute risk of injury
to your gastrointestinal tract during the endoscopic examination.
However, this risk is extremely small, less than 1 per 1000, i.e.
less than 1 injury in 1000 endoscopies. |
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| How long does the endoscopy take? |
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Endoscopy itself is quick and most procedures are
done in 10 to 20 minutes. However, in the event that the doctor wants
to do a biopsy or some other small procedure, the time taken will
be prolonged.
You are advised to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your appointment. This
is because of the time that will be taken for registration, waiting
for your turn, discharge documents and medication. You should not
schedule another appointment afterward.
In the event that you are sedated, you will need to return home immediately
to rest. |
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| When will I know my endoscopy result? |
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The endoscopy result is known immediately as the
doctor has direct vision during the procedure. Your doctor will discuss
your result with you before you leave the Endoscopy Centre.
If a biopsy is done, the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
A biopsy result generally takes a few days and as such, you will know
this when you next see your doctor. |
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| Where do I go for endoscopy? |
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Go to the Endoscopy Centre on Kent Ridge
Wing 2, Level 4, on the day of your appointment. You will have a form or letter,
which your doctor has signed for the procedure. Hand this to the staff
at the Reception Counter.
Please note that your appointment time is given for registration at
the Endoscopy Centre. Your procedure will begin as soon as your doctor
is ready to see you. |
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| Do I have to bring someone with me? |
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You may come alone. However, it is advisable to
have a family member, or friend, join you later and accompany you
home. This is required if you have sedation for your procedure.
Please note that it will not be safe for you to drive a vehicle if
you were given sedation. You may ask someone to drive you, or choose
to return home in a taxi. |
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| Is sedation necessary? |
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Sedation is not compulsory. However, it is generally
preferred, as it will make you more comfortable, especially for long
procedures. Please feel free to discuss sedation with your doctor
before your procedure.
If you have sedation, you will sleep after the procedure in the Recovery
bay. There will be nurses who can assist you as needed. When you are
awake, and feel that you are ready to get up, you can call the nurse
for assistance. |
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| What happens upon discharge? |
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When you are ready to leave, approach the nurse
at the Nurse's Station. She will give you your discharge instructions
- appointment for review with your doctor, prescription for medications,
if any, and other relevant information.
If you wish to speak to your doctor, inform the nurse. You may have
to wait awhile as your doctor will be with his other patients.
Light refreshments are available in the Recovery bay - Milo, coffee
and biscuits. You may partake of them before you leave. |
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