Specialty Centres

Gastroscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), is a medical procedure used to examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and guided down the throat, allowing doctors to view and diagnose conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, and tumors. The procedure typically involves sedation and can also include taking tissue samples (biopsies). Gastroscopy is commonly used to investigate symptoms like persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

A medical procedure used to examine the inner lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). A long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the rectum, allowing doctors to view the entire colon. This procedure helps diagnose conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and causes of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms like bleeding or chronic diarrhea. Colonoscopy can also involve removing polyps or taking tissue samples (biopsies). Patients are usually sedated during the procedure, which typically requires bowel preparation beforehand to ensure a clear view of the colon.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts. It combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth, passing through the stomach to the duodenum. A contrast dye is then injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts, and X-rays are taken to visualize these structures. ERCP can help identify blockages, stones, or tumors and allows for therapeutic interventions such as removing stones, placing stents, or taking tissue samples (biopsies). The procedure typically involves sedation.

A medical procedure in which a feeding tube is inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach. This is done using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, which is passed through the mouth and into the stomach to guide the placement of the tube. PEG is used for patients who cannot take food orally due to conditions such as stroke, head injury, or esophageal cancer. The procedure is performed under sedation and involves creating a small incision in the abdomen to insert the feeding tube. PEG allows for long-term nutritional support, improving the patient’s ability to receive necessary nutrients and medications directly into the stomach.

A medical procedure used to widen a narrowed section of the esophagus, often due to conditions like GERD, tumors, or inflammation. It involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to the site of the stricture, where a balloon or mechanical dilator is used to stretch the narrowed area. The procedure is typically done under sedation and helps improve swallowing and alleviate related symptoms.

A minimally invasive procedure used to remove abnormal or cancerous tissues from the lining of the digestive tract, particularly in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. During the procedure, an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) is inserted through the mouth or rectum to reach the target area. The abnormal tissue is then lifted, often by injecting a solution underneath it, and resected using a snare or other specialized tools. EMR is typically performed under sedation and allows for both diagnosis and treatment, reducing the need for more invasive surgery.

A procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed passages in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, bile ducts, or colon. During the procedure, an endoscope is used to guide the placement of a collapsible metal stent to the site of the blockage. Once in place, the stent expands to hold the passage open, allowing for improved flow of food, bile, or stool. This procedure is typically performed under sedation and provides relief from symptoms caused by strictures or tumors, often as a palliative treatment for patients with advanced cancers.

The urea breath test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). This bacterium is known to cause various gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis.