If there are concerns about your gastrointestinal health, you may be recommended for Helicobacter pylori endoscopy in Singapore. See more: https://www.leesurgery.com.sg/.
Helicobacter pylori endoscopy provides a direct and reliable way to identify the bacteria. The best part about using endoscopy for H. pylori detection is that it is both effective and informative.
Apart from confirming the presence of the bacteria, it also assesses the extent of any damage to the stomach lining to ensure accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment to improve gastrointestinal health. Keep reading to see how it is done, and how to prepare among other basics. But before that;
What is the Main Cause of H. Pylori Infection?
First off, Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. This infection typically occurs during childhood and the bacteria are usually spread from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool.
The bacteria can also be transmitted via contaminated food or water. Now, the main cause of H. pylori infection is the ingestion of the bacteria through these means.
Once in the stomach, H. pylori can survive in a harsh acidic environment and disrupt the stomach’s mucous lining. This is what often causes various gastrointestinal issues.
Most people with H. pylori infection do not experience any symptoms. Also, they may never even know they are infected. However, when symptoms occur, they are typically related to gastritis or peptic ulcers. Common symptoms of H. pylori infection include:
- A burning sensation or pain in the stomach (abdomen area)
- Stomach ache that seems to get worse especially when the stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Reduced of appetite
- Increased frequency of burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
If H. pylori is left untreated, it can lead to several complications. One significant complication is the development of ulcers.
About 10% of people with H. pylori will develop an ulcer. The bacteria can damage the protective lining of the stomach and small intestine and in the process, open the way for stomach acid to create open sores.
Another potential complication is gastritis. This is the inflammation and swelling of the stomach lining. What’s more, H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
What is the Best Diagnostic Test for H. pylori?
There are several diagnostic tests for H. pylori. However, if you want to be sure you may want to ask; what is the best diagnostic test for H. pylori?
The best diagnostic test for H. pylori is an upper endoscopy. Also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), it is the most accurate method for diagnosing H. pylori albeit invasive.
Your provider may also use it to check for other issues, like cancer, alongside H. pylori infection. This thorough approach is preferred for precise detection and comprehensive care. Now, here is a quick rundown on how Helicobacter pylori endoscopy is done;
- Preparation: Before your Helicobacter pylori endoscopy in Singapore, you will receive a sedative or anesthesia to ensure you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Insertion of Scope: Once the sedative or anesthesia has taken effect, your provider will gently pass a thin, flexible scope with a camera through your mouth and down to your stomach or duodenum.
- Visualization: The camera on the scope allows the provider to view the lining of your stomach and duodenum. This design is to allow for checking of abnormalities or signs of infection.
- Tissue Sample Collection: Using tiny tools within the scope, the provider will remove a small tissue sample from the lining for further testing. This biopsy is crucial for detecting the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
- Post-Procedure: After the endoscopy, you’ll be monitored as the sedative wears off. You’ll need someone to drive you home as you may feel groggy.
- Recovery: Most people can go home the same day. It’s advised to take it easy for the first 24 hours. However, you can typically resume your regular activities the following day.
- Lab Testing: The collected tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you once they are available, guiding further treatment if necessary.
Many people who visit our clinic for consultation on H. pylori also frequently ask; how long does an endoscopy take from start to finish? An H. pylori endoscopy typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Due to the sedative or anesthesia used to ensure that you feel relaxed and make the process pain-free, you may feel slight pressure or fullness as the scope is inserted. Thanks to the sedative though, most patients remain comfortable and may not remember the procedure.
If you do experience sensations, it might include mild discomfort or gagging as the scope passes through the throat. As the sedative wears off, you may feel drowsy or have a sore throat. It’s common to experience some bloating or gas due to the air introduced during the procedure.
What should you not do Before an Endoscopy?
As you probably already understand, proper preparation and knowing what to avoid can significantly impact the success and safety of your endoscopy in Singapore. So for us, it is understandable if you are wondering; what should you not do before an endoscopy?
Your provider will instruct you to fast before the endoscopy. Generally, you need to stop eating solid food for eight hours and stop drinking liquids for four hours before the procedure. This is done to ensure your stomach is empty which helps the endoscope capture clear images.
It also reduces the risk of aspiration. Also, avoid consuming alcohol or using tobacco products before the procedure as these substances can interfere with the sedation process and affect the results of the endoscopy.
Other than what not to eat before the procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications a few days before your endoscopy in Singapore. This is especially true with the blood-thinning ones as they can increase the risk of bleeding if any procedures are performed during the endoscopy. On that note, please inform your provider about all the medications and supplements you’re taking.
Some supplements and over-the-counter medications can affect the procedure or interact with sedatives used during the endoscopy. Full disclosure is key to ensure that your provider can give the best advice and avoid any potential complications.
Closing Thoughts
Helicobacter pylori endoscopy in Singapore is not only an efficient procedure for testing for H. pylori. It can also help assess other issues like cancer. With that in mind, please pursue the procedure if recommended by your GP or other medical professional.
Do you have any questions about Helicobacter pylori endoscopy in Singapore or just wish to schedule an assessment now? Why not pass by our clinic for information on the next steps? See details below;
Dr. Lee Chin Li-Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
+65 6255 0720
