Gastroscopy

What is Gastroscopy?

Also known as Upper Endoscopy, it is a diagnostic procedure to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. If any abnormality is detected, biopsy or therapeutic procedure may be carried out during the procedure.

Some Facts about Stomach Cancer

It is the 6^th common cancer in Hong Kong in 2018. It also ranks the 6^th of top cancer killers in the territory the same year.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer, e.g. refux (heartburn sensation), indigestion, and reduced appetite, which may sometimes by overlooked, while symptoms of advanced stomach cancer usually appear only at late stage.
Screening & early detection and treatment to H.pylori do contribute to better prognosis.

*Information from Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority*

Who Needs a Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is deemed necessary if you have experienced these symptoms:

Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Frequent heartburn
Bloated feeling or nausea
Increased pain between meals or during the night
Black or tarry stools
Sudden weight loss or appetite change

The Procedure

Local analgesic will be sprayed onto your throat. You will be instructed to position yourself in a proper way. Sedation medication will be given for sleep induction.
A thin and flexible endoscope will be inserted into your upper gastrointestinal tract through your mouth. Doctor will obtain a small tissue for CLOTEST, which helps diagnosing H.pylori infection, as routine practice.
If any abnormality is detected, biopsy or polyp will be removed by the dedicated equipment.

How Long Does it Take

The procedure normally takes about 10 minutes, but varies with actual circumstances.
Taking the recovery time for sedative worn-off into account, please prepare a 2 to 3-hour stay at the Centre.

To Prepare for the Procedure

Before the procedure day
- Stop certain type of medications, e.g. anti-coagulant, according to doctor’s instruction.
- Should not eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure.

On the day of procedure
- Ask for an adult as companion whenever deemed possible
- Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time
- Wear simple and comfortable outfit
- Prepare the case for dentures and/or contact lens
- Avoid unnecessary metallic accessories and/or excessive valuables

After the Procedure

You will be closely monitored in the recovery area until most of the effects of sedatives worn off
Do not drive, operate any machinery, consume alcohol or sign legal documents within 24 hours

Charges & Payment

	Oesophago-Gastro-Duedenoscopy	Oesophago-Gastro-Duedenoscopy and Colonoscopy
Under IV Sedation	$7,500	$16,500
Under Monitored Anaesthetic Care	$9,300	$19,800

We support cashless payment. Payment by credit card, WeChat Pay, Alipay, FPS are encouraged.

Holders of valid cashless health insurance plan can leave upon discharge should the services used do not include any items that are not covered by your insurance policy or exceed the insured amount.