What To Expect During a Gastroscopy in Malaysia

Have you been having digestive issues? GI (gastro-intestinal) issues are common in Malaysia. Most of the time, the gastro related symptoms are non-specific and this can be frustrating. You might need this non-invasive and safe procedure called Gastroscopy. In this article, we will explain the step-by-step guide on doing a gastroscopy in a medical centre.

What is a Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the stomach and parts of the small intestine. It is also sometimes called an upper endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). A lower endoscopy is called a colonoscopy which examines the large intestine and rectum.

The gastroscopy procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip through the mouth and into the stomach. This allows the doctor to get a clear view of the inside of the stomach and look for any problems. Gastroscopy is generally safe and complications are rare.

Indications for Gastroscopy

There are many reasons why your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy. Some of the most common indications include:

• Investigation of gastrointestinal bleeding

• Diagnosis of ulcers or tumors

• Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Assessment of abdominal pain

• Evaluation of unexplained weight loss

A doctor might order a gastroscopy for you if you have these symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty swallowing

• Heartburn

• Dark bloody stools

• Indigestion

Gastroscopy is often used to investigate gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have been experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy to determine the cause. It is also used to investigate certain types of cancer. If you have any of the above conditions, your doctor will likely recommend a gastroscopy to get a closer look at what is going on in your stomach.

Gastroscopy As a Medical Treatment

Doing a gastroscopy has many benefits as part of medical care. Besides being able to diagnose conditions, it's able to treat problems in the upper part of the digestive tract. It plays an important role in stopping bleeds or removing growths. You can get endoscopy services in most major cities from a government or private hospital.

How is Gastroscopy Performed and What To Expect?

Gastroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. The procedure itself only takes about 15-30 minutes.

Steps

1. You will be given a sedative to help you relax during the gastroscopy.

2. Once the sedative has started to work, you will be asked to lie on your left side on an examination table.

3. A gastroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip) will be passed through your mouth and into your stomach.

4. The gastroscope will allow your doctor to get a clear view of the inside of your stomach.

5. During the procedure, your doctor may take biopsies (tissue samples) or remove polyps (small growths).

6. These will be sent to a laboratory for further testing.

After the gastroscopy, you will be monitored for any side effects from the sedative. Once the sedative has worn off, you will be able to go home. You should arrange for someone to help drive you home as it is not safe to drive or operate machinery after the procedure. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods for the rest of the day following a gastroscopy. You may also experience some bloating and belching. These symptoms should resolve within a day or two.

What are the risks of Gastroscopy?

Most people who undergo gastroscopy do not have any significant complications. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These include:

- Bleeding

- Perforation (tears in the lining of the stomach)

- Infection

It is important to discuss the risks of gastroscopy with your doctor before the procedure so that you can make an informed decision.

Gastroscopy Cost (Malaysia)

The cost of gastroscopy in Malaysia can vary depending on the hospital and doctor performing the procedure. Private hospitals tend to charge more than public hospitals. The average cost of gastroscopy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is around RM 1,500. Many patients from overseas have visited Malaysia for our medical services due to the affordable prices and inpatient facility.

If you have private health insurance, you should check with your insurer to see if they will cover the cost of gastroscopy. Many insurers will provide partial or full coverage for gastroscopy if it is considered medically necessary.

Conclusion

If you have any of the conditions that gastroscopy is used to investigate, your doctor will likely recommend the procedure. If you are considering gastroscopy in Malaysia, DoctorOnCall offers affordable consultation and gastroscopy packages. For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website or call us today.