Colonoscopy Screening Singapore: Expert Colorectal Surgeon & Specialist
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof is a Senior Consultant colorectal surgeon in Singapore offering colonoscopy screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic colonoscopy services across five locations: Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Parkway East, Mount Alvernia, and Farrer Park Medical Centre. As an MOH-accredited colonoscopy specialist with 10,000+ endoscopic procedures performed, Dr. Sulaiman provides same-session polypectomy, accepts Medisave and Integrated Shield Plans, and sees patients typically within one working day.
Who Needs a Colonoscopy Screening Test in Singapore?
A colonoscopy screening test in Singapore is recommended for individuals with red flag symptoms, those meeting the age threshold for routine screening, and patients with an elevated risk due to family history or prior findings. The sections below outline when a colonoscopy is clinically indicated and how it compares to other available screening options.
Red Flag Symptoms That Warrant a Colonoscopy
Blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain lasting more than four weeks all warrant an assessment by a colonoscopy specialist in Singapore. These symptoms do not always indicate a serious condition, but a colonoscopy allows direct visualisation of the bowel lining and, where necessary, a biopsy or polyp removal in the same session.
If you are experiencing any of the following, Dr. Sulaiman recommends scheduling a consultation promptly:
- Bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper
- Dark or tarry stools
- Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits lasting more than four weeks
- A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying after passing stool
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Persistent lower abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
Routine Screening: Age 45 – 50 and the Singapore Guidelines
In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board recommends that average-risk individuals begin colonoscopy screening from age 50. However, screening from age 45 is increasingly advised for average-risk patients, in line with updated international guidelines, and from age 40 for those with a relevant family history.
For individuals with no symptoms and no elevated risk factors, a colonoscopy every ten years is a widely accepted screening interval, provided no polyps or abnormalities are detected. Your colonoscopy doctor in Singapore will advise on the appropriate screening interval based on your findings and personal risk profile.
High-Risk Patients: Family History of Bowel Cancer
Patients with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer should begin colonoscopy screening in Singapore at age 40, or ten years before the age at which their relative was diagnosed, whichever comes first. The risk of colorectal cancer is approximately two to three times higher in individuals with an affected first-degree relative compared to the general population.
Those with a known hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), may require earlier and more frequent surveillance. Dr. Sulaiman will advise on an appropriate screening schedule following a review of your family and medical history.
Benefits of Colonoscopy vs. Other Screening Tests
(FIT, CT Colonography)
Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive colorectal screening test in Singapore, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic capability in a single procedure. The comparison below outlines how colonoscopy compares to other commonly available screening options.
| Colonoscopy | FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) | CT Colonography | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it detects | Polyps, cancer, IBD, diverticular disease, and other mucosal abnormalities | Blood in stool that may indicate polyps or cancer | Polyps and structural abnormalities of the colon |
| Can remove polyps in same session | Yes | No | No |
| Requires bowel preparation | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sedation required | Yes (typically) | No | No |
| Follow-up colonoscopy needed if positive | Not applicable | Yes | Yes, for confirmed polyps |
| Screening interval (if normal) | Every 10 years | Annually | Every 5 years |
| Suitable for high-risk patients | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopy enables direct visualisation of the full length of the colon and rectum, allowing abnormalities to be identified at an early stage when treatment options are broader and outcomes are generally more favourable. Colorectal cancer detected at an early stage, before it has spread beyond the bowel wall, is associated with significantly better prognosis compared to late-stage diagnosis.
Same-Session Polyp Removal (Polypectomy)
A key advantage of colonoscopy over other colonoscopy screening tests in Singapore is the ability to remove polyps during the same procedure. Colorectal polyps are growths on the bowel lining that, if left untreated, may develop into cancer over time. Polypectomy during colonoscopy eliminates the need for a separate procedure and is performed without additional incisions.
Diagnosis of IBD, Diverticulitis & GI Disorders
Beyond cancer screening, colonoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), diverticular disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Tissue biopsies can be taken during the procedure to assist with diagnosis, providing information that is not obtainable through stool tests or imaging alone.
Why Choose Dr Sulaiman as Your Colonoscopy Doctor in Singapore?
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof is a colonoscopy specialist in Singapore with over 10,000 endoscopic procedures performed and the clinical background of a former public hospital endoscopy director. His colonoscopy services in Singapore span routine screening, diagnostic assessment, and advanced therapeutic procedures, with coverage under Medisave, integrated shield plans, and corporate insurance.
10,000+ Endoscopic Procedures: Colonoscopy Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof is one of Singapore’s most experienced colonoscopy doctors, having performed over 10,000 endoscopic procedures across both public and private practice. As the former Director of Endoscopy at Changi General Hospital, he oversaw one of Singapore’s busiest endoscopy units, managing a high volume and broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic cases. That depth of procedural experience is carried directly into his private practice, where patients benefit from both clinical rigour and the accessibility of a specialist consultation.
Advanced Therapeutic Colonoscopy & Same-Session Polypectomy
Dr. Sulaiman offers advanced therapeutic colonoscopy treatment in Singapore, including same-session polypectomy, targeted biopsy, and the management of bleeding lesions. This means that in most cases, patients leave with a complete clinical result from a single procedure rather than requiring a return visit for treatment. Therapeutic capabilities available during colonoscopy include:
- Polypectomy (removal of polyps, including large or sessile polyps)
- Cold snare and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for complex polyps
- Biopsy of suspicious mucosal lesions
- Assessment and management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding sources
Accepts Medisave, Integrated Shield Plans & Corporate Insurance
Colonoscopy services in Singapore performed by Dr. Sulaiman are claimable under Medisave for patients aged 50 and above for screening purposes, and at any age when colonoscopy is performed for a diagnostic indication. Major integrated shield plans accepted include AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, Singlife, and NTUC Income, alongside most corporate insurance policies. Patients are advised to check their individual policy terms and contact the clinic in advance for guidance on pre-authorisation requirements.
GP Referral Patients Welcome: Same-Day Booking Available
Patients referred by a GP or another specialist are seen promptly, and appointments can typically be arranged on the same day or within short notice. A referral letter is not required to book a consultation directly with Dr. Sulaiman, though one may be needed for insurance pre-authorisation or Medisave claims. To book an appointment, patients can contact Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic at any of his five locations across Singapore: Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Parkway East, Mount Alvernia, and Farrer Park Medical Centre.
Colonoscopy Services Singapore: Cost, Medisave & Insurance Guide
The cost of colonoscopy services in Singapore varies depending on whether the procedure is performed at a private or restructured hospital, whether it is diagnostic or screening in nature, and whether therapeutic intervention such as polypectomy is carried out in the same session. Medisave and integrated shield plans can offset a significant portion of the cost for eligible patients.
How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost in Singapore?
Colonoscopy costs in Singapore differ across settings and procedure complexity. The table below provides a general reference based on MOH benchmark charges and prevailing private rates. Actual costs will be confirmed by the clinic prior to your procedure.
|
Setting |
Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|
Private hospital (diagnostic, no polypectomy) |
1,800 – 3,500 |
|
Public / subsidised (restructured hospital) |
440 – 937 |
|
With polypectomy (additional, any setting) |
Add 300 – 800 |
Costs above are based on MOH Benchmark Fees and vary based on whether the procedure is diagnostic or screening, whether polypectomy is performed, the hospital or facility tier, and the complexity of findings. Patients are advised to request a cost estimate from the clinic and check their insurance coverage before scheduling.
Is Colonoscopy Medisave Claimable in Singapore?
Medisave can be used to offset colonoscopy costs for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, subject to the following conditions:
- Screening colonoscopy (age 50 and above): Up to SGD 1,250 per procedure claimable under Medisave, when performed as a day surgery at an approved facility
- Diagnostic colonoscopy (any age): Medisave may be claimable when colonoscopy is performed due to symptoms such as rectal bleeding, bowel habit changes, or abdominal pain, regardless of age
- Polypectomy performed in the same session: May be claimable as a separate surgical item under Medisave, subject to MOH-approved indications
Patients are advised to confirm their eligibility and applicable Medisave limits with the clinic prior to their appointment.
Diagnostic vs Screening: What Insurance Covers
Integrated shield plans and corporate insurance policies generally provide coverage for diagnostic colonoscopies, where the procedure is performed in response to symptoms or a clinical indication, such as blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits.
Routine screening colonoscopies, performed in the absence of symptoms, may not be covered under all plans, and coverage terms vary by insurer and policy tier. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurer and speak to Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic to confirm coverage and any pre-authorisation requirements before booking.
How to Use Your Integrated Shield Plan for a Colonoscopy
Using your integrated shield plan for colonoscopy treatment in Singapore typically follows these steps:
- Check panel status: Confirm whether Dr. Sulaiman is on your insurer’s panel of specialists. This affects whether cashless billing or direct claims apply
- Obtain a GP referral if required: Some integrated shield plans require a referral letter from a GP or polyclinic for specialist consultations to be claimable
- Pre-authorisation: The clinic submits a pre-authorisation request to your insurer prior to the procedure. This confirms coverage for the planned procedure and estimated costs
- Cashless billing at the facility: Where pre-authorisation is approved, eligible costs are billed directly to your insurer, reducing the amount payable out-of-pocket on the day
For assistance with pre-authorisation or insurance queries, Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic team can be contacted at any of his five locations across Singapore.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy in Singapore
A clean bowel is essential for accurate colonoscopy screening test results in Singapore. Dr. Sulaiman’s team provides detailed written preparation instructions at your pre-procedure consultation, covering dietary restrictions, bowel preparation, and any medication adjustments required.
Dietary Restrictions (Low-Fibre Diet)
Following the correct dietary preparation in the days leading up to your colonoscopy significantly improves bowel clarity and the accuracy of the procedure. The general dietary guidelines are as follows:
3 days before your colonoscopy: Low-fibre diet:
- Eat: White rice, white bread, eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, refined pasta
- Avoid: Wholegrains, raw vegetables, fruits with seeds or skin, nuts, beans, and high-fibre cereals
1 day before your colonoscopy: Clear liquid diet:
- Permitted: Clear broths, water, plain tea, black coffee, clear fruit juices (without pulp), isotonic sports drinks
- Avoid: Solid food, milk, dairy products, and any drinks that are red or purple in colour, as these can be mistaken for blood during the procedure
On the day of your colonoscopy:
- Continue taking only clear liquids up until the cutoff time specified by Dr. Sulaiman’s team
- Nothing by mouth (including water) from the designated fasting time onwards
Bowel Preparation & Laxative Instructions
Bowel preparation involves taking a prescribed laxative solution to clear the colon completely before the procedure. Dr. Sulaiman’s team will prescribe an appropriate preparation solution and provide written instructions at your pre-procedure consultation.
Split-dose preparation (most commonly recommended):
- The first dose is taken the evening before the colonoscopy
- The second dose is taken early on the morning of the procedure, typically four to six hours before the scheduled time
- Split-dose preparation is generally better tolerated and associated with improved bowel cleansing compared to a single large dose taken the night before
Same-day preparation:
- In some cases, the full preparation dose is taken on the morning of the procedure
- This approach may be recommended depending on the scheduling of your colonoscopy
Incomplete bowel preparation can limit visibility during the procedure and may require the colonoscopy screening test to be rescheduled. If you experience difficulty completing the preparation solution, contact Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic in Singapore promptly for guidance.
Medication Adjustments Before Your Scope
Certain medications need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before a colonoscopy to reduce the risk of complications during or after the procedure. Patients are asked to inform Dr. Sulaiman of all current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter remedies, at their pre-procedure consultation.
Common medication considerations include:
- Iron supplements: Should be stopped at least five days before the procedure, as iron can coat the bowel lining and impair visibility
- Anti-diarrhoeal medications (e.g., loperamide): Should be discontinued before beginning bowel preparation
- NSAIDs and aspirin: May need to be paused depending on dosage and clinical indication
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban): Specific instructions will be provided based on the reason for anticoagulation. Do not stop these medications without guidance from Dr. Sulaiman or your prescribing doctor
- Diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, insulin): Dose adjustment is typically required on the day before and the day of the procedure due to dietary restrictions
Preparing for a Colonoscopy if You Have Diabetes or Take Blood Thinners
Patients in Singapore with diabetes or those on anticoagulant therapy require specific preparation adjustments to ensure the colonoscopy services and treatment are performed safely. Dr. Sulaiman will review your medications at your pre-procedure consultation and provide individualised instructions.
If you have diabetes:
- Metformin is generally withheld on the day of the procedure due to the fasting requirement and fluid shifts associated with bowel preparation
- Insulin doses may need to be reduced on the preparation day and the day of the procedure; Dr. Sulaiman’s team will advise on the appropriate adjustment
- Blood glucose monitoring is recommended throughout the preparation period
If you are on blood thinners:
- Warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and newer anticoagulants (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban) may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly if polypectomy is performed
- Specific instructions on when to pause and when to resume anticoagulation will be provided based on your individual clinical circumstances
- Do not adjust or stop blood-thinning medications without explicit guidance from Dr. Sulaiman or your prescribing physician
Colonoscopy Treatment Singapore: What Happens During the Procedure
A colonoscopy treatment in Singapore is a minimally invasive procedure in which a flexible camera is passed through the rectum to examine the full length of the colon, allowing direct visualisation of the bowel lining and, where necessary, therapeutic intervention in the same session. The procedure is performed under sedation and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
After Your Colonoscopy: Recovery, Diet & When to Call Your Doctor
Most patients in Singapore recover fully within 24 hours of a colonoscopy performed by a specialist like Dr. Sulaiman, with minimal disruption to normal daily activity. The sections below outline what to expect immediately after the procedure, dietary and activity guidance, and when to seek further medical attention.
Immediate Recovery (First 1–2 Hours)
Following the procedure, patients are moved to a recovery area where they are monitored as the effects of sedation wear off, typically for 30 minutes to an hour. It is normal to feel groggy or drowsy during this period, and mild abdominal cramping or bloating from the air introduced during the procedure is common and usually resolves within a few hours. Patients will be reviewed by Dr. Sulaiman’s team before discharge, and preliminary findings from the procedure will be briefly discussed at this point.
Dietary Guidelines After a Colonoscopy
Once fully awake and alert, patients can generally resume a normal diet, though starting with light, easily digestible meals is advisable for the remainder of the day. Heavy, greasy, or spicy foods are best avoided in the first 24 hours to minimise the risk of stomach discomfort. Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids is also recommended, particularly as the bowel preparation and fasting period prior to the procedure can lead to mild dehydration.
Activity Restrictions & Returning to Work
Due to the lingering effects of sedation, patients must not drive, operate machinery, consume alcohol, or make significant decisions for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Patients should arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them home from the facility on the day of the colonoscopy. Most patients are able to return to desk-based work and normal daily activities the following day, unless Dr. Sulaiman advises otherwise based on findings or any interventions performed during the procedure.
Pain Management & Normal Side Effects
Mild cramping, bloating, and flatulence are the most commonly reported side effects after a colonoscopy and typically resolve within a few hours of the procedure. If discomfort persists, paracetamol is generally suitable for pain relief. Patients should avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless specifically advised by Dr. Sulaiman, particularly if polypectomy was performed during the procedure, as these medications may increase the risk of post-procedural bleeding.
Warning Signs: When to Call Dr. Sulaiman
Complications following colonoscopy treatment in Singapore are uncommon, but certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Contact Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic immediately or proceed to the nearest A&E if you experience any of the following after your procedure:
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain that is not relieved by rest or simple analgesia
- Heavy or continuous rectal bleeding, or the passage of large blood clots
- Fever or chills, which may indicate infection
- Persistent vomiting or inability to tolerate fluids
- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling faint, which may indicate significant blood loss or dehydration
- Abdominal rigidity or distension, which may indicate bowel perforation and requires immediate A&E assessment
Minor spotting of blood following polypectomy is generally expected and is not a cause for immediate concern. If you are uncertain whether a symptom warrants urgent attention, contact Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic for advice.
Follow-Up & Biopsy Results
Before leaving the facility, patients will receive written follow-up instructions covering medication resumption, dietary recommendations, and any scheduled follow-up appointments. Where biopsies were taken or polypectomy performed, tissue samples are sent for laboratory pathological analysis.
Results are typically available within five to seven working days, after which Dr. Sulaiman will contact you to discuss findings and advise on any further management required, including surveillance colonoscopy intervals where applicable.
Risks of Colonoscopy in Singapore: What You Should Know
Colonoscopy services are generally safe, and serious complications are uncommon, particularly when the procedure is performed by an experienced colonoscopy specialist in Singapore.
Potential Risks & Complication Rates
The most common side effects following colonoscopy are mild and temporary. Some common risks include:
- Abdominal Cramping and Bloating: Mild abdominal cramping and bloating are common due to the air introduced into the colon during the procedure. This air helps expand the colon for better visibility but may cause temporary discomfort. These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours after the procedure.
- Dizziness and Nausea: Patients may experience dizziness or nausea as the sedation wears off. These symptoms are typically mild and short-lived. Drinking fluids and resting can help alleviate these symptoms.
How Dr. Sulaiman Minimises Risk During Your Scope
Dr. Sulaiman is a high-volume colonoscopy expert in Singapore who has performed over 10,000 endoscopic procedures across public and private practice, his experience allows him to identify and manage complications promptly should they arise.
All procedures are performed with continuous monitoring of vital signs under the care of an anaesthetist or sedation-trained team, and any immediate post-procedural concerns are managed on the same day.
Patients are provided with clear written guidance on warning signs to watch for after discharge, with direct access to Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic for post-procedure queries.
About Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof: Colonoscopy Expert & Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore
MbChB (Sheffield)
M.Med (Surgery)
FRCSEd (General Surgery)
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof is a colorectal doctor in Singapore and one of the leading colonoscopy specialists with over 10,000 endoscopic procedures performed and concurrent academic appointments at three of Singapore’s leading medical schools.
Credentials & Fellowship Training
Dr. Sulaiman holds an MBChB from the University of Sheffield, a Master of Medicine in Surgery (M.Med), and a Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh in General Surgery (FRCSEd). He was awarded a Ministry of Health Fellowship to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, one of the Asia-Pacific’s foremost cancer institutions, and remains a Visiting Consultant at Changi General Hospital. He has contributed eight peer-reviewed publications spanning robotic colorectal surgery, endoscopy, and surgical education.
Former Director of Endoscopy, Changi General Hospital
Dr. Sulaiman served as Director of Endoscopy at Changi General Hospital, overseeing one of Singapore’s busiest endoscopy units, and brings that public-sector depth of experience to his private practice. This institutional background positions him among the most experienced colonoscopy specialists in Singapore in both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
Academic Appointments & Teaching Awards
Dr. Sulaiman holds Adjunct Associate Professor appointments at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and Duke-NUS Medical School, and has been recognised on the Dean’s Honour Roll for Teaching across these institutions. In 2023, he received the Singapore Health Quality Service Star Award, the highest tier of patient-centred recognition in Singapore’s healthcare system.
Insurance & Medisave Coverage for Colonoscopy Services in Singapore
Colonoscopy services in Singapore can be covered by your Integrated Shield Plan, Medisave, private or corporate insurance for approved procedures. Dr. Sulaiman’s clinic partners with insurance providers like AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Singlife, and more.
Speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans before your appointment.
*Extended Panel
Book a Colonoscopy Consultation with Dr. Sulaiman in Singapore
Consult Dr. Sulaiman today for a detailed consultation on colonoscopy services in Singapore.
Our Clinic Locations Across Singapore
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road #06-16
Singapore 258499
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-48/49
Singapore 329563
Parkway East Hospital
#05-08, 319 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427989
Mount Alvernia Hospital
#08-62, Medical Centre D
820 Thomson Road
Singapore 574623
Connexion
Farrer Park Medical Centre #14-12
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy in Singapore
At what age should I start colonoscopy screening in Singapore?
MOH recommends that average-risk individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, screening should begin earlier, typically at age 40, or 10 years before the age at which your family member was diagnosed, whichever comes first.
Early screening is recommended so your doctor can identify any issues and recommend appropriate management plans such as specific colon cancer treatment in Singapore, or even other gastroscopy services in Singapore. Other surgical procedures like hernia laparoscopic surgery may also be recommended in specific clinical scenarios depending on your colonoscopy results.
Is colonoscopy Medisave claimable in Singapore?
Yes, colonoscopy is Medisave claimable in Singapore when performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This includes colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal, and investigation of symptoms such as rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits. The amount claimable depends on the procedure performed and your Medisave account balance. Screening colonoscopy may be subject to different Medisave rules. Dr. Sulaiman’s team can provide detailed guidance on Medisave claims and any out-of-pocket costs during your consultation. Please call +65 8491 1525 for more information.
Can polyps be removed during the same colonoscopy session?
Yes. If polyps are identified during your colonoscopy screening in Singapore, Dr. Sulaiman can remove them immediately in the same session using specialised instruments passed through the colonoscope, a procedure known as polypectomy. This means most patients do not require a return visit for treatment, and both diagnosis and intervention are completed in a single appointment.
How much does a colonoscopy cost in Singapore?
The cost of a colonoscopy in Singapore varies depending on whether it is performed in a private clinic, day surgery centre, or hospital, and whether any additional procedures (such as polyp removal) are performed during the same session. As a general guide, a diagnostic colonoscopy at a private specialist clinic in Singapore typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, inclusive of anesthesia and facility fees. Medisave can be used to offset a portion of the cost for eligible procedures. Dr. Sulaiman’s team will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation. Please call +65 8491 1525 for more information.
Which colonoscopy specialist in Singapore should I see if I have blood in my stool?
Blood in the stool should be assessed promptly by a colonoscopy specialist in Singapore, as it can be associated with conditions ranging from haemorrhoids and anal fissures to colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof, a colonoscopy expert in Singapore with over 10,000 endoscopic procedures performed, can evaluate your symptoms, arrange a colonoscopy where indicated, and provide a diagnosis and management plan. Appointments can be booked directly without a GP referral across his five clinic locations in Singapore.
What happens if I can’t complete the bowel preparation?
If you have difficulty completing the bowel preparation or cannot finish the laxative solution, inform your colorectal surgeon. Inadequate bowel preparation can affect the quality of the examination and may necessitate rescheduling the procedure.
How effective is colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer?
Colonoscopy is highly effective in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. By identifying and removing precancerous polyps, the procedure greatly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Regular screenings are important for early detection and prevention.
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
No, due to the sedatives or anaesthesia used during the procedure, you have to arrange for someone to drive you home. The effects of the sedatives can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy if I have diabetes?
Patients with diabetes should discuss their condition with their colorectal surgeon before the procedure. Special instructions regarding medications, diet, and blood sugar monitoring may be provided to ensure a safe and effective preparation and procedure.
How long does it take to recover after a colonoscopy?
Recovery after a colonoscopy is generally quick. Most patients feel well enough to return home within 1 to 2 hours after the procedure, once the effects of the sedation have worn off. You should arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive on the day of the procedure due to sedation. Most patients can resume normal activities, including returning to work, the following day. If polyps were removed during the procedure, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Any mild bloating or discomfort usually resolves within a few hours.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself takes 20 to 45 minutes. However, patients should allow 3 to 4 hours in total for registration, pre-procedure assessment, the procedure itself, and recovery from sedation before being discharged.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
You will need to follow a low-fibre diet for 1 to 2 days before the procedure, then a clear liquid diet the day before. You will also take a prescribed bowel cleansing solution to fully empty the colon. Dr. Sulaiman’s team will provide detailed written preparation instructions at the time of booking.
Is colonoscopy painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation — a light intravenous anaesthesia — so you will be relaxed and comfortable throughout, with little to no memory of the procedure afterwards. Any mild bloating or cramping after the procedure typically resolves within a few hours.
How soon can I return to normal activities after a colonoscopy?
Most patients can return to normal activities, including work, the following day. You should avoid driving for 24 hours after sedation and arrange for someone to accompany you home on the day of the procedure. If polyps were removed, your doctor may advise avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.