Gastroscopy in Singapore, explained before it happens.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Moderate sedation is administered beforehand, and most patients have no memory of the gastroscopy itself. Some mild throat soreness or bloating may be felt afterwards, which typically resolves within a day or two.

For a routine diagnostic gastroscopy, either specialist is appropriate. However, if there is a possibility that surgery for further treatment may be required, consulting a general surgeon in Singapore such as Dr Sulaiman Bin Yusof ensures continuity of care without referral delays.

Ongoing stomach pain or acid reflux that recurs or fails to respond to treatment may point to underlying conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. A gastroscopy allows direct visualisation of the stomach lining, enabling an accurate assessment where other approaches may not.

Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing or discomfort when food passes through the throat, can have a range of causes, including oesophageal strictures, inflammation, or structural changes. Combined with upper abdominal pain, these symptoms are among the clearer indications for a gastroscopy screening in Singapore.

Nausea, unintended weight loss, and anaemia without an obvious cause may have their origin in the upper digestive tract. A gastroscopy can help identify whether a structural or mucosal issue is contributing to these symptoms.

Gastroscopy provides direct, real-time visualisation of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum that blood tests and imaging cannot replicate. Conditions such as early-stage gastric cancer, gastritis, and peptic ulcers may not appear clearly on a CT scan or X-ray, but are identifiable under direct endoscopic view.

The Ministry of Health publishes fee benchmarks for the private sector. For a gastroscopy with or without biopsy the surgeon fee benchmark is $650 to $1,100 (source: Ministry of Health, Singapore, fee benchmarks and bill information for SF701I, opens in a new tab) and the anaesthetist fee benchmark is $550 to $800 (source: Ministry of Health, Singapore, fee benchmarks and bill information for SF701I, opens in a new tab). Both exclude GST, and the hospital's own day-surgery charge is billed on top of them. A benchmark is a reference range published for the whole private sector, not a fee cap and not any one surgeon's price. Your own total also depends on whether the procedure is done at a public hospital or by a private specialist and on whether a biopsy or a polyp removal is performed. MediSave and most Integrated Shield Plans may be used to offset costs where the procedure is medically necessary. Dr Sulaiman's published price is set out in the cost section of this page. Source: Ministry of Health fee benchmarks, private sector, with effect from 1 January 2025.

Gastroscopy costs in Singapore vary depending on whether the procedure is performed at a public hospital or by a private specialist, and whether any additional interventions such as biopsy or polyp removal are required. Extended sedation is billed on top of the diagnostic scope.

Gastroscopy performed as a day surgery procedure is MediSave claimable where it is deemed medically necessary. Our clinic staff will advise on your eligibility and submit claims on your behalf.

Most Integrated Shield Plans cover gastroscopy when performed for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. Purely elective screening gastroscopy may not be covered under all plans in Singapore. Dr Sulaiman's clinic coordinates pre-authorisation with your insurer prior to the procedure where applicable.

Patients must fast for 6 to 8 hours before a gastroscopy. Clear water is generally permitted up to 2 hours before the appointment. An empty stomach improves visibility and reduces discomfort.

Certain medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily paused beforehand. These include blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, and NSAIDs, as well as diabetes medications, over-the-counter supplements, and herbal remedies. Please inform Dr Sulaiman of all medications at your pre-procedure consultation so that any adjustments can be safely planned.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing on the day of your procedure. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove dentures, glasses, or contact lenses beforehand.

Most patients receive moderate sedation via an IV line alongside a local anaesthetic throat spray. General anaesthesia is available depending on patient preference or clinical factors.

Once sedated, the endoscope is gently guided through the mouth, down the throat, and into the oesophagus. The procedure is viewed in real time on a video screen by the specialist throughout. As the endoscope passes through the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, the specialist assesses the lining for signs of inflammation, ulceration, polyps, or bleeding. A small amount of air is introduced to gently expand the digestive tract for clearer visualisation.

Where clinically indicated, tissue samples may be collected during the procedure. Biopsies confirm diagnoses, test for H. pylori infection, and rule out malignancy, providing information that visual assessment alone cannot always determine. If H. pylori infection is suspected, a rapid urease test or biopsy sample is taken during the same session.

In appropriate cases, certain interventions, such as the removal of polyps, management of bleeding, or dilation of narrowed sections, can be performed during the gastroscopy itself.

In many cases, yes. Where active bleeding is identified, interventions such as adrenaline injection or haemostatic clipping may be performed during the same session where clinically appropriate.

Immediate visual findings are discussed with you by Dr Sulaiman on the same day as your procedure. If biopsies were taken, laboratory results are typically available within 3 to 5 working days, after which Dr Sulaiman will contact you directly to discuss findings and next steps.

Mild throat discomfort and bloating are normal and usually resolve within a day or two. If you experience severe chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, fever, or vomiting blood, seek medical attention immediately as these may indicate a complication.

Yes. Your specialist will review the endoscopic images with you following the procedure. Copies may be made available for your personal records or to share with your GP or other treating doctors where relevant.

The frequency depends on the underlying condition being monitored. Some conditions require periodic follow-up gastroscopy, while others may not. Dr Sulaiman will advise on the appropriate interval based on your individual findings and clinical history.