Endoscopy
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a safe assessment using a long, thin, fibreoptic endoscope that has a light source and camera at one end through the throat or anal. High-definition images will be transmitted to a display, allowing specialists to check for abnormal tissue, ulcers or inflammation of digestive tract. Any abnormalities will be diagnosed and treated by specialists, suspected tissue samples will be retained for examination under microscopy.
Early Detection & Prevention against Cancers
When it comes to cancer, early detection is crucial, as symptoms of early-stage cancer can go unnoticed. According to 2020 figures from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, colorectal cancer was the second most common form of cancer in Hong Kong and accounted for 14.9% of all new cancer cases. Current research suggests that removal of colon polyps lowers the chances of cancer, and removal of colon polyps can help reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by 3 to 8 times.
Polys of the esophagus, stomach and large intestine can be treatable via endoscopy. An endoscope offers valuable insight into the health of your body from the inside.
Humansa HD Endoscopy
Humansa HD Endoscopy Centre is led by a dedicated and experienced team of specialists and nurses. The centre is equipped with state-of-the art endoscopic imaging systems and equipment. Our practices adhere to the guidelines in regards to hygiene, sterility and infection control. Clients are sure to be at ease as they receive examinations and procedures in a safe and relaxed environment.
Our services include:
Humansa HD Endoscopy
Details
Gastroscopy
An endoscope is passed through the throat and into the esophagus, to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine to see if any polyps, ulcers or other diseases are present.
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD; or commonly known as acid reflux), stomach pain, heartburn, severe indigestion, persistent nausea and vomiting, feeling bloated after eating, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue can all be related to upper gastrointestinal problems, thus it is recommended to undergo gastroscopy as soon as possible to diagnose the cause.
As the risk of gastric cancer in patients with H. pylori infection is 4 to 6 times higher than that of non-carriers, with 80% of carriers without noticeable symptoms, doctors will take a small biopsy of the stomach for analysis of H. pylori infection.
People at age of 40 or above should undergo gastroscopy if they have related symptoms or risk factors. Other high-risk factors include family history of gastric cancer, previous H. pylori infection, long-term stomach inflammation, pernicious anemia, stomach polyps, a diet high in salty and smoked foods, a diet low in fiber, ageing, and smoking.
Colonoscopy
An endoscope is passed through the anus to the colon for any abnormalities.
Through colonoscopy, doctors can locate inflammation, remove polyps, and take biopsies for examination from routine and early colonoscopy screenings and polyp removal can help reduce colorectal cancer by 3 to 8 times, thereby greatly improving colorectal cancer survival rates.
Compared to fecal occult blood tests and stool DNA tests, colonoscopy can directly examine the entire large bowel with removal of the colon polyps at the same time, and can detect tumours that are not detected by stool screening tests.
People at age of 45 are recommended to undergo colon screening. Other high-risk factors include family history of colorectal cancer, patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), blood in the stool, abnormal weight loss and fatigue, high fat and low fiber diet, physical inactivity, obesity, ageing, long-term alcohol and tobacco use. People with the above high-risk factors should undergo colonoscopy.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder to monitor abnormalities affecting the urethra and bladder. A biopsy can be taken through the cystoscope to be analyzed if needed. Cystoscopy can help detect and determine the cause of blood in the urine, incontinence, overactive bladder, bladder cancer, bladder stones, and bladder inflammation (cystitis).
High-risk factors include family history of hereditary disease, previous history of bladder stones, ageing, and tobacco use.
Sigmoidoscopy
A minimally invasive medical examination, a sigmoidoscope is inserted into the back passage (anus) and pushed slowly into the rectum and sigmoid colon to examine the large intestine and the lower (sigmoid) colon. The procedure can be used to investigate the cause of bleeding or pain, and look for evidence of inflammation or cancer of the rectum and lower colon. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used to remove polyps and take biopsy for analysis.
Humansa Endoscopy Flow
- Make an appointment
Contact us over the phone, or make your appointment or enquiries via email or WhatsApp. We will promptly get back to you on appointment confirmation to answer your questions. - Initial consultation
Our specialist will review your past medical records and etiology to determine if endoscopy is suitable. Our nurses will then explain the details of the procedure, including guidelines for food intake the night before, and set up a time and date for the procedure. - Before the procedure
For specific procedure, clients must follow specific food intake guidelines:
– Colonoscopy: no high fibre food and beverages within 3 days before the procedure. A doctor-prescribed laxative for the cleaning of the large intestine must be taken the night before the procedure. The visibility of the procedure might be affected if the bowel is not completely cleared.
– Gastroscopy: fast for 6 hours before the procedure. - Day of the procedure
On the day of the procedure, our specialist and nurse will examine the patient’s condition to ensure he/she is ready. After the procedure, the patient will be taken to the VIP Room or Recovery Area for rest before going home.
– Colonoscopy: the procedure takes about 45 minutes with appointment time around 1.5 – 2 hours
– Gastroscopy: the procedure itself takes about 20 minutes, with appointment time around 1 – 1.5 hours
(subject to individual condition)