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Diagnostic & Therapeutic

Endoscopy

See inside. Know for certain. Act immediately. Dr Cha performs a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures — all under comfortable conscious sedation, as a day procedure.

3
Diagnostic
Procedures
5
Therapeutic
Interventions

What Is Endoscopy?

A camera inside —
certainty outside

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip to directly visualise the inside of the digestive tract. Unlike imaging scans, endoscopy provides real-time, high-definition views of the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon.

Beyond diagnosis, endoscopy also allows Dr Cha to treat many conditions during the same procedure — removing polyps, controlling bleeding, placing stents, or dilating strictures — without any surgery at all.

All endoscopic procedures at Dr Cha's practice are performed as day procedures, meaning you go home the same day.

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Comfortable conscious sedation. You will be given intravenous sedation before the procedure, keeping you relaxed and comfortable throughout. Most patients have little or no memory of the procedure and feel no discomfort.

Endoscope device

Diagnostic Endoscopy

Diagnostic Procedures

Each procedure is tailored to examine a specific part of the GI tract, giving Dr Cha a direct view of what is happening inside your body.

Gastroscopy
Upper GI

Gastroscopy (OGD)

Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) — commonly known as a gastroscopy — is an examination of the upper digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A thin flexible camera is passed through the mouth under sedation.

It is the definitive test for investigating upper GI symptoms and can also be used to take biopsies or treat conditions found during the examination.

Common Indications

  • Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
  • Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty or pain swallowing
  • Nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss
  • Investigation of anaemia or bleeding
  • Screening for Barrett's oesophagus or stomach cancer
  • 15–20 minutes
  • Day procedure
  • Conscious sedation
  • Biopsy available
Lower GI

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum using a long flexible camera passed through the anus. It is the gold standard investigation for colorectal cancer screening and the evaluation of lower bowel symptoms.

Dr Cha can detect and remove polyps, take biopsies, and treat bleeding lesions all in the same session — making colonoscopy both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Common Indications

  • Colorectal cancer screening (recommended from age 45)
  • Blood in stools or rectal bleeding
  • Change in bowel habits lasting more than 4 weeks
  • Unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss
  • Follow-up after previous polyp removal
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • 30–60 minutes
  • Bowel prep required
  • Day procedure
  • Polyp removal available
Colonoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Lower GI

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines only the lower part of the colon — the sigmoid colon and rectum. It is a shorter, faster procedure than a full colonoscopy and is used when symptoms or concerns are localised to the lower bowel, or as an initial investigation before a full colonoscopy.

It requires less bowel preparation and can often be performed with minimal or no sedation, making it a convenient option for many patients.

Common Indications

  • Rectal bleeding or bright blood per rectum
  • Change in bowel habits localised to the lower bowel
  • Assessment of haemorrhoids, polyps, or proctitis
  • Surveillance after rectal surgery
  • 10–20 minutes
  • Minimal prep
  • Low or no sedation
  • Day procedure
✨ Weight Loss · No Surgery

Endoscopic Sleeve
Gastroplasty (ESG)

A non-surgical weight loss procedure performed entirely through an endoscope

ESG is a breakthrough weight loss procedure that harnesses the power of endoscopy to reshape the stomach — without any incisions, cuts, or scars. Using a specialised endoscopic suturing device, Dr Cha places a series of sutures along the inside of the stomach to reduce its volume by up to 70%, mimicking the effect of a surgical sleeve gastrectomy.

Because the entire procedure is done through the mouth via an endoscope, there is no wound, no scar, and patients go home the same day with a dramatically reduced recovery time compared to surgery.

ESG is ideal for patients who want meaningful weight loss but are not ready or suitable for bariatric surgery, or those who want a less invasive first step in their weight loss journey.

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No Incisions

Entirely through the mouth — no cuts, no scars, no wounds on the abdomen.

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Same-Day Discharge

Go home the same day. Most patients return to light activity within 2–3 days.

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15–20% Weight Loss

Clinically proven to achieve significant total body weight loss over 12–18 months.

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Reversible

Unlike surgical options, ESG can be revised or reversed if needed in the future.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ESG procedure

Treatment During Endoscopy

Therapeutic Interventions

Many conditions can be treated endoscopically during the same procedure — avoiding the need for separate surgery and speeding up recovery.

✂️

Polypectomy

Polyps found during gastroscopy or colonoscopy can be removed on the spot using specialised snares or forceps. Early removal of polyps is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer from developing.

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Haemostasis

Bleeding from the stomach, duodenum, or colon can be controlled endoscopically using clips, thermal energy, or injection therapy — often avoiding the need for emergency surgery.

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Dilation / Stricture Treatment

Narrowings (strictures) of the oesophagus, stomach outlet, or colon can cause difficulty swallowing or bowel obstruction. Endoscopic dilation using balloons or dilators restores normal passage without surgery.

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Stent Placement

Self-expanding metal stents can be placed endoscopically to relieve obstructions in the oesophagus, stomach, or colon caused by tumours or strictures — providing rapid relief of symptoms.

Your Experience

What to expect
on the day

Endoscopy is a straightforward, well-tolerated procedure for the vast majority of patients. Here is what a typical visit looks like — from arrival to going home.

1
Arrival & Registration

Arrive at the endoscopy suite. Nursing staff will check your details, review your medical history, and explain the procedure and consent.

2
IV Line & Sedation

A small intravenous line is placed in your arm. Sedation is given to make you comfortable and drowsy — you will be relaxed throughout.

3
The Procedure

Dr Cha performs the endoscopy, taking 15–60 minutes depending on the procedure. You will feel little to nothing during this time.

4
Recovery

You rest in the recovery area for 30–60 minutes while the sedation wears off. Nursing staff monitor you throughout.

5
Results & Discharge

Dr Cha discusses findings with you and provides a report. You are discharged home — a companion must drive you due to the sedation.

Common Questions

Frequently
Asked Questions


How long do I need to fast before endoscopy? +
For gastroscopy, you must fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure. For colonoscopy, you will also need to complete a bowel preparation the day before. Dr Cha's team will give you detailed instructions when you book.
Will I feel pain during the procedure? +
Most patients feel little to no discomfort thanks to conscious sedation. You may feel some mild bloating or pressure, but true pain is uncommon. You will be monitored throughout and the sedation adjusted as needed.
Can I drive home after the procedure? +
No. Because of the sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.
When will I get my results? +
Dr Cha will discuss his findings with you immediately after the procedure. If biopsies are taken, laboratory results typically take 5–7 working days, after which Dr Cha will arrange a follow-up to discuss them.
How soon can I eat after a gastroscopy? +
Most patients can eat and drink normally 1–2 hours after a gastroscopy, once the sedation has worn off and your swallowing reflex has returned. Start with light foods and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

Symptoms that need
a closer look?

Don't leave GI symptoms uninvestigated. Book an endoscopy consultation with Dr Cha today.

Book an Appointment