Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Gastroenterology & Hepatology Services
The Gastroenterology & Hepatology Service manages a broad range of conditions that affect the digestive tract and liver. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services to inpatients and outpatients to manage their conditions better.
We evaluate symptoms from abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, vomiting and constipation to changes in the bowel habits, blood in stools, jaundice etc. We also see the following conditions: Liver • Acute and chronic viral hepatitis • Alcoholic liver disease • Autoimmune liver disease • Drug-related liver injury • Fatty liver • Liver cirrhosis • Liver tumours • Metabolic liver disease • Primary biliary cirrhosis
Digestive Tract • Acute and chronic diarrhoea • Acute and chronic pancreatitis • Biliary tract disease (stones) • Bleeding of the intestinal tract • Functional bowel disease (irritable bowel syndrome) • Gastroesophageal reflux • Inflammatory bowel disease • Peptic ulcer disease
Treatments A broad range of endoscopic procedures are offered to help patients evaluate and manage symptoms such as abdominal pain, anaemia and changes in bowel habits. We also perform gastrointestinal cancer screening, etc. Many of these procedures do not require hospitalisation and are performed as day surgeries. Gastroscopy A flexible endoscope is inserted into the patient’s mouth to examine the stomach. It is a very safe procedure and is often used to evaluate upper abdominal pain. Gastroscopy allows conditions such as stomach ulcers, cancers and Helicobacter pylori infection to be detected. Colonoscopy This procedure offers a thorough examination of the colon by inserting an endoscope from the anus. Colonoscopy is used to evaluate blood in the stools, chronic diarrhoea and colon cancer. Colon polyps detected can also be removed with colonoscopy. Laxatives are taken a day before colonoscopy to cleanse the colon thoroughly and prepare the individual for the procedure.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) EUS is an endoscope with a built-in ultrasound probe that provides a thorough and accurate evaluation of diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and bile duct. Examples include evaluating masses in the oesophagus and pancreas, and obtaining tissue samples. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ERCP is an endoscopic procedure that manages diseases that involve the bile duct. ERCP is used to remove stones in the bile duct that cause pain or obstruction. Using a variety of instruments, stones can be removed without invasive surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) PEGs are feeding tubes that are inserted into the stomach from the skin via an endoscope. It is useful in stroke patients who cannot swallow their food normally. PEG acts as an alternative to feeding tubes and is inserted through the nose.
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For more information Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital 1 Jurong East St 21, Singapore 609606 General enquiries: 6716 2000 Fax: 6716 5500 www.ntfgh.com.sg Clinical and appointment line hours (closed on Sundays and public holidays) For appointments, please call 6716 2222 Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.00am - 12.30pm For dental appointments, please call 6716 2233 Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm
By train Jurong East MRT Station By bus From Jurong East Bus Interchange SBS 49, 51, 52, 66, 78, 79, 97, 97e, 98, 98M, 105, 143, 143M, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506 Along Boon Lay Way SBS 99, Private bus service 625
Disclaimer: The information in this brochure is meant for educational purposes and should not be used as substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please seek your doctor’s advice before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical condition.
Copyright Š JurongHealth B E 012-15 June 2015
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