Endoscopic Procedures

During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible camera is passed gently through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. You will receive full sedation to help you relax and remain comfortable during the procedure. Dr Kwan can look for conditions such as inflammation, ulcers, reflux-related changes or other abnormalities and may take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed. Gastroscopy is generally a short procedure. You will be monitored in recovery until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off sufficiently for you to go home.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible camera is carefully passed through the anus to examine the lining of the large bowel and, where appropriate, the end of the small intestine. You will receive full sedation, and the procedure allows Dr Kwan to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding, as well as screen for bowel cancer and identify polyps or other abnormalities. Polyps can often be removed and biopsies taken during the procedure. You will be monitored in recovery until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off sufficiently for you to go home.

Small bowel balloon enteroscopy uses a specialised flexible endoscope with a balloon system to examine parts of the small intestine that cannot usually be reached with standard gastroscopy or colonoscopy. The procedure is performed under full sedation and allows Dr Kwan to investigate unexplained bleeding, abnormalities or other conditions affecting the small bowel. Depending on what is found, biopsies can be taken and some treatments can be performed during the same procedure. Because balloon enteroscopy can involve a longer examination, you may spend more time in recovery before going home.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines a flexible endoscope with a small ultrasound probe to produce detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues. EUS can be used to investigate pancreatic cancer and cysts, assess the bile ducts for stones or strictures, and examine submucosal lesions within the digestive tract. In selected patients, Dr Kwan can also use EUS to perform a coeliac plexus block to help manage pain associated with certain pancreatic conditions. Depending on the reason for the procedure, EUS may involve taking a tissue or fluid sample using a fine needle, allowing further testing without the need for conventional surgery. The procedure is generally performed under full sedation. You will be monitored in recovery until the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off sufficiently for you to go home.

PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) and other enteral feeding tube procedures provide a way of delivering nutrition, fluids or medication directly into the digestive system when adequate nutrition cannot be maintained by mouth. Using endoscopic guidance, Dr Kwan can assist with placement, assessment or management of feeding tubes, depending on your individual needs. The procedure is generally performed under sedation, and you will receive instructions about caring for the tube and using it safely after the procedure.

Oesophageal dilatation is used to widen a narrowed area of the oesophagus that is making it difficult or uncomfortable to swallow. During the procedure, Dr Kwan uses specialised equipment passed through the endoscope to carefully stretch the narrowed area and improve the passage of food and liquids. It may be recommended for conditions such as scar tissue, strictures or narrowing caused by other disorders of the oesophagus. The procedure is performed with full sedation, and you will be monitored afterwards before going home.

Variceal banding is a treatment used for enlarged veins, known as varices, in the oesophagus that have a risk of bleeding. During a gastroscopy, Dr Kwan can identify the varices and place small elastic bands around them to stop blood flow through the enlarged vein. The banded varix gradually shrinks and the band falls away as the area heals. Variceal banding is commonly performed as a day procedure, although your monitoring and follow-up will depend on your individual circumstances. The procedure is performed with full sedation, and you will be monitored afterwards before going home.

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small, disposable capsule containing a miniature camera. As the capsule passes naturally through the digestive tract, it takes thousands of images, allowing Dr Kwan to examine areas of the small intestine that can be difficult to reach with conventional endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy may be recommended when investigating unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia or suspected small bowel conditions. The capsule passes naturally through the bowel and does not usually need to be retrieved.