According to statistics from the Singapore Cancer Registry, colorectal or colon cancer is the most common cancer among men in Singapore, second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer-related death in Singaporean men.
While these facts are indeed alarming, there has been a significant increase in the survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer over the years. One of the ways to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages is through a colonoscopy.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to detect any changes or abnormalities in the colon (large intestine) and rectum. This medical examination is typically done in order to look into any intestinal problems and to check for possible causes if you are suffering from abdominal pain, chronic constipation and diarrhoea, and any other intestinal problems. Colonoscopies are also a common screening test done to check for colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer.
How is a colonoscopy performed?
Most people have the misconception that colonoscopies are surgical procedures, but they are merely medical examinations that don’t require surgery. During a colonoscopy, the doctor will use a colonoscope, which is a tubular and long medical instrument that is able to transmit an image of the colon’s lining. This image will allow doctors to examine the colon closely to detect any abnormalities.
The colonoscope is then inserted through the rectum until the other end of the colon. Since it is flexible and bendable, the doctor may move it around the bends of your colon for a more thorough examination.
Colonoscopies can be done while the patient is awake, but you may also be put to sleep during the process. Even if you are awake, you may still be given sedation to help you relax and feel at ease. The entire procedure should take about 20 to 30 minutes on average.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Since colon polyps take extended periods of time to become cancerous, regular colonoscopy screenings every ten years is recommended to prevent colon cancer cases, especially for people over 50 years old. However, symptoms and signs may begin to show up even before you reach 50 years old.
Some of these symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding
- A persistent change in bowel habits
- Persistent discomfort in the abdominal area such as cramps
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Dark stools or blood in the stools
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or a combination of these signs, do consult with your doctor immediately. From there, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy based on the initial tests.
Preparation for the procedure
Before a colonoscopy, your prep instructions will typically be given to you days before in order for you to be informed about the next steps.
Colonoscopy diet prep
A few days before the procedure — At this stage, start eating foods that are low in fibre and avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, dried fruit, raw fruits or vegetables. This limits the amount of undigested food that has to pass through your digestive system.
A day before the procedure — Avoid all solid foods and consume clear liquids only including soups, clear broth, clear juice, black coffee or tea. More often than not, doctors will describe patients with a laxative drink in order to clean out your colon before the procedure.
The day of the procedure — Similar to the day before, stick to clear liquid foods only and continue to avoid solid food. You will not be able to drink anything at least two hours before the colonoscopy.
Other colonoscopy prep tips
On top of the colonoscopy prep instructions that will be given to you by your doctor, here are additional prep tips that can be of good use.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication
If you are currently on any blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin, Warfarin, or Plavix, please inform your doctor beforehand as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Keep a variety of clear liquids on hand
Most people have the misconception that a clear liquid diet is only limited to water. However, you can still consume other foods such as popsicles, Gatorade, clear broth, and coffee and tea without milk or creamer. Water can get boring after some time, so be sure to have a variety of liquids with you before the procedure.
Wear loose clothing and stay in close proximity to the bathroom
Once the laxatives start working, you may experience forceful diarrhoea, lack control of your bowel movement, and even cramping and bloating. As much as possible, stay near the bathroom as it may be hard to hold back once the urge hits. Wearing loose clothing will also be useful as you make frequent trips to the washroom. If needed, consider wearing adult diapers and apply diaper cream before diarrhoea starts.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
After the procedure, patients will be directed to a recovery room for further observation and until the effects of the medication have worn off. You may feel cramping and bloating, but these sensations are completely normal. You may also feel the urge to pass gas after the procedure, but this is highly encouraged as it will relieve any pain from cramps and bloating.
Before you go home, your doctor will give you a set of instructions that you need to adhere to for the next few hours or days. You may be advised to avoid certain medications if polyps were removed or if biopsies were taken. While complications are rather rare after colonoscopies, you should consult a doctor if you experience severe bloatedness or abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or excessive vomiting.
Colonoscopy Centre | Ho Kok Sun Colorectal |
Speciality | Since colonoscopy is among the leading medical procedures on the island, Ho Kok Sun Colorectal strives to give every patient only the best colonoscopy screening in Singapore. It’s headed by Dr Ho, who facilitates every colon-related procedure and is among the most renowned colorectal surgeons in Singapore. Dr Ho has studied and practised medicine not only in Singapore but in other countries as well, making him a very qualified specialist. His areas of expertise include anal diseases, haemorrhoid, and colon cancer. |
Website | |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-09 Medical Centre |
Telephone | 6737 2778 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | One Surgical Clinic & Surgery |
Speciality | Singapore Colorectal Surgeon, Dr Ng has been in clinical practice for over 20 years with more than 10 years as a specialist colorectal surgeon. He is honoured to be the current President of the Society of Colorectal Surgeons Singapore (SCRS). His passion has been in advancing the practice of (keyhole) minimally invasive surgery (MIS). These days, Dr Ng routinely employs MIS for both simple (e.g. appendix, gallbladder) and complicated (e.g. colorectal cancer) cases. He also has rare expertise in advanced techniques such as robotic surgery, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node clearance, transanal endoscopic surgery and colonic stenting. |
Website | |
| Address | Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Suite 09-23, 38 Irrawaddy Road |
Telephone | 6250 5677 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Raffles Surgery Centre |
Speciality | Since most patients are afraid to undergo colonoscopy, Raffle Surgery Centre promises that they will make the process as fast and uncomfortable as possible. With the help of its competent medical staff, patients have nothing to worry about before and during a colonoscopy. What’s more, the colonoscopy screening takes only 20 minutes of their time, so the test can be taken even during their free time from work. After the screening, patients will be given refreshments while waiting for the doctor who will explain the results. |
Website | https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/services/specialist-centres/surgery/packages/colonoscopy-screening/ |
| Address | 585 North Bridge Rd, Level 13 Raffles Specialist Centre |
Telephone | 6311 1140 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | KH Ng Surgery Centre |
Speciality | If you’re searching for the best colorectal surgeon in Singapore, then look no further than KH Ng Surgery. It’s headed by its namesake Dr Ng Kheng Hong, a physician of great renown locally and internationally. What’s more, KH Ng Surgery also has a wide variety of colon-related services such as colonoscopy, hernia surgery, keyhole surgery, piles treatments, anal fistula treatment, and more. |
Website | https://www.khngsurgery.com.sg/ |
| Address | 6 Napier Rd, Suite #03-13 Gleneagles Medical Centre |
Telephone | 6475 5512 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | GutCARE |
Speciality | GutCARE was founded with the aim of providing Singapore a specialised digestive practitioner. Gastroenterology is becoming one of the fastest developing fields in medicine– it is no longer possible for a single specialist to excel in all the different areas of digestive disorders. They have multiple clinic locations and doctors to choose from so that they can provide good quality service at the patient’s convenience. Besides colonoscopy, they also provide endoscopic services. |
Website | |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road #10-58, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre |
Telephone | 6734 3435 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Concord International Hospital |
Speciality | Concord International Hospital provides 24-hour inpatient and outpatient care and services. They offer high quality medical and nursing care in a boutique setting which is both elegant and cosy to ensure that their patients are as comfortable as they can be. Furthermore, at Concord International Hospital, they pride themselves on their patient education. They provide reliable materials to help you and your families understand your health conditions and treatments. |
Website | http://www.cih.com.sg/ |
| Address | 19 Adam Road |
Telephone | 6933 3722 |
Colonoscopy Centre | Kam Colorectal Centre |
Speciality | Colorectal and haemorrhoids surgeon Dr Kam Ming Hian graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1998 and subsequently obtained his Master of Medicine in Surgery in 2003. He completed his advanced training for the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in Edinburgh in 2005 and completed his advanced surgical training at Singapore General Hospital in 2006. Piles surgeon Dr Kam has a keen interest in minimally invasive colorectal surgeries, including laparoscopic, single-incision and robot-assisted procedures. |
Website | |
| Address | Farrer Park Medical Centre 1 Farrer Park Station Road #14-16 Connexion |
Telephone | 6443 1005 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 5:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Seow-Choen Colorectal Centre |
Speciality | Prof Seow graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1981 and obtained his higher surgical qualifications in 1987. He subsequently sub-specialized in colorectal surgery in 1989 where he worked with the world-class surgeons of St Marks’ Hospital in London. Prof Seow returned to Singapore after training intent on turning Singapore into a surgical colorectal powerhouse. Besides his very busy professional life, Prof Seow had also taken an interest in the development of colorectal surgery in the whole of Asia. He is frequently invited to lecture and to demonstrate surgery all around over the world and Asia. |
Website | http://www.colorectalcentre.com/ |
| Address | 290 Orchard Road #06-06 Paragon Shopping Centre |
Telephone | 6738 6887 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Colorectal Surgeon Singapore, Dr Aaron Poh |
Speciality | At Colorectal Surgeon Singapore, their team aims to provide Singaporeans with quality colorectal care. By applying both traditional and modern techniques, they are able to offer customized care for each patient under the guidance of their head consultant and chief colorectal surgeon, Dr Aaron Poh. Dr Aaron Poh specializes in Trauma Surgery. He finished his medical studies in 2004 at the National University of Singapore and acquired his Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2015. |
Website | |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth #17-16 Medical Centre |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | NUH Colorectal Centre |
Speciality | The Division of Colorectal Surgery at the NUH Colorectal Centre provides comprehensive care and surgical treatment for patients dealing with disorders affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Their team of doctors are able to treat conditions such as anal fissures, colorectal cancer, haemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and constipation. |
Website | https://www.nuh.com.sg |
| Address | 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Level 16 |
Telephone | 6772 2230 |
Colonoscopy Centre | Singapore General Hospital |
Speciality | Established since 1989, the Department of Colorectal Surgery at SGH is the only specialised clinical department in Singapore for colon and rectal surgery. A premier regional and international referral centre, they provide diagnostic investigations and comprehensive treatment for colorectal and perianal conditions and diseases, including emergency surgical management. Their expertise and range of leading surgical platforms include robotic surgery, transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), and advanced endoscopy services. |
Website | https://www.sgh.com.sg/ |
| Address | Singapore General Hospital, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Academia, 20 College Road |
Telephone | 6321 4377 |
Colonoscopy Centre | Colorectal Clinic Associates @ Mt. Alvernia Hospital |
Speciality | Colorectal Clinic Associates brings together five General and Colorectal surgeons who have a combined experience of up to 75 years’ practice in colorectal surgery and were formerly integral staff in the Nation’s two Academic Medical Centres located in Singhealth and the National University Health System / Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. The group provides a full subspecialty service in colorectal surgery spanning all aspects of proctology, colon and rectal surgery including the latest in laparoscopic and robotic techniques, advanced gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, anal physiological assessment and endoluminal ultrasonography of the lower gastrointestinal tract. |
Website | https://www.colorectalclinic.com/ |
| Address | 820 Thomson Rd, #08-62, Block D, Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre |
Telephone | 6643 9922 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Capstone Colorectal Surgery Centre @ Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre |
Speciality | The first 3 letters “CAP’ of the word CAPSTONE also stands for Colon, Anus & Proctology, emphasizing their dedicated focus on comprehensive surgical management of diseases affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Some of the centre’s extensive services include Haemorrhoid (Piles) Treatment, Surgery for colonic and rectal cancers, Hernia Repair, and Anal Surgeries. |
Website | https://www.memc.com.sg/ |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth |
Telephone | 6735 5000 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Kieron Lim Gastroenterology |
Speciality | Dr Kieron Lim is a senior gastroenterologist specializing in treating patients for digestive and colon conditions. He brings with him international experience in using endoscopic procedures to safely and accurately diagnose patients for peace of mind. Prior to setting up his specialist clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Dr Lim was Head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital (NUH). He is currently a visiting consultant at NUH where he continues to be involved in postgraduate education and training of future specialists. |
Website | http://colonoscopy.kieronlimgastro.sg/ |
| Address | Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth #10–02 |
Telephone | 6836 0080 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Nobel Gastroenterology Centre |
Speciality | Nobel Gastroenterology Centre treats individuals with digestive, bowel and liver problems. Their medical team is helmed by Dr Eric Wee and Dr Wang Yu Tien, both of whom are Senior Consultants, specializing in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Nobel Gastroenterology provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests spanning the breadth of digestive and liver disorders. These modern devices assist doctors in clinching an accurate diagnosis, even in challenging situations. Their Gastroenterologists perform both gastroscopy (stomach) and colonoscopy (colon), and also offer advanced endoscopy procedures to patients and other specialists. |
Website | https://nobelmedicalgroup.com/nobel-gastroenterology-centre/ |
| Address | Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre 38 Irrawaddy Road #05-39 |
Telephone | 6694 0764 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday: 8:30am – 12:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Andrea Digestive Clinic |
Speciality | Andrea Digestive Clinic is a private special Gastroenterology clinic in Singapore established since 2010. Their team believes in providing excellent medical care to patients suffering from disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our specialists are internationally trained and will walk with you through the entire treatment process. |
Website | https://www.andrea-digestive-clinic.com/ |
| Address | #21-11/12 Royal Square At Novena 101 Irrawaddy Road |
Telephone | 6264 2836 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Colonoscopy Centre | Goh Hak Su Colon & Rectal Centre |
Speciality | Professor Goh Hak Su graduated with a double degree in Science and Medicine from King’s College Hospital Medical School, London and trained in Colorectal at St Mark’s Hospital, London. He is referred to as the “Founding Father of Colorectal Surgery” in Singapore. With the support of the then Director of Medical Services, Dr Kwa Soon Bee, and the Ministry of Health in 1989, Professor Goh established the Department of Colorectal Surgery in Singapore General Hospital, the first such department in Singapore and the ASEAN region. They provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with all sorts of colorectal conditions. |
Website | https://www.gohhaksu.sg/ |
| Address | 6 Napier Rd, Gleneagles Medical Centre, #04-08 |
Telephone | 6473 0408 |
Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm |
Editor’s Note:
While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.
If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at [email protected]. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.
Author Bio
Tom Koh is widely recognised as a leading SEO consultant in Asia who has worked to transform the online visibility of the leading organisations such as SingTel, Capitaland, Maybank, P&G, WWF, etc. Recently he was instrumental in consulting for a New York-based US$30B fund in an US$4Bn acquisition. Tom is a Computational Science graduate of the National University of Singapore. In his free time he performs pro-bono community work and traveling.
Google+
