Digestive System Screening Program (Examine Gastrointestinal Tract With Endoscope)

· Those in Bangkok, Thailand looking for a digestive system check-up package.
· Those who are average-risk individuals aged 50 and above.
· Those with medical conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers.
· Those with a bad experience with stomach pain.
· Those who want a thorough examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

Digestive System Screening Program is one of the important health check-up programs which should be done every 3 to 5 years, especially for the ones with age 50 and above.

This screening program is meant for the ones who have symptoms as follow:
· Stomach discomfort
· Stomach bloating with pain
· Has lump in the stomach
· Significant weight loss
· Pale
· Fatigue
· Bloody stool
· Abnormal odor of stool

Those who have relatives diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer such as colon cancer are recommended to take the screening test as this can be heredity.

There are 3 packages available at our affiliated hospital.

· EGD with HP Test
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, in short as EGD, is a procedure that examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the duodenum (small intestine) using a long flexible tube equipped with a mini camera at the end of it. The tube is known as an endoscope, in which it will be inserted into the mouth and advanced to the small intestine. The procedure includes HP test, the observation for H.Pylori, which the whole procedure will be performed with some degree of sedation, you will not feel any discomfort.

· Colonoscopy
This procedure is important for diagnosing intestinal cancer, which a colonoscope will be inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine. Foreign bodies or tumors can be detected and removed for further examination.

· EGD with HP Test and Colonoscopy
This package is the combination of both EGD and colonoscopy.

1. A consultation will be done to gather basic information
2. Sedation will be performed
3. Insertion of the flexible tube called an endoscope
4. For colonoscopy, the colonoscope will be inserted through the rectum
5. Foreign bodies such as tumors detected will be removed for further examination

<Advantages>
· Safe procedure
· Effective tools
· Detects H.Pylori
· Treats various gastrointestinal disorders
· Minimizes morbidity and mortality

<Limitations>
· Possible risks like infection, bleeding, and reaction to sedation

· Stop taking iron, aspirin products, or Pepto Bismol 7 days before the procedure
· Stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen), Feldene, Naprosyn, Nuprin, Celebrex and Vioxx for at least 5 days before the procedure
· No eating any solid food after midnight, the night before the procedure
· Fasting is required at least 8 hrs before the procedure
· Some medication can be taken 4 hrs before examination with just little sips of water
· Do not take any antacids or Carafate before the procedure
· Plan to have someone to drive you home after

· Should there be any foreign bodies detected which will be sent to the lab for testing, an additional USD 65 to 113 will be charged
· In the case where general anesthesia is preferred, an additional charge of USD 161 will be applied
· Large tumors detected, removed for testing charges USD 257
· USD 116 for 6 hrs of hospitalization to monitor the digestive system
· USD 193 per night for an in-patient IV drip

Q1: How long will it take to recover from a colonoscopy?
A1: Most people are back to normal activities within 24 hrs or after the sedation wears off; it is recommended to refrain from flying for 48 hrs after the procedure.

Q2: How often should I come for the screening?
A2: If the first screening is negative, recurrent periodic gastroscopy is not necessary. However, if the results might turn positive for Barrett's esophagus, it is recommended that you have gastroscopy every 3 to 5 years.

Q3: Will there be any restrictions?
A3: Over the period of 24 to 48 hrs after treatment, only eat small meals that consist of soft and easily digestible food like soups, eggs, puddings and etc.

Q4: Is it normal to feel sick after treatment?
A4: You may have caught a sore throat or stomach discomfort a few hrs after. Or you may feel bloated but this often subsides quickly.

Q5: Do I need to fast?
A5: Yes, fasting is required for at least 8 hrs before the procedure.

[Clinic Name] Sikarin Hospital
[Location] Bangkok, Thailand
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] Walking distance to restaurants, banks, gym, and fitness center
[Clinic Opening Time] 24 hrs