Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.

You should consult a gastroenterologist if you experience ongoing digestive symptoms such as chronic acid reflux, frequent stomach pain, persistent diarrhoea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stools.

A colonoscopy is a key procedure in gastroenterology. It helps diagnose and monitor a range of digestive conditions affecting the large intestine, including colorectal cancer, polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is also recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, rectal bleeding, or unexplained abdominal pain.

The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. In Singapore, liver diseases are becoming more prevalent due to lifestyle habits, viral infections, and metabolic disorders. Recognizing the signs early can help in prevention and timely treatment.

• Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD & AFLD)
  Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, NAFLD is a growing concern in Singapore. If left untreated, it may progress to liver inflammation and scarring.
  Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fat buildup in the liver, increasing the risk of liver damage and cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis (Hepatitis B & C)
  Hepatitis B: A common viral infection in Singapore that can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer if not managed properly. It spreads through blood, unprotected sex, or from mother to baby at birth.
  Hepatitis C: Less common but can cause chronic liver inflammation, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Liver Cirrhosis
  This is a late-stage liver disease caused by prolonged damage from conditions like chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol abuse. It leads to scarring (fibrosis), which affects liver function and may cause complications like liver failure.
• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC)
  Liver cancer is among the top causes of cancer-related deaths in Singapore. Chronic hepatitis B, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis are major risk factors. Early detection through liver screenings can improve treatment outcomes.
• Liver Infections & Autoimmune Diseases
  Liver abscesses (collections of pus in the liver) and autoimmune liver diseases can also impact liver health, leading to inflammation and scarring if not treated early.

Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing alcohol intake, managing weight, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B can help prevent liver diseases. Regular health screenings are essential for early detection and treatment. If you have persistent fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain, consult our doctors for expert advise.

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, often due to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, poor diet, or excessive alcohol intake. It can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and long-term complications like cirrhosis if left untreated. In early stages, fatty liver can be reversed.

Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
1. Weight Loss – Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.

2. Healthy Diet
Eat whole foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Include lean protein (fish, poultry, tofu, legumes).
Reduce refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
Increase healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil).

3. Regular Exercise
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Strength training also helps improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Completely avoid alcohol of any kind. 

Medical Management
Manage Diabetes & Cholesterol – Medications and lifestyle changes help control risk factors.
Monitor Liver Health – Regular liver function tests at our Healthway Screening Centres can monitor and track improvement.

If caught early, fatty liver disease is reversible with lifestyle changes. However, if left untreated, it can progress to liver inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, or even cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening

Colonoscopy is a crucial preventive procedure that helps detect colorectal cancer early, when it's most treatable. But how often you need one depends on several important factors.

General Guidelines for Colonoscopy Frequency

Average Risk Individuals:
For most healthy adults with no symptoms or family history of colorectal cancer, doctors typically recommend getting your first colonoscopy at age 45. If your results come back clear and normal, you'll likely only need the procedure once every 10 years thereafter.

Family History of Colon Cancer:
If you have an immediate family member (parent, sibling, or child) who's had colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, you may need screening earlier—typically starting at age 40, or 10 years younger than your relative’s age at diagnosis. In these situations, doctors usually recommend repeating colonoscopies every 3–5 years, depending on your individual risk factors.

Previous Polyps or Abnormal Results:
If you've had a colonoscopy before and doctors found polyps or other abnormalities, you'll likely need follow-up colonoscopies more frequently—generally every 3–5 years. Your doctor will give you a specific timeline based on the number, size, and type of polyps discovered.

High-risk Conditions:
People with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis or inherited conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) require more frequent and earlier screenings. In these cases, doctors may recommend colonoscopies as often as every 1–2 years.

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure that allows a doctor to view the lining of the upper digestive tract. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Using a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the tip, known as a gastroscope, doctors can check for inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities, and perform biopsies if necessary.