Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Service




The SKH Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Service comprises of a team of highly trained, experienced surgeons, who are dedicated to deliver high quality, modern and evidence-based surgical and endoscopic management to treat various upper gastrointestinal conditions.

We specialize in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases, stomach cancer, esophagus cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), acid reflux, achalasia, bile duct and gallbladder stones, hernia and other general surgical conditions.

We offer a wide range of services including minimally invasive surgery. The team also offers routine diagnostic endoscopy services such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as advanced endoscopy such as ERCP.

The SKH Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Service provide around the clock acute general surgical and endoscopy services.

Obesity and related metabolic diseases

The team leads a weight management program called the Sengkang Weight Improvement Therapy and Complete Health (SWITCH) to help patients with obesity and related metabolic diseases such as diabetes. SWITCH consists of a dedicated team of health professionals (surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists and physiotherapists). The team works closely together to deliver a comprehensive, evidence based weight management program which includes lifestyle modification, diabetes optimization, weight loss medication, bariatric endoscopy (gastric balloon / sleeve gastroplasty) and minimally invasive bariatric surgery such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass. Redo bariatric surgery is performed for patients who have previously had bariatric surgery but suffers from weight regain.

Stomach and Esophagus Cancer

The team works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide tailored, holistic, innovative treatments to each individual patient with cancer. We work closely with the oncologists (chemotherapy / radiotherapy), radiologists and allied health professionals to deliver precise treatment for cancer of the stomach and esophagus, and GIST.

Acid Reflux and Achalasia

Acid reflux impairs patient quality of life significantly. It is recognized as a major risk factor for esophageal cancer. At SKH, we have a range of diagnostic tools to investigate acid reflux including 24 hour pH study and esophageal manometry. We deliver a range of options to treat acid reflux including medical therapy, endoscopic therapy and minimally invasive surgical therapy such as fundoplication and magnetic sphincter augmentation.

We perform laparoscopic cardiomyotomy, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and endoscopic esophageal dilatation for patients with achalasia.

Gallstones, Hernia and other General Surgery Conditions

Our team regularly manages patients with simple and complicated gallstone disease. We offer advanced endoscopy (ERCP), minimally invasive surgery, as well as conventional surgery to manage patients with different manifestations of gallstone disease. We are well versed in the treatment of abdominal wall and inguinal hernia. We routinely perform standard endoscopy of the stomach and colonoscopy to diagnose various gastrointestinal conditions, and are capable of performing splenectomy for splenic conditions.

Our Clinical Services

We evaluate and manage patients who present with either one or more of the following symptoms /complaints:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling/mass
  • Anaemia
  • Bloody/black stools,
  • Positive stool occult blood test
  • Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Dyspepsia
  • Indigestion
  • Gallstones/bile duct stones
  • Groin swelling
  • Heartburn / reflux
  • Hernia
  • Jaundice
  • Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (such as diabetes)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting

Our Department Facilities

Our services utilize state of the art surgical and endoscopic equipment to meet your specific requirement.  The Department is equipped with a comprehensive range of aesthetic tools including lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machines and a Thermageâ radiofrequency device.

Our Centres

SWITCH

Tags:

 
 ;  ;   ;   ;   ;  ;   ;   ;   ;   ;   ;   ;   ;   ;  

Upper Gastroentestinal and Bariatric Conditions

Below you will find a list of conditions we treat:

  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Obesity related conditions such as diabetes, fatty liver, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

  • Gastritis
  • Reflux / gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Gastric / duodenal / peptic ulcer
  • Esophageal cancer


Upper Gastroentestinal and Bariatric Treatments Offered

Find more information about our treatments. We coordinate our patients' care through specialized clinical centers and programs, ensuring that every patient benefits from a team of specialists who focuses on a particular condition.

Endoscopic procedures offered:
  • OGD & Colonoscopy
  • ERCP
  • Removal GI tract foreign body
  • Dilatation of GI tract stricture
  • Stenting of bile duct/oesophagus / GI tract

Surgery for the following conditions:
 

FAQs

What exactly is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that occur together, such as increased blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (diabetes), excess body fat around the waist area, and abnormal cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) or triglyceride levels (hyperlipidemia). It puts you at a greater risk of heart diseases and stroke.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also commonly known as a weight loss procedure, is designed to treat issues related to obesity. It involves making changes to your digestive system, ultimately restricting the amount of food your stomach can hold. While it offers weight-loss benefits, healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle have to be made to complement this procedure so as to ensure long-term success. Today, most bariatric surgeries are performed by surgeons using a minimally invasive technique.

Is Bariatric surgery safe?

While every surgical procedure comes with inherent risks and complications, bariatric surgery is considered a relatively safe procedure. The risk of bariatric surgery is on par with common surgical procedures such as appendectomy and cholecystectomy. Your surgeon will take you through all the potential complications prior to the surgery.

What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?

As early-stage stomach cancer usually comes with few or no symptoms, it can be hard to detect it early. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • Poor appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting (with or without blood)
  • Frequent indigestion or heartburn
 

Our Care Team

Our upper gastrointestinal and bariatric care team is helmed by an experienced team of specialists who are committed to delivering a level of individualized medical care that is comprehensive and respectful of your needs. By taking a collaborative and team-driven approach, we ensure that the upper gastrointestinal and bariatric care you receive is informed by a wide range of medical perspectives, and of course, your own preferences on treatment. As a team, we support you before and after your surgery to help you achieve long-term success.

 

TOP