Many Hongkongers suffer from stomachache and other stomach problems due to hectic life, unbalanced diet, and stress. According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, stomach cancer ranked sixth on the list of top ten cancers. If you experience stomach discomfort, you may have peptic ulcer or esophagitis, and you should seek medical advice, as well as receive a gastroscopy examination at your earliest advance.
Under COVID-19, elective surgeries at public hospitals are postponed except for essential surgeries for cancer treatment. Appointments for non-emergency and routine clinical examinations, such as gastroscopy, are also rescheduled. To ease the concern about visiting the hospitals, you can consider receiving the check-up at day-surgery medical centers.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
The following factors increase the risk of having stomach cancer.
- Aging (health risk raises when aging)
- Gender (more common among men)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Salting food
- Processed meat
- Overweight or obesity
When Do You Need a Gastroscopy?
If you experience prolonged stomach discomfort or the symptoms below, you should consult your doctor or receive a gastroscopy.
- Continuous and severe stomach pain, stomach acid reflux
- Persistent bloating and gas in the stomach, or indigestion
- Hard lump in the abdomen
- Stool in black or with blood
- Difficulties swallowing
- Suspected peptic ulcer or bleeding
- Other symptoms of esophageal and gastric cancer
Costs of Gastroscopy at Private Hospitals
Gastroscopy at local private hospitals costs from $3,500 to $12,300, depending on whether you choose IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care (M.A.C). The fees usually include the cost of operation, basic medications, and required consumables, while M.A.C, biopsy, and polyps removals need extra charges.
| Private Hospitals | Items | Fees (HKD)* |
| Union Hospital | Endoscopy of esophagus, stomach and duodenum includes: equipment, items and drugs related to examination or surgery; postoperative resuscitation bed. |
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| Matilda International Hospital | Gastroscopy includes: standard room, nursing fee, meal fee, endoscopy equipment, items and medications, drugs and supplies for anesthesia. |
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| Canossa Hospital | Gastroscopy includes: basic medications & consumables, 1 endoscopic photo, general medical equipment, use of recovery room and 1 helicobacter pylori (CLO) test |
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| Evangel Hospital | Gastroscopy includes: surgery fee, endoscopy room fee (30 minutes), sedation with two drugs, 1 report with 8 images, 1 CLO test |
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| Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital | Gastroscopy includes: endoscopist fee, endoscopy room charge, intravenous sedation (two sedatives), Oxygen inhalation, cardiac and SpO2 monitoring, dressing, video system charge, endoscope charge, 1 DVD, 1 photo, 1 CLO test, use of day recovery bed, CO2 insufflation, colonic washout (N/S 2L) |
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| Hong Kong Baptist Hospital | Esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy includes: doctor's operation fee; room inspection fee and anesthesiologist's fee; ward fee; operating room and related materials; nursing procedures; laboratory and examination fees |
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| Gleneagles Hospital | Packages price covers ALL costs related to the procedure, i.e.
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*Prices as of 25 Jul 2022
Note: Some of the plans do not include special procedures, such as excision of polyps and biopsy. For detailed pricing, please contact the respective hospital.
Costs of Gastroscopy at Medical Centers
Besides, many day-care medical centers provide gastroscopy services, priced from $5,800 to $8,200. Their services usually include the helicobacter pylori test. Again, extra charges are incurred if you need polyp and biopsy.
| Medical Centers | Items | Fees (HKD)^ |
| The Grand HD Endoscopy Center | The package includes: intravenous sedative, biopsy forceps, report with photo, surgeon fee, operating fee, laboratory fee, equipment fee, laxatives fee, preoperative and postoperative doctor's consultation fee and Helicobacter pylori test for gastroscopy. |
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| Humansa HD Endoscopy (Kwai Fong / Kwun Tong / Yuen Long) | The package includes: 1 photo report, Surgeon’s Fee, Intravenous (IV) Sedation Fee, Instrument Fee, Pathology Fee, Operation Theater Fee, Pre-Consultation Fee, Post-operative Report Interpretation, and all miscellaneous charges during the procedure. Gastroscopy Package also includes a H. Pylori Quick Test. |
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| The Specialists | Gastroscopy package includes: 1 CLO test for Helicobacter pylori, Surgeon's Fee, Instrument Fee, Local Anaesthesia Fee, Pathology Fee, CO2 Fee, Operation Theater Fee, an Endoscopy Report, Post-operative Medication Fee, Post-operative Report Interpretation and other miscellaneous charges during the procedure. |
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| Humansa HD Endoscopy (Central) | The package includes: 1 photo report, Surgeon’s Fee, Intravenous (IV) Sedation Fee, Instrument Fee, Pathology Fee, Operation Theater Fee, Pre-Consultation Fee, Post-operative Report Interpretation, and all miscellaneous charges during the procedure. Gastroscopy Package also includes a H. Pylori Quick Test. |
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| Hong Kong Medical & Gastrointestinal Centre | The package includes: endoscopist fee, endoscopy facility charges including NIBP, pulse oximeter monitoring, sedation, oxygen, biopsy with Clotest, report with photos and DVD/USB |
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^Prices as of 25 Jul 2022
Note: Some of the plans do not include special procedures. For detailed pricing, please contact the respective medical center.
Things to Take Note Before the Operation
- No food or drink six hours before gastroscopy
- Before the operation, you should change into a surgical gown after removing all clothing, including undergarments, dentures, jewelry, and contact lenses.
- Your doctor will use a local anesthetic drug or inject a proper amount of sedatives and pain relievers to lower your discomfort before the examination starts
- The operation takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
- It requires a longer time if a biopsy is needed.
- You are not allowed to eat or drink for one hour after the operation.
- Please consult your doctor if you have complications after the operation.
Procedures of Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a simple procedure with the following procedures.
- Your doctor will explain all the examination steps, and you need to sign an agreement before the check-up.
- You can opt for sedatives or MAC before it starts.
- A flexible tube of approximately 0.9 cm diameter is passed through the mouth into the body, and the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and part of the duodenum will be examined.
- If required, your doctor will conduct a biopsy or polypectomy
Aftercare for Gastroscopy
- You should not eat or drink one hour after the examination since the effects of anesthesia will not dissipate immediately.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages afterward.
- Avoid driving, operating machines, performing dangerous tasks and signing legal documents within 24 hours after the check-up.
Risks of Gastroscopy
Generally, you may experience bloating or feel sleepy after a gastroscopy exam. Bleeding and cardiovascular complications are rarely seen. To know more about the details, please check with your doctor.
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