Endoscopy – Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy
Endoscopy is an examination method that allows doctors to view the inside of tubular organs using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source at its tip. It can also be used to remove polyps and collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
At our clinic, gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy can be performed with a referral from a family doctor, through employer-provided health insurance, or as a paid service. If desired, the examination can also be performed under sedation or anesthesia.
How can you book an examination?
- You can book the examination without a referral as a paid service.
- You can also attend with a referral from your treating physician, family doctor, or specialist.
- An appointment must be booked in advance.
- Before booking, you should decide whether you would like the examination with sedation or anesthesia, as this affects scheduling.
- Proper preparation is the most important prerequisite for a successful examination.
If you have a referral:
- If you already have a referral, book your examination appointment. Both free appointments covered by referral and faster paid appointments are available.
- Decide whether you would like sedation or anesthesia during the procedure.
- Decide whether you would like a pre-examination consultation regarding preparation — good preparation helps avoid repeat examinations.
- Decide whether you would like a post-examination consultation with a general surgeon to begin treatment immediately if necessary.
If you do not have a referral:
- You can immediately book a paid examination.
- If you have employer-provided supplemental health insurance, start with a remote consultation with a general surgeon to collect medical information and document the need for the examination for insurance coverage purposes.
- Decide whether you would like sedation or anesthesia during the examination.
- Paid examinations include a preparation consultation and a post-examination consultation so treatment can begin immediately if needed.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract that helps identify the causes of symptoms related to the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine while detecting ulcers, inflammatory changes, polyps, or other mucosal abnormalities. The examination can be performed under sedation or anesthesia.
Book an examination if you experience:
- Persistent heartburn or heaviness in the stomach
- Blood in vomit or unexplained weight loss
- Chronic digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- Family history of stomach or esophageal cancer
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an intestinal examination that helps identify the causes of gastrointestinal complaints while detecting polyps, tissue changes, inflammatory processes, diverticula, or hemorrhoids. The examination can be performed under sedation or anesthesia.
Book an examination if you experience:
- Persistent abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Blood in stool or unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms of chronic bowel inflammation such as bloating, cramps, or recurrent diarrhea
- Family history of colorectal cancer or intestinal polyps
Why is good bowel preparation important?
Proper bowel preparation is the most important prerequisite for a successful colonoscopy. Poor preparation is the main reason colonoscopies fail. If the bowel is not properly prepared:
- the examination is less informative;
- the procedure becomes more uncomfortable for the patient;
- removal of polyps may not be possible.
With inadequate preparation, up to 42% of flat polyps may remain undetected, even though these polyps carry a higher risk of developing into malignant tumors. Poor bowel preparation is also the main reason (82%) why procedures cannot be completed and patients must return for repeat examinations.
Bowel preparation begins at least 4 days before the colonoscopy with proper dietary adjustments and bowel cleansing the day before the examination.
What is the difference between sedation and anesthesia?
Sedation
Sedation is a form of pain relief that places you in a calm and relaxed state to reduce anxiety, discomfort, and pain during the procedure. You remain conscious and can respond to the doctor, and you may remember parts of the procedure.
After the examination, you will remain under observation and may experience temporary drowsiness or fatigue. You are not allowed to drive after sedation, so someone must accompany you home.
Anesthesia
In cases of increased anxiety, previous unpleasant examination experiences, or medical indications, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can also be performed under light general anesthesia.
During anesthesia, you are completely asleep throughout the procedure and will not remember the examination afterward. You are not allowed to drive after anesthesia, and someone must accompany you home.
When can sedation or anesthesia not be used?
- If you are pregnant
- If you have been diagnosed with a muscle or neurological disease
- If you have a known allergy to the medications used
- If you have a fever or respiratory infection on the day of the examination