Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the upper digestive tract, specifically the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). It is performed using a thin, flexible instrument (gastroscope) equipped with a camera that transmits images of the digestive tract lining (mucosa) to a specialized monitor. If necessary, biopsies may be taken from the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Gastroscopy is indicated in cases of symptoms such as:
Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
Black or blood-stained stools (melena)
Significant weight loss without an obvious cause
Unexplained iron deficiency anemia, which may indicate internal bleeding
As part of a preoperative assessment for conditions requiring surgery on the upper digestive tract
The procedure lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
If you are scheduled for a gastroscopy:
You must fast for 6-7 hours before the procedure and avoid drinking liquids for at least two hours before the examination.
Inform your doctor about any medical conditions, medications you are taking, and any past allergic reactions.
After the procedure is explained to you, you will be asked to lie comfortably on your left side. The doctor will spray your throat with a local anesthetic (lidocaine). You will then receive a sedative medication to help you relax, making the procedure more comfortable.
The doctor will guide the gastroscope through your mouth, down the throat, into the esophagus, stomach, and finally the duodenum. If necessary, biopsies will be taken. During the procedure, oxygen will be administered, and your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be continuously monitored.
Gastroscopy is generally a safe procedure, but complications can occasionally occur:
Mild throat discomfort or pain after the procedure due to the passage of the gastroscope.
Minor bleeding, especially if biopsies are taken or polyps are removed. In most cases, bleeding stops on its own and rarely requires further medical intervention.
Cardiorespiratory complications (such as arrhythmias or respiratory suppression) may occur in rare cases, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
Perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum is an extremely rare but serious complication requiring immediate medical attention and, in some cases, surgery.
After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery area until the sedation wears off. Your doctor will inform you when you can eat again, depending on the examination results.
Due to sedation, you are not allowed to drive after the procedure.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is an essential tool for diagnosing and preventing colon diseases such as polyps, ulcers, inflammatory conditions, and colorectal cancer. The procedure is performed using a thin, flexible instrument (colonoscope) equipped with a camera that transmits images of the digestive tract lining (mucosa) to a specialized monitor. During the examination, biopsies may be taken, or polyps may be removed if necessary.
Colonoscopy is indicated for symptoms such as:
Unexplained rectal bleeding
Changes in bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation
Unexplained weight loss
Investigation of anemia
Follow-up after the removal of colon polyps
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Colonoscopy also plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer prevention. The procedure is recommended for individuals at 50 years of age, regardless of symptoms. It may be advised earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Sedation or anesthesia is administered to ensure the procedure is painless for the patient. On average, a colonoscopy lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Patients must follow a special diet in the days leading up to the procedure. The day before the colonoscopy, a bowel cleansing regimen with laxatives is required to ensure a clear view of the colon. Proper bowel preparation is crucial, as it reduces procedure time, enhances visualization, and minimizes the risk of complications. You will receive detailed instructions on preparation during your pre-procedure consultation.
After the procedure is explained to you, you will be asked to lie on your left side. A venous catheter will be inserted, and sedation will be administered to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
The doctor will insert the colonoscope through the rectum and examine the entire colon and a portion of the small intestine. If needed, biopsies will be taken.
During the examination:
Oxygen will be administered, and your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored.
Instead of atmospheric air, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used to inflate the colon. CO₂ is rapidly absorbed and expelled through breathing, reducing discomfort such as bloating or pain after the procedure.
Colonoscopy is a generally safe procedure, but complications can occasionally occur:
Cardiorespiratory complications, such as arrhythmias or respiratory suppression, are rare and more likely in patients with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
Bleeding may occur, especially after polyp removal (polypectomy). This is typically controlled during the procedure using:
Specialized snares that cut and cauterize the polyp site
Injection of hemostatic agents or placement of clips to stop bleeding
Perforation (a small hole in the colon) is an extremely rare but serious complication. Many cases can be treated endoscopically, but surgery may be required in rare instances.
After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery area until the sedation wears off. The doctor will inform you when you can eat again, depending on the examination results.
Due to sedation, you are not allowed to drive after the procedure.
Rectoscopy / Rectosigmoidoscopy
Rectoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the rectum, which is the lower part of the large intestine. Rectosigmoidoscopy extends the examination to include the rectum and the sigmoid colon. The procedure is performed using a thin, flexible instrument (colonoscope) equipped with a camera that provides real-time imaging of the digestive tract lining (mucosa) on a specialized monitor.
During the examination, biopsies may be taken, or polyps may be removed if necessary.
This examination is indicated for symptoms such as:
Unexplained rectal bleeding
Changes in bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation
Pain or discomfort in the rectal area or lower abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Monitoring of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
The examination is quick and is generally painless. Local anesthesia or mild sedation may be used to minimize discomfort.
Before the procedure, you may be instructed to follow a special diet and use laxatives or an enema to cleanse the lower bowel. Proper bowel preparation is crucial as it:
Reduces examination time
Improves visualization for accurate diagnosis
Minimizes the risk of complications.
You will receive detailed written instructions regarding preparation at your pre-procedure consultation.
Rectosigmoidoscopy is a very safe procedure.
However, in rare cases, the following complications may occur:
-Mild irritation around the anus, which usually resolves within a few hours.
-Minor bleeding, particularly if biopsies are taken or polyps are removed.
In most cases, bleeding stops on its own and rarely requires further endoscopic or, in extremely rare cases, surgical intervention.
Rare complications include:
Cardiorespiratory issues, such as arrhythmias or respiratory depression, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
Perforation of the bowel (a very rare but serious complication) that may require immediate medical attention and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
If sedation was administered, you will stay in the recovery area until the effects wear off. The doctor will discuss the results and advise you on when you can resume eating.
You are not allowed to drive after the procedure due to the effects of sedation.
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