Endoscopy in Bratislava

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What is endoscopy

Endoscopy is an instrumental method of examining the digestive organs with an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a lighter and a camera at the end. The image from the camera is transmitted to a monitor, allowing the gastroenterologist to examine the mucous membranes of the digestive organs in detail.

Types of endoscopy in Bratislava

There are two types of endoscopic examination depending on the organs of the digestive system being studied. Types of endoscopies at the Doktorpro medical center:

• Gastroscopy (examination of the upper digestive tract: the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum);
• Colonoscopy (examination of the lower digestive tract: the inner surface of the colon).

When conducting a gastroscopy, the endoscope is inserted through the oral cavity; when performing a colonoscopy, the endoscope is inserted through the rectum. The gastroenterologist shall prescribe a specific type of diagnostics depending on the patient's complaints and symptoms.

Indications for endoscopic examination

The endoscopic examination shall be prescribed in case of symptoms of pathologies of the GI organs: abdominal pain of any localization, as well as digestive and defecation disorders. Other indications for endoscopy:

• Frequent heartburn (burning sensation in the esophagus or behind the sternum), belching, hiccups;
• Complicated or painful swallowing;
• Abdominal swelling, increased flatulence;
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Sudden weight loss for no obvious reason (no change in diet);
• Changes in the texture, odor, and color of feces (discolored feces, presence of mucus, blood, undigested food particles, stinky or putrid odor);
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation;
• Absence of appetite.

One should check the intestines in case of painful urges, abdominal pain during or after defecation, as well as in case of rectal bleeding (presence of blood in the feces, on underwear, or bath tissue). Endoscopy must be done in case of hernia of the gastroesophageal hernia, which is a protrusion of part of the stomach from the abdominal cavity into the chest.

Checking the upper GI tract is essential in case of halitosis (bad breath) or white matter on the tongue, as the symptoms may indicate abnormalities of the digestive tract, particularly gastric ulcers. Gastric endoscopy must be done in case of heaviness and discomfort in the epigastrium (upper abdomen), as well as too rapid satiety.

Endoscopy findings

Endoscopy allows for assessing the state of the mucous membranes of the GI organs and detecting pathological changes: inflammation, irritation, and lesions (ulcers and erosions). The examination can detect neoplasms (polyps, tumors) and define their size and localization. Endoscopy also shows:

• Stenosis (narrowing) and esophageal obstruction;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding;
• Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract;
• Diverticulosis (formation of diverticula, which are sac-like protrusions in the intestinal wall).

Endoscopy of the upper GI tract can reveal esophagus and stomach dysmotility (contractile functions). Such examination can diagnose gastroesophageal disease, gastritis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Colon endoscopy can detect ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticula), as well as severe food allergies and food intolerances (for example, coeliac disease).

Getting ready for endoscopy

Before endoscopic examination, one should get a consultation with a gastroenterologist. The doctor shall assess the medical history, perform visual and physical examinations, and inform about the rules of getting ready for the examination.

Before undergoing rectal endoscopy, it may be required to consult a proctologist (if there is a history of hemorrhoids or anal fissures). Contraindications to endoscopy include cardiac and pulmonary insufficiency, myocardial infarction, aortic aneurysm, and blood coagulation disorders.

Endoscopy is performed strictly on an empty stomach, so be sure to avoid eating 12 hours and drinking water 4 hours before the examination. Getting ready for endoscopy includes:

• Exclude heavy, fried, and fatty meals, as well as foods that cause increased flatulence (for example, pastries, beans, cabbage) from the diet two to three days before examination;
• Refuse to drink alcohol two days before the examination;
• Refrain from smoking two hours before the examination (nicotine aggravates gag reflexes and provokes increased production of gastric juice).

The evening before the colon endoscopy, you should cleanse the intestines with laxatives prescribed by your doctor. Before the diagnostic procedure, it is important to inform the gastroenterologist about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Anesthetic methods during endoscopy at Doktorpro

Endoscopy at the Doktorpro medical center is not painful, as the procedure is done under local anesthesia. The patient may feel discomfort (pressure in the throat) when inserting the endoscope and distention in the stomach when supplying air to straighten the folds of the organ. During the procedure, it is important to take relaxed and deep breaths and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

When performing an upper GI endoscopy, the doctor shall use local medicine to anesthetize the mouth and pharynx. Moreover, the anesthetic suppresses the gag reflex. When undergoing a colonoscopy, an anesthetic antispasmodic agent is injected into the rectal area.

Endoscopic examinations in Bratislava

Endoscopy of the upper and lower digestive tract can be performed at the Doktorpro medical center. This procedure lasts about 7-10 minutes.

Following endoscopy, you may experience bloating and abdominal discomfort (due to the air supplied to spread the organs apart during the procedure). Unpleasant sensations will disappear in 20-30 minutes. You may eat two hours after a gastric endoscopy.

Based on the endoscopy findings, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. To make a diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional instrumental examinations, such as ultrasound diagnostics and laboratory tests of blood, urine, and feces.

You can schedule an appointment for an endoscopy at the Doktorpro medical center via the appointment form or by calling the phone number specified on the website. You can check the prices for endoscopy on the website or by phone.