FAQs
What does gastroenterology mean?
Gastroenterology is the branch of internal medicine concerned with diseases of the stomach, intestine, liver, gallbladder and pancreas as well as metabolic disorders. Gastroenterologists are specialists who, in addition to their qualification in internal medicine, receive further gastroenterological training that ends with a final gastroenterologist examination.
What is a gastroscopy?
During a gastroscopy, a flexible endoscope is inserted into the oesophagus to examine the stomach and the upper portions of the duodenum. This is the only way to determine for certain whether an inflammation or an ulcer is actually the cause of the complaint. The examination takes 5-10 minutes and can thus be performed quickly and with a low risk. For relief, the patient receives a throat spray to numb the throat and can, if desired, also receive a sedative injection. Should you wish to receive a sedative injection, you may not operate a motor vehicle for the rest of the day and may be somewhat sleepy for the entire day. You will get a sick note for that day.
How does a colonoscopy work?
A colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine. This is done with a flexible, high-resolution endoscope that is inserted into the anus. The endoscope is equipped with a light source and a video chip so that the entire intestinal mucosa can be illuminated as well as represented and assessed on a monitor. The colonoscopy thus allows us to recognise inflammations, polyps, diverticula and cancer. Sometimes, as in the case of polyps, we are also able to treat them at the same time. So that the intestinal mucosa can be accurately assessed, the intestine must first be cleaned with purgatives. Different solutions are used, which are usually drunk with a lot of clear liquid. The decision as to which purgative will be used is specified individually for the patient in a detailed consultation. When to start taking the purgatives depends on the time of your appointment and is at noon the day before at the earliest. Before the examination, a detailed consultation and blood test are necessary, both of which are performed the day before the colonoscopy at the latest. You will mainly be lying on your left side during the examination. If you do not wish to receive a sedative injection, you may follow the examination on the monitor. You have the option, however, to receive a sedative injection to sleep through the examination. If you have taken a sedative injection, you may not operate a motor vehicle for the rest of the day. If you are elderly and/or feel weak, you should make arrangements to have someone accompany you home for your safety. You will get a sick note for the day of the examination. We also recommend that you watch our film.
Will the colonoscopy cause me any pain?
In no case should there be pain during a colonoscopy. Since everyone has a different pain threshold, it cannot be predicted for certain whether the examination will be pain-free for an individual without the sedative. The colonoscopy is, however, carefully performed by experienced specialists who are in constant contact with you. This way, a sedative can be administered at any time should any complaints arise. You also have the option to choose a sedative to sleep from the very beginning of the procedure. It is important that you do not operate a motor vehicle after receiving a sleep aid or sedative injection.
What is a polypectomy?
A polypectomy is the endoscopic removal of a polyp from the intestine or the stomach. Polyps are growths that vary in size and have a tendency to develop into malignant tumours. The extent to which this occurs varies greatly in the individual polyps. We know that approx. 95% of all colorectal carcinomas develop over a period of approximately 7-15 years from an initially benign polyp. Therefore all polyps are removed and later examined by a specialist. Polyp removal does not cause pain.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
The endoscopic capsule measures approx. 2.5 cm and is swallowed. The capsule is equipped with a camera chip, which records the mucous membrane of the small intestine and large intestine as it travels through the intestine. This enables the examination of the very long small intestine, which is difficult to access with normal endoscopic examination. The examination takes place if a serious illness is suspected in the small intestine. The examination is expensive. Private health insurance companies usually reimburse the costs, whereas an assumption of costs must first be requested from statutory health insurance companies.