Operation without incision
Instruments are inserted through the working channel of the endoscope, allowing a full intervention to be performed without incisions or general anesthesia. The most common tasks are stopping gastrointestinal bleeding (vessel clipping, injection or argon plasma hemostasis), removing polyps with a loop, removing foreign bodies from the esophagus and stomach, ligating esophageal varices, and dilating cicatricial narrowings. Endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding from an ulcer has become the first-line standard and in many cases eliminates the need for abdominal surgery. The removed material is sent for histological examination.
Why endoscopy is indispensable
Neither ultrasound, nor x-rays, nor tomography show the mucous membrane from the inside. Endoscopy provides a direct image with magnification: the doctor sees erosions, ulcers, polyps and early tumor changes several millimeters in size - and can immediately take a biopsy.
That is why endoscopic methods remain the standard in the diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the main tool for the early detection of stomach and colon cancer.
When is it prescribed?
- abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, heaviness after eating
- anemia of unknown origin, blood in stool
- change in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss
- screening after 45 years and with family history
- control after treatment of ulcers and removal of polyps
With or without sedation
Gastroscopy can be performed under local anesthesia of the pharynx - it is cheaper and does not require an accompaniment. Medicinal sleep eliminates discomfort completely and allows the doctor to work calmly, which is especially important during long-term examinations and therapeutic procedures. Sedation is almost always preferred for colonoscopy.