Quick answer: The most important step before gastroenterological examinations is proper preparation, which involves fasting for 6–8 hours in the case of a gastroscopy, and following a special fibre-free diet and drinking a laxative solution in the case of a colonoscopy. At Endomedix, these procedures are completely pain-free, as for professional reasons we carry them out exclusively under general anaesthesia, under the supervision of an anaesthetist.
Gastroenterology deals with diseases of the digestive system. This includes disorders of the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. When digestive symptoms arise, many people hesitate to see a doctor because they are afraid of any discomfort or diagnostic procedures. However, with the right information, these fears can be significantly reduced, as modern medicine now offers gentle and pain-free solutions.
Endoscopic examinations, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy, are often essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis. These methods play a key role not only in the diagnosis of diseases but also in the early detection of precancerous conditions. Precise preparation on the part of the patient is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of these examinations and for obtaining accurate results.
In this summary, we explain in detail which symptoms warrant a visit to a specialist, how to prepare for the various tests, and what to expect on the day of the procedure. We pay particular attention to how Endomedix ensures maximum comfort and safety for its patients through the use of state-of-the-art anaesthetic techniques.
What symptoms indicate the need for a gastroenterological examination?
Gastroenterological examinations help to diagnose abnormalities of the digestive tract. Although certain temporary digestive problems may simply be caused by dietary errors, there are warning signs that should not be ignored. You should definitely consult a gastroenterologist if you experience the following so-called „alarm” symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss: If your body weight drops significantly without you having changed your diet or lifestyle, this may indicate a malabsorption disorder or a malignant condition.
- Persistent abdominal pain and bloating: Recurring lower abdominal cramps, tightness or troublesome bloating of unknown origin may indicate enteritis, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or other organic disorders.
- Changes in bowel habits: Persistent constipation, chronic diarrhoea, or an unexplained alternation between the two may indicate a more serious bowel problem.
- Bloody or black stools (melena): Any form of bleeding requires immediate medical examination to rule out inflammatory processes, intestinal polyps or cancerous lesions.
- Frequent heartburn, acid reflux and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Recurrent acid regurgitation, pain around the cardia, or difficulty swallowing (or pain, odynophagia) may indicate disorders of the oesophagus or stomach.
- Iron deficiency anaemia: If laboratory results indicate persistent iron deficiency, this may also suggest hidden gastrointestinal bleeding.
If you suspect you may have any kind of digestive disorder, the very first step is a comprehensive assessment by a specialist. We recommend that you book an appointment with a for a specialist gastroenterology consultation at Endomedix, where our experienced specialists will draw up a personalised assessment plan for you.
How do you prepare for a gastroscopy?
During an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), the doctor examines the oesophagus, the stomach and the initial section of the duodenum using a flexible video endoscope that looks forwards. The procedure typically takes around 7 minutes, during which tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken to detect the Helicobacter pylori bacterium and to diagnose various lesions and ulcers.
The most important step before the examination is to ensure that the patient is properly fasting. The patient must not eat any solid food for 6–8 hours prior to the procedure, and must not drink any liquids for the last 4 hours. This is essential to ensure that the stomach is empty, which provides a clear field of view for the endoscope and prevents any aspiration (the entry of stomach contents into the airways) during the examination.
If you take medication regularly – particularly anticoagulants or medicines prescribed for diabetes – you must discuss the dosage and any necessary suspension of these with your doctor before the examination. On the day of your gastroscopy under general anaesthesia, you must be accompanied by someone when you arrive at the clinic, as you must not drive a motor vehicle for the rest of the day due to the after-effects of the anaesthetic.
For further information and to book an appointment, please visit the GASTROSCOPY UNDER ANAESTHESIA our website.
What are the most important steps to take before a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy allows for a detailed examination of the entire large intestine (the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending, transverse and ascending colon, as well as the caecum). It is the most effective diagnostic method for screening for bowel cancer, detecting bowel polyps – which are a precancerous condition – and removing them immediately and painlessly.
A thoroughly clean bowel is essential for a successful colonoscopy. If there are traces of faeces on the bowel wall, the doctor will be unable to properly assess the condition of the mucous membrane, and even small polyps may remain hidden. Preparation is therefore of critical importance:
- Special diet: In the days leading up to the examination (usually 3–5 days beforehand), you must follow a fibre-free, so-called ‘residue-free’ diet. You should avoid fruits with seeds (such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwis and tomatoes), wholemeal bread and pastries, pulses and raw vegetables.
- Fluid intake and bowel movements: On the day before the examination, you may only consume clear, strained liquids (water, clear broth, strained apple juice). You must drink the special laxative solution prescribed by your specialist exactly as instructed. Modern preparatory agents are now much easier to tolerate than earlier formulations.
- Adjusting medication: Certain medicines, such as iron supplements, must be discontinued at least five days before the test. For patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, the doctor will determine whether it is necessary to stop taking the medication, particularly if a planned procedure (such as polyp removal) is being considered.
Although the preparation may be uncomfortable, a properly cleansed bowel ensures a clear field of view. At Endomedix, the comfort of the examination is further enhanced by the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation. Unlike conventional air, carbon dioxide is absorbed extremely quickly through the bowel wall, so the painful, distending bloating that used to characterise these procedures does not occur after the examination.
If you have symptoms affecting both the upper and lower digestive tracts at the same time, it is worth GASTRIC AND COLONOSCOPY UNDER ANAESTHESIA opt for a combined examination. The huge advantage of this is that you only have to go through the preparation process (enema and fasting) once, and under a single anaesthetic, you will receive an accurate diagnosis of your entire digestive system, completely pain-free.
Why does Endomedix, for medical reasons, use general anaesthesia exclusively rather than sedation?
When it comes to endoscopic procedures, one of patients’ greatest fears is pain and physical discomfort. In many parts of the Hungarian healthcare system, sedation is used; this helps the patient to relax and reduces their perception of pain, whilst they remain partially conscious, respond to stimuli, and may retain memories of the procedure.
For professional reasons, at Endomedix we only anaesthetise, we don't stun. Intravenous anaesthesia (deep sedation with propofol) offers a number of clinical and patient safety advantages over conventional sedation:
Choose general anaesthesia if maximum safety and comfort are more important to you. During general anaesthesia, the patient is completely relaxed and feels nothing during the procedure (there is no gag reflex during gastroscopy and no bowel spasms during colonoscopy). This complete muscle relaxation also creates ideal conditions for the doctor: the bowel and stomach can be examined unobstructed and under calm conditions.
Anaesthesia is always administered and supervised by an experienced anaesthetist. The patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiration) are continuously monitored throughout the procedure. The propofol preparation used is eliminated from the body extremely quickly, so the patient wakes up fully conscious within minutes and can regain consciousness feeling rested and without any unpleasant memories.
If you only need to have the lower part of your digestive tract examined, you can have the procedure carried out safely and comfortably at our clinic colonoscopy under anaesthesia.
What professional expertise does Endomedix provide for the trials?
Endomedix possesses outstanding professional expertise and a range of modern technological equipment in the field of gastroenterological diagnosis and treatment. Our nationwide network is staffed by highly qualified consultant gastroenterologists – both internists and surgeons – with decades of experience. Our team of experts keeps abreast of international gastroenterology guidelines, ensuring the highest standard of medical care.
The fibre-optic videoendoscopy systems used provide high-resolution, real-time images of the condition of the mucous membrane. This enables the detection of even the slightest abnormalities, such as polyps or areas of inflammation in their early stages, which are often only a few millimetres in size. Our expertise also extends to more complex procedures, such as the immediate and precise removal of polyps (polypectomy) or the taking of tissue samples (biopsy), which often means that our patients can avoid the need for a subsequent, repeat procedure.
Endomedix’s medical directors and gastroenterologists – such as Dr Gyula Dávid, Dr Zoltán Gurzó, Prof. Dr Péter Kupcsulik and many others – are committed to patient-centred, empathetic communication and precise clinical diagnosis.
What should you do if you want to prepare for an endoscopic procedure?
Prevention and an early diagnosis can save lives. For people aged 45–50 and over, a colonoscopy is strongly recommended for colorectal cancer screening, even in the absence of any symptoms. And if you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, do not delay getting checked.
Being well-informed before gastroenterological examinations, adhering strictly to the prescribed diet and consulting the appropriate specialist guarantee the success of the examination. With Endomedix’s procedures carried out under anaesthesia, fear and pain can be completely eliminated from the process.
Take the first step towards looking after your health! Book an appointment at one of our centres across the country and opt for safe, pain-free diagnostics. Sign up today for a comprehensive for a specialist gastroenterology consultation, or book an appointment directly for your tests!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy take together?
The endoscopic procedure itself takes just 30–45 minutes when performed by an experienced specialist. Taking into account the preparations, anaesthesia and the observation period after waking up, it is advisable to allow approximately 1.5–2 hours for your visit to the clinic.
Are polyps removed during the examination?
Yes. If, during the endoscopy, the doctor finds a polyp that is a precancerous condition, they will remove it immediately, painlessly, using specialised instruments. As the intestinal wall lacks pain receptors and the patient is under anaesthesia, this procedure goes completely unnoticed by the patient.
When can I eat again after a mirror examination under anaesthetic?
After a short period of observation following waking, you do not need to fast any longer. It is recommended that you first drink still water or tea, then, after about an hour, eat light, easily digestible foods (such as clear soup or toast) to allow your digestive system to adjust gradually.
Is an accompanying person required for an examination under general anaesthesia?
Yes, you must be accompanied by someone. Although you may feel alert after waking up, the sedatives may have a minimal effect on your reflexes; therefore, on the day of the examination, you are strictly prohibited from driving a motor vehicle or carrying out any work requiring a high level of responsibility. Please ensure that someone is available to take you home safely.
Will it be painful to have my bowels filled with air during the examination?
At Endomedix clinics, we use a special form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas to dilate the bowel. Carbon dioxide is absorbed into the bloodstream much more quickly and is expelled from the body through exhalation than conventional room air. As a result, patients experience virtually no tension, bloating or abdominal cramps after waking up.
