When is it advisable to have the test carried out?
Persistent abdominal pain and bloating. If you regularly experience lower abdominal cramps, tightness or troublesome bloating of unknown origin that does not go away on its own, it is worth having the underlying causes investigated.
Changes in bowel habits.Please do not hesitate to contact us if you experience persistent constipation, diarrhoea or an unexplained alternation between the two, as this may indicate a more serious bowel problem.
Frequent heartburn and acid reflux.Recurrent acid regurgitation, pain around the upper part of the stomach or persistent hoarseness are often caused by reflux disease, which we diagnose effectively at our reflux centre.
Bloody stools or occult bleeding.Any form of blood in the stools requires immediate medical investigation to rule out inflammatory processes, polyps or cancerous lesions.
Unexplained weight loss and iron deficiency.If your weight drops significantly without you being on a diet, or if your blood test results show persistent iron deficiency, this may indicate a malabsorption disorder of the digestive system or chronic bleeding, which must be investigated.
Suspected chronic enteritis.If Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is suspected, a colonoscopy is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis and to determine the extent and location of the inflammation.
Cancer screening for people aged 45–50 and over.Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Everyone aged 45–50 and over is advised to undergo screening, even if they have no symptoms.
Family accumulation and control.If there is a family history of cancer of the digestive system, or if you have previously had polyps removed, regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining your health.
Preparations and Dietary Advice for the Test
I.
Special diets and bowel cleansing
In the days leading up to the examination, you will need to follow a specific diet to help clear your bowels. Our specialist will select the most effective laxative formulation tailored to your needs, which will gently but thoroughly cleanse the areas to be examined.
II.
Maintaining electrolyte balance
The modern, isotonic solutions used during the preparation ensure that your body does not lose any essential minerals. We also maintain your electrolyte balance throughout the cleansing process, so you feel safe throughout and avoid feeling weak.
III.
Hydration and maintaining energy levels
Keep an eye on your energy levels even during a colon cleanse! Instead of solid food, eat plenty of filtered, clear liquid: strained meat stock, still water or light tea. This helps to prevent weakness and dizziness, whilst ensuring that the bowel is completely clear for the examination.
Save time and energy: two tests, half the preparation, no hassle.
Why it is worth carrying out the tests all at once
1. Only one anaesthetic is required
The biggest advantage of the combined examination is that you only need to be put to sleep once. Our anaesthetist supervises the entire procedure, whilst both examinations are carried out comfortably and completely painlessly.
2. A one-off, inconvenient preparation
The diet and laxative regimen prior to the scans are the least popular part of the process. If you request both scans at the same time, you’ll only have to go through the cleansing process once, saving you a great deal of time and discomfort.
3. A comprehensive overview of the digestive system
Symptoms are often interrelated, and a comprehensive examination of the entire digestive system provides a much more accurate diagnosis. This enables our doctors to assess the condition of both the upper and lower sections of the digestive system at the same time, which helps them to draw up the most effective treatment plan.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy Procedure
Consultation
Upon arrival, our specialist and anaesthetist will discuss the exact procedure with you. All your questions will be answered so that you can undergo the diagnostic procedure with complete confidence and peace of mind.
Falling asleep quickly and peacefully
In the examination room, our anaesthetist will administer a gentle anaesthetic, which will put you into a deep sleep in a matter of moments. You will therefore feel nothing during the procedure, completely avoiding any pain or discomfort.
Precise diagnostics
Whilst you are asleep, our doctor will carry out the endoscopy using state-of-the-art equipment. If we find any suspicious lesions or polyps, we will remove them immediately and painlessly, thereby effectively preventing more serious problems later on.
Waking up and the expert’s report
After the examination, you will wake up in our comfortable recovery room, where our staff will monitor you at all times. Once you have fully recovered, our doctor will provide you with a detailed report and explain exactly what steps to take next.
