Centre for Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with diseases of the lower part of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large and small intestines, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

The Gastroenterology Center at St. Catherine Specialty Hospital brings together cutting-edge technology, expert experience, and clearly defined medical standards in one place, with a single goal: fast, accurate, and safe diagnosis without unnecessary waiting or repeated tests.

Gastroenterologist examination

A gastroenterological examination consists of a consultation with the patient, a detailed clinical examination, and usually an abdominal ultrasound. Based on an agreement between the physician and the patient, additional tests may be performed, such as colonoscopy, gastroscopy, liver diagnostic tests, and laboratory analysis. Radiological examinations may also be carried out if necessary and by prior arrangement.

Comprehensive care in one place

At our gastroenterology clinic, in addition to a specialist examination by a gastroenterologist, you can also undergo the following tests for a complete diagnostic evaluation of gastroenterological conditions and disorders:

• Gastroscopy with or without anesthesia
• Colonoscopy with or without anesthesia
• Ultrasound of the Abdomen
• Color Doppler of the abdominal aorta
  
• Liver elastography
• FibroScan® - Liver Screening 
• Multiparametric liver ultrasound (ultrasound + elastography + Color Doppler)
  
• Polypectomy
• Biopsy and PHD analysis (per polyp)
• Gut Microbiome Health Check

Endoscopy under anesthesia with continuous anesthesiologist monitoring

At St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) can be performed completely painlessly and without discomfort using short-term general anesthesia. The anesthesia is administered intravenously, meaning the patient sleeps during the procedure while breathing independently.

Before undergoing endoscopy under anesthesia, a preoperative evaluation and individual risk assessment are carried out to ensure safety. All patients receive detailed preparation instructions from our medical staff prior to gastroscopy and colonoscopy, enabling a smooth procedure and providing a clear, accurate, and comprehensive view of the digestive system.

Endoscopic procedures are performed by highly experienced gastroenterologists. During the examination, tissue samples may be taken for biopsy and further pathohistological analysis, if deemed necessary by the physician. This is crucial for the early and accurate detection of malignant and premalignant changes.

When performing endoscopy with sedation or anesthesia:

• a preoperative evaluation and individual risk assessment are conducted prior to the procedure
• an anesthesiologist is present throughout the entire procedure, which is a key safety factor
• continuous monitoring is ensured during the procedure
• patients are monitored until full recovery

At St. Catherine, we perform both diagnostic and interventional colonoscopies. This means that the procedure does not end with the detection of abnormalities, but includes their immediate treatment when possible. In cases of suspected inflammatory bowel disease, a complete colonoscopy with ileal intubation is performed, significantly increasing diagnostic accuracy.

Unlike common practice in many institutions - where colonoscopy is often limited to diagnostics or does not include a full examination of the entire colon - we ensure that:

• a complete colonoscopy is performed according to clearly defined professional standards
• detected polyps are removed immediately during the procedure (polypectomy)
• tissue samples are sent for pathohistological analysis without the need for additional visits

This approach enables early diagnosis and simultaneous treatment, reduces the need for repeat procedures, and significantly accelerates the establishment of a final diagnosis. We also emphasize open and transparent communication with our patients regarding expectations, preparation, procedure details, and next steps based on findings—all with the goal of reducing anxiety, improving cooperation, and building trust.

State-of-the-Art equipment and artificial intelligence that sees more

At St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, as part of our advanced diagnostic equipment, we use a cutting-edge endoscope with CAD EYE artificial intelligence for colonoscopy, which:

• detects even the smallest, hard-to-see polyps
• identifies flat lesions that are easily missed
• analyzes changes in real time
• increases the safety and accuracy of examinations
• provides physicians with important information for further decision-making

This innovative device is designed to improve real-time polyp detection, offering exceptional support in identifying flat lesions, multiple polyps, and those hidden in difficult-to-visualize areas. When a suspicious polyp is detected, CAD EYE characterization provides crucial diagnostic support by analyzing each polyp in real time and accurately classifying it as hyperplastic or neoplastic, giving physicians essential guidance for further management.

In this way, the use of CAD EYE artificial intelligence significantly enhances polyp detection and diagnostic accuracy, setting entirely new standards in medical diagnostics. At St. Catherine, we are deeply committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients, and CAD EYE AI represents another step toward that goal.

In our Gastroenterology Center, we also use the PHILIPS EPIQ 7 ultrasound system, which achieves optimal resolution through nSIGHT technology. Its PureWave single-crystal transducer design allows for enhanced ultrasound signal penetration, enabling uncompromised imaging even in the most challenging patients. In addition to its technical superiority, the EPIQ 7 offers a comprehensive and unmatched range of clinical applications, including contrast-enhanced imaging, elastography, 3D/4D imaging, and blood flow analysis using color Doppler imaging.

Highest Standards of Hygiene and Disinfection

It is important to emphasize the high standards of disinfection applied to our endoscopes, fully meeting the highest standards prescribed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and ESGENA. Endoscope disinfection is performed both mechanically and automatically immediately after each procedure. For storage, a specialized drying cabinet (Endodry) is used to provide additional disinfection and prevent bacterial accumulation within the device, given its specific use. Disinfection is carried out by specially trained staff and technicians.

Every instrument we use undergoes a strictly controlled process:

• mechanical and automated cleaning after each procedure
• microbiological control
• additional disinfection and controlled drying

Indicators of Excellence You Can Fee

Our work is based on measurable quality standards:

• complete and detailed gastroscopy and colonoscopy
• immediate removal of detected abnormalities (when possible)
• systematic sampling for precise diagnosis
• standardized documentation and follow-up of findings
• use of the latest technologies for precise diagnostics

For the patient, this means one thing - confidence that the examination has been performed thoroughly and safely.

Why choose St. Catherine?

• diagnosis and treatment in a single visit
• state-of-the-art equipment with the use of artificial intelligence
• experienced specialists and anesthesiology team
• european standards of quality, disinfection, and safety
• comprehensive evaluation of gastroenterological conditions in one place without waiting (consultation, diagnostics, and treatment)
• individual approach to each patient with open and transparent communication to reduce anxiety and build trust

Our approach

You can undergo endoscopic procedures quickly, painlessly, and without discomfort, using the most advanced diagnostic and anesthesiology equipment, including artificial intelligence. Our expert team of gastroenterologists ensures precision, clear and accurate diagnosis, and safe recovery.

At St. Catherine, we rely not on assumptions, but on clearly defined protocols, measurable results, and controlled, safe procedures.