When to go on a gastroenterological examination?

What is gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic test that allows the doctor to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in detail with a special instrument. A gastroscope is an instrument made up of a very flexible, thin and smooth tube about 8 mm thick with lighting on the top. Digital technology enables the transfer of a multiply enlarged high-resolution image to the monitor screen which ensures a detailed analysis of the mucous membrane and recognition of even the smallest pathological changes.

Who is gastroscopy recommended for?

Examination is recommended for patients with symptoms of discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, frequent or prolonged nausea, urge to vomit, heartburn or difficulties while swallowing. The method is very reliable in detecting the cause of bleeding, inflammation, ulcers or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. During endoscopy it is possible to perform a painless biopsy with special forceps and the samples taken are later analyzed separately. The examination is also recommended as a preventive measure for older people because some more serious esophagus and stomach diseases can last for some time without causing significant symptoms.

What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the doctor examining the entire colon from the rectum which is the lowest part all the way to the junction of the colon and the small intestine. A flexible smooth tube with a diameter of one centimeter is installed through the anus in the large intestine. Digital technology enables the transfer of a multiply enlarged high-resolution image to the monitor screen which ensures a detailed analysis of the intestinal mucosa and also recognition of even the smallest pathological changes.

Who is colonoscopy recommended for?

The examination should be done in case of any sudden change in bowel movements, periods of constipation alternating with diarrhea, unexplained abdominal pain, blood in stool or after stool. Colonoscopy is recommended for people with a family history of polyps or colon cancer. It is also recommended as a preventive examination for people over the age of 50 due to the increased frequency of colon tumors in older people. The younger people should do the examination in case of suspicion of inflammatory bowel diseases and in the presence of blood in the stool. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to see inflammatory changes, eventual narrowing of the intestinal lumen, abnormal growth, the site of bleeding and muscle spasms. It is possible to perform a painless biopsy during endoscopy with a special instrument and the taken tissue is later separately analyzed. In case of findings of minor pathological growths (polyps), they will be removed during the examination and taken out for analysis. Colonoscopy is an indispensable method for suspected colon cancer, inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown etiology as well as a preventive method for people who belong to the risk group for colon cancer. Polyps can also be removed by colonoscopy and in this way the development of colon cancer can be prevented non-operatively.

Why to do an ultrasound examination?

The examination is necessary for all patients with the onset of vague abdominal pain or abdominal injury. The appearance of jaundice, free fluid in the abdomen, suspicion of a malignant disease, disruption of some laboratory tests, monitoring of chronic liver and pancreas diseases – these are all reasons for an ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound due to its simplicity should be done occasionally and as part of a preventive examination for people over 50 years of age.

Which organs can be seen during an ultrasound examination of the abdomen?

The liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and both kidneys as well as large blood vessels are available for examination. In circumstances when they are enlarged it is possible to see lymph nodes and fluid in the abdomen. It is also possible to see a series of changes that occur in diseases of the listed organs. With a full bladder examination it is possible to see the bladder wall and the prostate. Ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen is a painless and harmless diagnostic method that shows the internal organs with the help of high-frequency sound waves.

Top diagnostic equipment

In the St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, as part of the top diagnostic equipment, we also use an endoscope with CAD EYE artificial intelligence for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. This innovative device aims to improve polyp detection in real time, providing outstanding assistance in identifying flat lesions, multiple polyps and any lesions that may be hidden in the corners of the image.

When a suspicious polyp is detected, CAD EYE characterization comes into action, providing crucial diagnostic support. This advanced function analyzes the polyp in real time and accurately classifies it as hyperplastic or neoplastic, providing doctors with important information for further treatment.

Also, it is important to note the high standards of disinfection of endoscopes (thus meeting the highest standards prescribed by the European Endoscopy Society (ESGE and ESGENA)). Disinfection of the endoscope itself is done mechanically and mechanically after each examination, and a drying cabinet (Endodray) intended for additional disinfection is used to store the endoscope, in order to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the device itself, given its specific use.

The application of CAD EYE artificial intelligence brings a significant improvement in polyp detection and diagnosis accuracy, setting new standards in medical diagnostics. In the Special Hospital of St. Katarina, we are always dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients, and CAD EYE is another step towards that goal.

In the Center for Gastroenterology, we also use the PHILIPS EPIQ 7 ultrasound device, which uses nSIGHT technology to achieve optimal resolution, while the PureWave uniform crystal probe design through improved ultrasound signal penetration enables uncompromising imaging of the most demanding patients. In addition to its technical superiority, the EPIQ 7 utilizes a comprehensive and undisputed range of clinical applications such as contrast imaging, elastography, 3D/4D imaging and of course blood vessel flow analysis via Color Doppler imaging.