What you need to know about the importance of endoscopy examinations, on the occasion of World Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day on May 19:

What is a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a short examination for the study of diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Like all endoscopies, it is a safe examination, performed painlessly under intoxication in the presence of an anesthesiologist. During the gastroscopy, the inner wall of these organs is observed in detail. In this way various lesions (such as stomach or duodenal ulcer) can be detected. Also findings may lead to the diagnosis of various diseases (such as esophagitis, esophageal varices, neoplasms). During the examination, it is possible to take pieces for histological examination (biopsy) or to be tested for Helicobacter pylori.

Gastroscopy is recommended for patients with:

• Dysphagia, i.e. inability to pass food or liquids from the esophagus to the stomach
• Episodes of food entrapment in the esophagus and refractory reflux disease
• Chronic relapsing disease for Barrett’s esophagus obstruction and their follow-up according to histological and imaging findings
• Abdominal pain that persists or awakens the patient from bed at night to rule out a peptic ulcer
• Unexplained iron deficiency anemia and especially in male patients of any age
• Weight loss and vomiting
• Other laboratory or imaging tests indirectly diagnose a condition that may be responsible for or involve the esophagus or stomach

What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination that checks the mucosa (i.e. the inner surface) of the large intestine. The large intestine is also called the colon.
A flexible instrument equipped with a high-definition camera at its end, slowly and painlessly enters the rectum and with gentle movements is advanced to the end of the intestine, that is, in the area of ​​the cecum.

Colonoscopy is used as a diagnostic test to prevent colon or rectal cancer, or in the presence of any of the symptoms listed below.

Colon cancer screening it is done with the colonoscopy even without symptoms because when the cancer manifests symptoms it means that it is already in an advanced stage.
Colonoscopy is preferable to any radiological method, because there is the possibility of obtaining biopsies, or endoscopic removal of polyps, which may after years develop into colon cancer.
Although most patients believe that this examination causes pain, in practice they will find that this is not the case when certain conditions are met, in addition to the necessary educational competence of the endoscopist.

When should I have a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy indications:

• Prophylactically if you are over 50 years old (according to the latest guidelines of the American Gastroenterological Association, 45 years old), even if you have no other symptoms
• Family history of colon disease (cancer, finding of polyps, etc.)
• Blood in the stool
• Recent change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Anemia accompanied by fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Findings from the large intestine in some imaging test such as axial, magnetic, etc.

*In the HealthSpot Glyfada operates a fully equipped endoscopic department. It is staffed by experienced and qualified endoscopists who perform gastroscopy and colonoscopy in the presence of an anesthetist and specialized nursing staff. High resolution and resolution endoscopes combined with the application of special techniques such as digital and conventional chromoendoscopy by endoscopists specially trained in these methods, create a high-level diagnostic clinic that meets modern requirements.
In the upper digestive tract, detection and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori, testing for gluten intolerance, testing for B12 malabsorption, early diagnosis of esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus as well as diagnosis of peptic ulcer are performed. In the lower digestive tract, with the special methods of chromoendoscopy, we are given the opportunity to contribute directly and timely in the prevention of colon cancer as polyps can be found even at a very small size and thus reduce the risk of developing colon cancer as many studies have shown about the important role of preventive colonoscopy.
Also, idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases are diagnosed: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease as well as control and mapping of diverticular disease.
Finally, with the help of digital chromoendoscopy it is possible to detect lesions from the HPV virus (warts) in the rectal area and to direct the patient correctly and efficiently.

It is a modern, fully equipped state-of-the-art endoscopy clinic oriented towards the immediate and timely diagnosis of diseases of the upper and lower digestive tract.
Tel. for an appointment: 212 8086300, 62 Vouliagmenis & Grigoriou Lambraki avenues, Glyfada

**HealthSpot diagnostic centers were created by the Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG), the largest private group providing health services in our country and provide high-standard diagnostic services and personalized treatment of every health issue. It is in open communication with the HHG clinics (Health, Metropolitan Hospital, Mitera, Metropolitan General, Leto, Creta InterClinic) thus offering the possibility of carrying out diagnostic tests and visiting a doctor of the Group.

HealthSpots are located in Attica (Kifisia, Peristeri, Glyfada, Rafina, Piraeus within PPA) as well as in Santorini and Mykonos (My Clinic).