Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

Upper and Lower GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy)

The procedures, where oesophagus, duodenum and large intestine are examined by camera are called gastroscopy and colonoscopy (GI Endoscopy). The golden standard method for evaluating these organs, is endoscopy.

Unless the patient has a specific request, endoscopic procedures are performed by me and my team when the patient is asleep, and the patient does no feel anything, does not remember the procedure. Therefore the procedure is performed quite comfortably for the patient. It is possible to diagnose early stage cancer through upper and lower GI endoscopy, to detect and treat diseases that might result in cancer in the future. Thus, GI endoscopies are of essence in terms of detecting and treating diseases that are precursors to cancer, before cancer has emerged. Patients can be discharged within the same day after GI endoscopies and they can start eating a few hours after the procedure.

Is it an effective method in early diagnosis of diseases?

The most important point in the success of stomach cancer is early diagnosis and early diagnosis can only be made through gastroscopy. Most colon cancers arise from finger-like projections called polyps that form in the large intestine. If these polyps are detected through colonoscopy, they can be removed at the same at as colonoscopy before they become cancer. Thus, cancer can be prevented before it occurs. Even if cancer has occured, early diagnosis is an important part of a successful treatment. Therefore gastroscopy and colonoscopy are golden standard methods in evaluating stomach and colon cancers all over the world.

How is Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy Performed?

Most centers have an anaesthesia team in the endoscopy unit. Thus, both gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be performed while you are asleep, preventing you from remembering the procedure. So it will be quite comfortable. You do not feel pain, ache or discomfort during the procedure. Fasting for 8-10 hours is sufficient for gastroscopy, whereas colonoscopy requires intestinal cleansing using special medications 1 day before the procedure.

To Whom must Gastroscopy Be Applied?

• If there are stomach complaint that are not cured with drug treatment
• In case of anaemia, the cause of which is unknown
• In case of weigh loss, even though you are not on diet
• In case of difficulty in swallowing
  • If hidden blood is detected to be positive in stool

What are Gastroscopic Interventions for Therapeutic Purposes?

• Sclerotherapy in stomach bleeding
• Band ligation in oesophageal varices
• Polypectomy (removal of gastric polyps)
• Placing PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) (for nutritional purposes)
• Sclerotherapy in stomach bleeding

Is There Any Specific Preparation Before Gastric Endoscopy?

Fasting for 8-10 hours is sufficient before the procedure, where oesophagus, stomach and duodenum are examined, which we call upper GI endoscopy. No other specific preparation is needed. If you are taking blood thinners, it is recommended to stop taking these drugs 7-10 days before the procedure if your doctor allows.

To Whom must Colonoscopy Be Applied?

• In case of changes in defecation
• In cases of constipation and diarrhoea that do not go away
• In case of anaemia, the cause of which is unknown
• Ongoing bleeding in defecation
• If hidden blood is detected to be positive in stool

Is There Any Specific Preparation Before Colonoscopy?

It is necessary to follow a 2-day diet plan in order for the large intestine to be cleansed before the procedure, where the large intestine is examined, which we call colonoscopy. Thus, appropriate conditions for the procedure to be performed are provided by ensuring that the large intestine is cleansed.

Preparation for Colonoscopy

Cleansing of the large intestine is a must for colonoscopy, therefore following the 2-day diet plan given below enables the large intestines to be cleansed and the procedure to be performed successfully. It should be noted that it is not possible to perform colonoscopy in a dirty intestine and some diseases might not be noticed since the camera image will lose clarity in some parts. If the intestine is cleaned following the specified diet plan, it will be ensured that the procedure can be performed smoothly.

For an adequate evaluation of the large intestine, there should be no stool left in the large intestine. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the intestine in cleansed.

Day (2 Days Before the Procedure):

08:00 1 glass of tea or fruit juice, 1-2 slices of bran-free bread, 1 matchbox-size cheese
10:00 1 glass of compost juice or sour cherry juice
12:00 1 bowl of vermicelli soup juice (without vermicelli), 1-2 slices of bran-free bread, 1 glass of sour cherry juice or compost without grains
15:00 1 glass of compost juice or sour cherry juice
18:00 1 bowl of vermicelli soup juice (without vermicelli), 1-2 slices of bran-free bread,
19:00 Fleet Fosfo Soda 45 ml (to be drunk mixing with juice) within 3-4 hours and minimum 1,5 litres of water will be drunk

 

Day (1 Days Before the Procedure):

No solid food will be eaten during the day, grain-free (clear) juices, tea, herbal tea and water can be drunk from time to time.

08:00 1 bowl of vermicelli soup juice (without vermicelli)
10:00 1 glass of grain-free compost juice
12:00 1 bowl of vermicelli soup juice (without vermicelli)
14:00 1 glass of fruit juice or compost juice (grain-free)
16:00 1 bowl of vermicelli soup juice (without vermicelli)
18:00-22:00 1 glass of Golytely Solution will be drunk every 10 minutes (until all is finished)
24:00 Nothing will be eaten or drunk as of this time, including water

Day (Procedure Day):

Apply to our general surgery outpatient clinic at the specified time with your accompanist hungry and without drinking water.

WARNINGS:

It is recommended to stop blood thinners 1 week before the procedure, consult your doctor about this.
No fruits or vegetables should be eaten during colonoscopy preparation.
It is recommended for diabetic patients to drink sugar-free liquids instead of fruit juice and compost during preparation for colonoscopy.
Patients with high blood pressure, heart condition, diabetes and old patients should be careful during liquid loss and electrolyte abnormalities during preparation for colonoscopy.
Fruit juices and composts to be drunk should be clear and grain-free.