GASTROENTEROLOGY

Gastroenterologists provide consultations, diagnose and treat various digestive organ illnesses. You should arrange an appointment to see a gastroenterologist in the following instances:

• Digestive problems;
• Reflux disease;
• Tummy ache;
• Vomiting with no clear cause;
• Irregular and painful defecation;
• Unexplained weight loss.

A precise diagnosis makes it possible to ascertain any changes in the organs of the abdominal cavity early. This is vitally important for early discovery and treatment of digestive tract illnesses and neoplasia.

ENDOSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS

Endoscopy provides modern diagnostics and serves as a therapeutic method in gastroenterology. It makes it possible to identify changes in the gastrointestinal tract mucosa early and to obtain tissue samples for further analysis. Examinations are performed by experienced gastroenterologists–endoscopists, using state-of-the-art videoendoscopic apparatus. Examinations provide especially high resolution digital images, where tissue can be viewed close up – 2 mm from the mucosa wall. The image obtained can be magnified several times right up to cell level. Special light filters make it possible to differentiate pathological tissue from normal tissue at the early stage of an illness. A significantly improved control system makes the course of treatment easier for both specialists and patients.

GASTROSCOPY

A videoendoscopic diagnostic method for making the most precise examination of changes in the gastrointestinal tract. During the treatment, a flexible tube is inserted into the digestive system through the patient’s mouth. A camera and light are located at the end of the tube. The doctor can examine the digestive tract, gastric and duodenal mucosa in detail. Additional medical procedures can also be carried out using an endoscope including removal of polyps, treatment for a blood ulcer and performance of biopsies. Before the examination, the patient receives a mild sedative and local anaesthetic through the top of the throat. At the patient’s request, gastroscopy can be performed under general anaesthesia. Diagnosis duration – 10-20 minutes. Upper gastroscopy is the most precise method for early diagnosis and treatment of digestive system infections, ulcers and tumours.

COLONOSCOPY

This examination is recommended for patients who have problems defecating:

• chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea, especially among older people,
• defecation with a mixture of blood,
• regular constipation,
• pain in the lower part of the abdominal cavity if the patient’s family medical history includes cases of cancer of the large intestine.

Endoscopic examination of the large intestine using an optical device. A flexible tube with the camera and light at the end is inserted through the anus and allows the colon mucosa to be examined in detail on the monitor. During the colonoscopy, additional medical procedures can be performed including: removal of polyps, stopping bleeding and performance of biopsies. Specialists recommend everyone over 50 years of age to undergo a colonoscopy for preventive purposes. At the patient’s request, the colonoscopy can be performed under an intravenous anesthetic. Diagnosis duration – 10−20 minutes.

CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

A unique, non-invasive examination for diagnosis of the small intestine, which can also provide an insight into state of the entire digestive tract. This is the only endoscopic method for a comfortable examination of the small intestine. In the presence of the doctor, the patient swallows an activated capsule that is the size of a normal medical capsule. While the capsule passes through the digestive tract, it takes 2−3 images per second. Images are transmitted to a special receiving device. About 70,000 images are obtained over a 12 hour period and the capsules is eventually naturally expelled from the body. After the procedure, the doctor analyses the material obtained and can effectively diagnose the state of health of the small intestine. While the capsule is functioning, the patient can perform all his usual activities. However, the patient should avoid vigorous physical activity and rapid movements.

IMAGE DIAGNOSTICS

MAGNETIC RESONANCE FOR ABDOMINAL CAVITY AND THE ORGANS OF THE LESSER PELVIS

This is a harmless method. During the examination, although no x-rays are used, a powerful magnetic field is used. The examination makes it possible to obtained high resolution images. The examination is usually performed if a diagnosis of any of the previous examinations has produced a sufficiently clear diagnosis. MR Enterography offers an alternative to the small intestine diagnostic method. In most cases, the examination is conducted for inflammatory diseases of the small intestine in order to determine the extent of the infection, where exactly the disease is localized as well as detect possible changes in the surrounding tissue. Magnetic resonance can also be performed on other parts of the digestive system. It is also possible to conduct an in-depth examination by intravenous administration of contrast agents. Duration – 20−40 minutes.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR ABDOMINAL CAVITY ORGANS

Computed tomography examinations are available for abdominal cavity organs and the lesser pelvis, providing additional information about the gastrointestinal tract, spine and pelvic bones, muscles, pelvic organ and the frontal wall of the abdominal cavity, etc. Specialists examine the liver, gall bladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, kidneys, urinary tract, bladder and lymph nodes. Patients should note that the latest CT equipment used to conduct examinations of the abdominal cavity organs has a much lower dose of radiation. The amount of contrast agent to be inserted intravenously is calculated automatically, based on the patient’s weight, thus reducing the contrast agent dose. One advantage for the patient is the short duration of the examination.

DEFECOGRAPHY

An X-ray examination method that makes it possible to assess appearance of the rectum and anal canal and defecation idiosyncrasies. This method helps to ascertain pathologies about which it is not possible to find information using any other visual diagnostic method currently available. During the examination, a contrast agent (barium sulphate) that is inserted into the rectum in the form of an enema. The patient must sit down on a special chair provided for the examination. X-ray images are taken while the patient is in a state of rest. Afterwards, the patient must empty the contents of his rectum and examinations are also conducted while the patient is a state of tension.

ULTRASONOGRAPHY

A USG examination of the abdominal cavity can be conducted for a wide range of organs including the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and bladder. It is a visual diagnostic examination that can be performed quickly, which makes it possible to evaluate the structure of various organs and soft tissue. During the examination, the dimensions, form and condition of organs can be evaluated.