Colonoscopy & gastroscopy (endoscopy)
Endoscopy is one of the most effective and informative methods for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. By visually examining the gastrointestinal tract, specialists can assess the conditions of the mucous membrane, collect tissue samples and perform therapeutic interventions such as polyp removal or haemostasis if necessary.
The type of endoscopic examination depends on the section of the digestive tract being evaluated, with gastroscopy and colonoscopy being the two primary types. Gastroscopy is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as stomach lining inflammation or ulcers, while colonoscopy plays a critical role in the early detection of intestinal tumours.
At Brixsana in South Tyrol, our endoscopy department is equipped with cutting-edge video endoscopes and CO2 (carbon dioxide) insufflation technology, ensuring precision and patient comfort. All endoscopic procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, are performed under sedation – so-called “gentle endoscopy” – offering patients a completely pain-free experience.
Gastroscopy is recommended for:
- Stomach pain or upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Persistent, therapy-resistant cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Anaemia
- Screening for individuals with a family history of stomach cancer
- Necessary therapeutic interventions
Colonoscopy is recommended for:
- Colon cancer screening: recommended every 5 years starting at age 45, or from age 40 for those with a family history of the disease
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea)
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Anaemia
- Lower abdominal pain
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- Bowel cancer surgery aftercare
- Positive faecal occult blood test (Haemoccult test)
Gastroscopy:
A gastroscopy involves a thorough examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. During the procedure, tissue samples (biopsies) are routinely collected to assess mucosal changes and detect bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori.
Our gentle gastroscopy typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. After the examination, you can rest and recover comfortably in a designated recovery room.
How to prepare for your gastroscopy:
- Do not eat or drink anything in the 6 hours before the examination.
- If you are taking anticoagulant medications, adjust them as advised by your doctor.
- Bring along any preliminary findings and examination documents.
- After a gastroscopy performed under sedation, you must refrain from driving, operating machinery or signing legally binding documents for 12 to 24 hours. Please make transportation arrangements in advance.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. This procedure thoroughly examines the entire large intestine and the junction between the small and large intestines. It allows for the reliable detection of colon tumours and their benign precursors, colon polyps. If polyps are found, they are typically removed during the procedure, depending on their size.
The bowel must be fully visible for a clear and accurate assessment of the intestinal mucosa. To achieve this, carbon dioxide (CO2) is gently introduced before the examination. At Brixsana, we prioritise patient comfort by offering gentle colonoscopies as standard, ensuring a painless and stress-free experience.
The procedure typically lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, patients can rest in a comfortable recovery room before discussing the findings with the medical team.
How to prepare for your colonoscopy:
- The cleaner your bowel, the more accurate and efficient the assessment will be, making the examination quicker and easier. Therefore, thorough bowel cleansing is required before the colonoscopy.
- If you are taking anticoagulant medications, adjust them as advised by your doctor.
- Bring along any preliminary findings and examination documents.
- After a gastroscopy performed under sedation, you must refrain from driving, operating machinery or signing legally binding documents for 12 to 24 hours. Please make transportation arrangements in advance.
If you have prior examinations or medical reports from another facility, please bring them to your appointment at Brixsana.