Endoscopy is a modern method of examining internal organs using a special endoscopic device. The endoscope is inserted through one of the body’s natural openings (for example, into the stomach through the esophagus) or through small incisions or punctures. At the Korona Medical Center in Lviv, endoscopy is used to diagnose and treat diseases of various organs. Biopsy, probing, administration of medications, and other medical manipulations can be performed simultaneously.
For maximum patient comfort, we perform endoscopic procedures under medical sedation (“sleep”). A specially trained endoscopist conducts the procedure. By inserting the endoscope camera into the organ under study, the doctor obtains a digital image of its inner surface and makes a medical conclusion. The endoscopist also participates in minimally invasive surgical interventions.
Types of Endoscopic Examinations at the Korona Medical Center
At the Korona Medical Center, doctors perform the following endoscopic examinations:
- Gastroscopy — Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The procedure is performed if there is suspicion of gastrointestinal ulcers or tumor development, in cases of gastritis, duodenitis, or bleeding.
- Colonoscopy — Examination of the large intestine. The examination is performed along its entire length (about 2 meters) for symptoms such as rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, persistent constipation, low hemoglobin, elevated ESR, suspected inflammatory or oncological diseases, or polyps.
Sigmoidoscopy — Examination of the rectum and sometimes the sigmoid colon. It is prescribed in cases of rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, problems with defecation, the sensation of a foreign body in the rectum, or suspected tumor development.
Endoscopy in Lviv: Patient Preparation
Preparation depends on the type of examination:
- Gastroscopy. The patient must refrain from eating at least 8–10 hours before the procedure. Medical staff should be informed about allergies, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Before inserting the gastroscope, local anesthesia of the tongue root is sometimes used, and the patient is given a sedative. Rarely, general anesthesia is required.
- Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy. Two to three days before the procedure, patients should follow a special diet, avoiding foods that are difficult to digest or that contribute to gas formation. Patients should fast for approximately 20 hours before the procedure and cleanse the intestines using an enema or a special preparation prescribed by the doctor.
How Gastroscopy Is Performed: Doctors Tell Us
A significant part of endoscopy services in Lviv involves performing gastroscopy.
At the Korona Medical Center, gastroscopy (EGD) is performed in compliance with modern safety and comfort standards. The procedure uses a thin, flexible endoscope equipped with a miniature video camera. Before the examination, the patient can choose between two types of anesthesia:
- Drug-induced sleep
- Analgesia of the root of the tongue
Gastroscopy provides information about the condition of the gastric mucosa and helps diagnose peptic ulcer disease, stress ulcers, erosions, or other pathological changes. If necessary, a tissue sample can be taken for biopsy during the procedure.
During the examination, the patient lies on their left side. The doctor carefully inserts the gastroscope through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. The endoscope transmits an image of the internal surfaces to a monitor, allowing detection of even minor changes in the mucous membrane, areas of inflammation, ulcers, or tumors.
The procedure usually lasts 5–15 minutes. Thanks to medical sedation and the skill of our doctors, gastroscopy is easy, painless, and well tolerated. It is a safe, modern diagnostic method.
How Colonoscopy Is Performed: Features of Rectal Examination
Before colonoscopy, patients receive instructions for diet and bowel cleansing. Medical sedation may be used to ensure maximum comfort and avoid pain.
The patient is positioned on their side or back. The doctor slowly inserts a flexible colonoscope equipped with a camera and light source. The device gradually advances along the intestine, providing a real-time image on the monitor. If necessary, air can be introduced to straighten the intestinal walls, or water can be used to improve visibility.
During the procedure, the doctor can perform a biopsy, remove polyps, stop capillary bleeding, or conduct other medical interventions. Colonoscopy usually lasts 20–40 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the need for additional interventions.
Thanks to modern equipment and highly qualified doctors, all endoscopic examinations, including colonoscopy, are performed easily, quickly, and painlessly.
How Sigmoidoscopy Is Performed
Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the rectum and distal sigmoid colon, performed to detect mucosal pathologies, inflammatory processes, neoplasms, polyps, or sources of bleeding.
Before the procedure, the patient is asked to lie on their left side or assume a knee-elbow position, which provides the best access to the examined area. The doctor carefully inserts a sigmoidoscope, with a miniature video camera at its distal end, through the anus into the rectum. While advancing the device into the sigmoid colon, a visual inspection of the mucous membrane is performed through the optical system or on a monitor.
To improve visibility, air or a special gel-like agent may be introduced to straighten the intestinal walls. If pathological formations are detected, the doctor can take a tissue sample for biopsy or remove a small polyp.
Sigmoidoscopy usually lasts 5–10 minutes. Anesthesia is generally not required; however, sedation may be used at the patient’s request or for specific indications. The procedure is minimally invasive and well tolerated by most patients.
Endoscopy in Lviv — We Invite You to the Korona Medical Center
Endoscopic examination is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing diseases of the digestive tract in early stages. This method provides comprehensive information about the condition of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and large intestine. It allows detection of areas of inflammation and enables biopsy for suspected oncological diseases.
If you are interested in endoscopy services in Lviv, the price of the examination at our clinic includes the use of modern equipment, support from experienced doctors, and comfortable conditions.
If you would like to schedule a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, we are waiting for you at the Korona Medical Center. Appointments can be made online or by phone: (050) 282 98 68, (068) 776 65 54.
All endoscopic examinations are performed by highly qualified doctors at our medical center, ensuring safety, accuracy, and patient comfort.