Endoscopic examinations allow the doctor to look at the internal structures of organs with a special optical instrument. Baltic American Clinic performs endoscopic examinations of the digestive tract and other areas. Depending on the indications, tissue samples may be taken during the examination.
Endoscopy allows the area being examined to be viewed from the inside.
The examination is chosen according to your symptoms and the doctor’s assessment.
When necessary, a sample is taken for histological examination.
You are told in advance how the specific examination will be carried out.
When should you have an endoscopy?
Endoscopy may be ordered because of persistent digestive symptoms, signs of bleeding, swallowing problems, nose or throat conditions, urinary tract symptoms and other specific indications.
Which examinations are performed?
Choose an examination to find out what it helps assess and which doctor’s consultation may be needed. The need for an examination is decided by a doctor according to medical indications.
Gastroscopy
What does it help detect? It allows the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to be examined and signs of inflammation, ulcers, complications of reflux or other changes to be detected. A biopsy is taken if needed.
Who may recommend it? A gastroenterologist, family doctor or internal medicine physician.
Colonoscopy
What does it help detect? It allows the lining of the large bowel to be examined, polyps, inflammatory or other changes to be found, and some causes of bleeding to be identified. It can also be performed as a preventive (screening) examination according to the indications.
Who may recommend it? A gastroenterologist, family doctor or proctologist, depending on the symptoms.
Rectoscopy (rectosigmoidoscopy) and anoscopy
What does it help detect? It allows the lining of the rectum and anal canal to be examined, and haemorrhoids and signs of inflammation, bleeding and other changes to be assessed.
Who may recommend it? A proctologist.
Nasal, pharyngeal and laryngeal endoscopy
What does it help detect? It helps assess the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, throat and larynx, and detect polyps and structural or inflammatory changes.
Who may recommend it? An ENT specialist (otorhinolaryngologist).
Ear endoscopy
What does it help detect? It allows a more detailed view of the external ear canal and eardrum, and helps detect signs of inflammation, perforation or other changes.
Who may recommend it? An ENT specialist (otorhinolaryngologist).
Cystoscopy
What does it help detect? It allows the urethra and bladder to be examined from the inside when blood in the urine, recurring symptoms or suspected changes in the bladder are being investigated.
Who may recommend it? A urologist.
Hysteroscopy
What does it help detect? It allows the uterine cavity and its lining to be examined, and polyps, causes of bleeding and other changes to be assessed; treatment can also be carried out according to the indications.
Who may recommend it? An obstetrician-gynaecologist.
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy
What does it help detect? It is performed during medication-induced sleep and helps identify where in the upper airway narrowing or collapse occurs, when treatment of snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea is being considered.
Who may recommend it? An ENT specialist (otorhinolaryngologist) after reviewing the results of sleep studies.
How is the examination performed?
The doctor inserts an endoscope designed for the area concerned and examines the tissues. Whether pain relief or sedation is needed depends on the examination. In some cases a biopsy is taken.
Preparing for the examination
Preparation varies: for a gastroscopy you usually need to fast, and for a colonoscopy you need to clear your bowel according to the regimen you are given. Before the examination, tell us about any blood-thinning medicines, allergies and chronic conditions. Do not stop taking medicines on your own.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are gastroscopy and colonoscopy painful?
What you feel depends on the examination and on your individual sensitivity. You may feel pressure, stretching or discomfort. Possible pain relief or sedation is discussed with the doctor before the examination.
Do I need to fast before a gastroscopy?
Yes, you usually need to avoid eating and limit fluids before a gastroscopy, following the instructions provided by the clinic. The exact recommendations depend on the examination and the type of anaesthesia used.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
The most important thing is to clear your bowel properly. Before the examination you are given a regimen covering diet, fluids and bowel-cleansing medicines. If the preparation instructions are not followed, it may be difficult to examine the bowel lining properly.
Can gastroscopy or colonoscopy be done under sedation?
Sedation may be used depending on the medical indications and how the examination can be organised. The need for sedation, the preparation and any additional conditions must be agreed when booking.
Can I drive after sedation?
No. Driving, operating machinery or making important decisions on the same day after sedation is not recommended. A 24-hour restriction usually applies; after the examination, follow the specific advice of the anaesthesiologist and arrange for someone to accompany you.
Is a biopsy always taken during endoscopy?
No. A tissue sample is taken only when it is needed to clarify the diagnosis. Biopsy results come later than the direct assessment of the endoscopic image.
Can polyps be removed during a colonoscopy?
In certain cases yes, if it is medically justified and technically possible. The possibility, the scope of the procedure and any additional costs are discussed before the examination.
When will I get the endoscopy and biopsy results?
The doctor can often tell you about changes seen during the examination straight after the procedure. Biopsy samples are examined by a laboratory, so histology results take longer. The clinic team will explain exactly how the results will be provided.
Do I need to stop blood-thinning medicines before endoscopy?
Do not stop taking medicines on your own. Be sure to tell us about anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medicines and anything else you take – the doctor will give you individual instructions.
Can I book an endoscopy without a doctor’s referral?
A referral is not always required for a paid (self-funded) procedure, but before booking it is important to agree on the indications for the examination, the preparation and the need for anaesthesia. Separate conditions apply to services paid for by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF).
Which symptoms after a colonoscopy need urgent assessment?
Increasing abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, high fever or marked weakness are not normal symptoms. If they occur, seek medical help immediately.
Price of endoscopic examinations
The price of an endoscopic examination depends on the examination chosen, the anaesthesia and any additional procedures. The need for a biopsy, histological examination or other procedures and the expected costs are discussed before the examination.