Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy with intravenous anesthesia

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy with intravenous sedation are among the most important endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy allows assessment of the condition of the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while colonoscopy evaluates the colon. These examinations are recommended for patients experiencing upper gastrointestinal or colonic symptoms, as well as prior to certain planned surgical procedures.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy helps diagnose upper gastrointestinal disorders and determine the most appropriate treatment. Colonoscopy not only enables the diagnosis and treatment of colonic diseases but can also be used for therapeutic purposes.

At Meliva clinics, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy are performed using one of the latest and most advanced endoscopy systems available on the market, the Olympus EVIS EXERA III.

When are these examinations performed?

Indications for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy:

• Persistent upper abdominal pain.
• Chronic heartburn or acid reflux.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Nausea and/or vomiting of unknown origin.
• Blood in stomach contents and/or stool.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy may help diagnose conditions such as inflammation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, ulcers, polyps, tumors, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophageal varices.

Indications for Colonoscopy:

• Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin.
• Persistent abdominal pain.
• Rectal bleeding and/or blood in the stool.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Changes in bowel habits (for example, constipation that does not respond to lifestyle modifications, diarrhea, or changes in stool shape).

Colonoscopy may help diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases, precancerous lesions, tumors, and other colonic disorders. This procedure may also be used for polypectomy (polyp removal), bleeding control, colonic decompression, and other therapeutic purposes.

Before Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Colonoscopy:

To ensure accurate and effective examination results, proper bowel preparation is essential.

• Iron supplements should be discontinued one week before the procedure, as iron may darken the stool and reduce visibility during colonoscopy.
• A low-fiber diet should be followed for 2-3 days before the procedure, avoiding raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain products.
• No solid food should be consumed on the day before the examination. Clear fluids such as water, plain tea or coffee, and pulp-free juices may be consumed.
• Bowel cleansing with laxative preparations should begin the day before the procedure. Your physician will advise which preparation to use and how to take it.
• On the day of the procedure, no liquids should be consumed for at least 6-8 hours to ensure optimal visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Before the examination, a consultation with a coloproctologist will take place. During this consultation, it is important to inform your physician about any medications you are taking so that appropriate instructions can be provided.

During Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Colonoscopy:

• The procedures are performed under intravenous sedation, which involves a combination of sedative and pain-relieving medications administered through an intravenous line. Intravenous sedation provides deep relaxation for most patients and ensures that the procedure is painless while the patient remains conscious.
• The patient lies on their left side during the examination.
• During colonoscopy, the physician carefully advances an endoscope through the anus into the colon and cecum. Air is introduced through the device to expand the bowel walls and improve visualization of the colon.
• During esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the physician inserts an endoscope through the mouth and advances it into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
• Small cameras located at the tips of the endoscopes transmit images to a monitor, allowing the physician to examine the internal organs in real time.
• Once the examination is completed, the endoscopes are carefully withdrawn, and the patient remains under observation until fully recovered from intravenous sedation.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy typically takes approximately 15-30 minutes, while colonoscopy usually lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the examination.

After Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Colonoscopy:

• You will be monitored in a recovery room for approximately 1 hour until the effects of intravenous sedation have worn off.
• Driving may be difficult after the examination. Please arrange for a companion or driver to take you home.
• Mild abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness may occur for 1-2 days due to the air introduced into the bowel during the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and heavy-to-digest foods to prevent irritation of the digestive system.
• If you experience severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.