Gastroscopy (the endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal system) is the procedure where the upper part of the digestive tract is observed on a screen through the help of a flexible instrument which has a light and a camera at its tip (gastroscope) The patient can easily pass the gastroscope, which is thin and shaped like a hose through his mouth. In this way, the pharynx, the oesophagus, the stomach and parts of the duodenum can be seen very clearly. When it’s necessary, biopsy samples can be taken from the diseased are (gastritis, ulcer, cancer, etc.) without the patient feeling anything at all. In addition, in patients where there’s active bleeding, the bleeding can be controlled by using various endoscopic treatment methods through gastroscopy. Before the procedure, a light numbing spray is used on the patient’s mouth to prevent any pain. If the patient wants, then he can be sedated through the whole procedure by the injection of a medication called midozolame.

COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy (the endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal system), similar to   gastroscopy, is the procedure where the entire colon and if necessary, the last part of the small intestine is examined by using a flexible instrument which has a light and a camera at its tip (colonoscope). The patient has to be put on a diet and has to use laxatives to clear out his intestines a day before the procedure. In this procedure, after the patient puts on some specially-made trousers, the colonoscope is inserted into the anus. The intestines can then be seen very clearly. Biopsy samples from any abnormality in the colon (colitis, polyps, cancer, etc.) can be taken without the patient feeling anything at all. Treatments for bleeding can be applied as well. If lesions that are called polyps and that are the fore-runners of cancer are found, then these can be taken out by using a metal noose. As the digestive tract is not very sensitive to procedures such as taking biopsy samples or taking out polyps, the patients do not feel any pain during these procedures. The patient can be partially sedated before colonoscopy by injecting medication such as midozolame and dolantine. If the patient wishes, he can be fully sedated by using propophol. Examining only the lower part of the colon through a colonoscope is called sigmoidoscopy. This procedure lasts shorter. There’s no need for a diet or to use laxatives beforehand. The patients only have to apply an enema to the anus. Usually, it’s not necessary during this procedure to sedate the patients.