Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology deals with diseases of the digestive system. Within the clinics of Zdravstveni zavod Zdravje we diagnose and treat diseases of the digestive tract: gastroscopy to examine the upper digestive tract, colonoscopy to examine the large intestine and rectum, and the proctology clinic for diseases of the rectum and anus.

The gastroenterology clinic offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of the digestive system as well as second opinions. It is the right choice when problems have lasted a long time, when previous tests have not given an answer, or when you want an opinion on a diagnosis already made and the proposed treatment. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are available under the ZZZS concession with a referral and on a self-pay basis, while the gastroenterology clinic is self-pay.

Bring the results of previous tests to the examination, in particular laboratory results, imaging and endoscopy reports, and a list of your medicines. For a second opinion your records are the basis of the assessment, so they should be as complete as possible.

Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The doctor passes a flexible instrument with a camera through the mouth and looks directly at the lining, and if needed takes tiny tissue samples or tests for the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

A doctor refers you for the test because of persistent heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, difficulty swallowing, nausea, anaemia or unclear results of other tests. It is also used to check changes in the lining that are already known. Diagnostic gastroscopy is also chosen for reflux disease of the oesophagus and for changes in the upper digestive tract seen on an X-ray. This test makes it possible to detect cancer of the stomach or oesophagus in time.

Preparation is simple: you come to the test fasting. How many hours before the procedure you must not eat or drink, and what to do about your regular medicines, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines, you will be told when booking. Do not adjust these instructions yourself.

The test itself usually takes a short time. The throat is numbed locally with a spray, and a sedative is also available. If you receive it, you must not drive that day and you need someone to accompany you. We perform gastroscopy with a referral under the public health insurance scheme of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) and on a self-pay basis.

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine and rectum. Besides looking at the lining, it allows samples to be taken and polyps to be removed during the test itself, which is a common reason why it is also done in people without marked symptoms. It is considered the most important diagnostic method for detecting disease changes in the large intestine and rectum.

Reasons for referral include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits lasting several weeks, unexplained anaemia, unintentional weight loss and a positive result of a screening test for blood in the stool (Program Svit). Follow-up examinations after polyp removal also belong here.

Bowel preparation is essential for this test and more demanding than for gastroscopy. The diet is adjusted a few days beforehand, and before the examination a laxative solution is drunk according to an exact schedule. You receive the instructions when booking. A poorly cleaned bowel means a poorer view and sometimes a repeat test, so follow the instructions carefully.

The test is often done under analgosedation, that is, under the effect of medicines for pain and to help you relax. Analgosedation is available for an additional charge. In this case you need someone to accompany you and you must not drive that day. We perform colonoscopy with a ZZZS referral and on a self-pay basis.

Diseases of the rectum and anus are common, but many people find talking about them uncomfortable. That is why many only book an appointment when their problems have already lasted for months. Blood on the stool, pain when opening the bowels, itching and swelling of the anus are reasons for an examination, not for waiting.

The most common conditions are haemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas and perianal abscesses, and skin changes in this area. The examination includes a conversation, a visual examination and, if needed, a rectal examination or anoscopy. It is short and takes place in the privacy of the consulting room.

Blood on the stool or when wiping does not in itself tell you where it comes from. Often it is haemorrhoids, which as a rule are not dangerous, but sometimes it is another condition that needs to be ruled out. That is exactly why a proctological examination sometimes leads to a referral for colonoscopy.

Tell the doctor how long the problems have lasted, whether blood appears with every bowel movement and what your bowel habits are like. This information guides the examination. Whether any preparation is needed before the examination, you find out when you book.

Treatment depends on the finding and ranges from adjusting your diet and local medicines to outpatient procedures and surgery. Proctological treatment with us is self-pay.