Colonoscopy is the most important method in the diagnosis of rectal and colon diseases

Colonoscopy, or endoscopy of the colon, is necessary when examining symptoms and diseases of the rectum and colon. Infections, vascular changes, polyps, tumors, strictures, ulcers, and diverticula can be easily detected on the mucous membrane by using colonoscopy.

Book a colonoscopy

You can book an appointment with a specialist in colonoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery by calling our bookings line +358 10 773 2010, where our experienced nurses will answer the phone. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a gastrointestinal surgeon. You can also book an endoscopy without a referral, but it is recommended that you first see a doctor to assess the need for an endoscopy.

The most common reasons for having a colonoscopy include:

• Prolonged diarrhoea
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Blood in stool
• Changes in abdominal function
• Prolonged constipation
• Anaemia
• Suspected cancer

Endoscopies are performed by an experienced gastrointestinal surgeon

At Docrates, endoscopies (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) are performed by an experienced specialist in gastrointestinal surgery, Jorma Heiskanen and specialists in gastroenterology Atte Aitkoski and Samuli Nissinen. The team also includes a skilled endoscopy nurse.

During a colonoscopy, the doctor can remove polyps, i.e. mucosal tumors. Their removal in the colon area is very important as they are at risk of developing into malignant tumors.

New generation endoscopy equipment

The new generation endoscopy equipment has been acquired by Docrates for gastro- and colonoscopies, featuring Olympus’ state-of-the-art EVIS X1 endoscopy system equipped with artificial intelligence. This system includes innovations supporting observation, diagnosis and procedures, such as a filter that highlights tissue surface structure and reveals the location of blood vessels. The newest scope models provide an incredibly detailed image, scaling the scope image to 4K resolution.

An AI-assisted device integrated into the equipment assists the doctor during colonoscopy by detecting even the smallest changes in the mucous membrane. Additionally, a scope positioning device is used during colonoscopy to track the position and progress of the scope, which speeds up and facilitates the procedure.

Furthermore, these new scopes enable a less painful and thus more comfortable examination.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy

The examination can only be performed on a completely empty intestine. Usually, preparation begins about a week before the examination. You will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the examination from our nurse, both verbally and in writing.

If you take care of proper nutrition before and after, the examination will be easier for you. The use of alcohol is not recommended before the examination as it may cause bleeding in the sampling areas. We recommend taking time off for the evening before the examination and the day of the examination, as you will need to go to the bathroom often.

How the examination is performed

New equipment makes the examination more comfortable

Docrates’ specialists use modern and precise AI-enhanced equipment. A colonoscopy is performed with a flexible scope that is equipped with a camera. The new scopes enable a less painful and more comfortable examination. You can wear your own clothes during the examination, but you will be given disposable trousers with a hole in them for the colonoscopy.  The scope is inserted through the anus into the colon while the patient is lying on their side. The scope is used to examine the entire colon from the rectum to the beginning of the colon. The endoscopy itself takes about half an hour and is usually painless. However, it is a good idea to set aside about 1–2 hours for the examination.

It is also possible to receive pre-medication before the examination to relieve tension and fear. Please let us know when you book an appointment if you would like sedating pre-medication. In this case, you must be arrive 30 minutes before the examination and be accompanied by someone.

If necessary, the doctor will issue a sick leave certificate for the day of the examination. The endoscopy often involves taking samples from the intestinal mucous membrane, which may result in minor bleeding on the day of the examination.

After colonoscopy

After your colonoscopy, you’ll be ready to go home, but if you wish, you can also rest in our quiet spaces. You may also eat and drink normally. However, we recommend starting with small portions. It is important to be well hydrated as clearing the bowels dries the body. Your doctor will provide you with home care instructions and any other follow-up instructions.

You will receive any biopsy results within about two weeks. If signs of cancer are detected in an endoscopy, our patients always have the opportunity to get an appointment with an oncologist or gastrointestinal surgeon and access further treatment without delay.

It can also be helpful to book an appointment with a Docrates dietitian. With them, you can talk about a diet that will help you to maintain or improve your gut health and reduce your risk of cancer.

The price of colonoscopy and appointments

The price of a colonoscopy is €1,200 + an outpatient fee of €32. The price includes oral pre-medication, the endoscopy procedure, the examination of the sample and the statement.

Appointments

You can book an appointment with a gastrointestinal surgeon to investigate various abdominal and/or intestinal symptoms or for a follow-up or interpretation of results, for example.

• Gastrointestinal surgeon’s consultation 30 min €250
• Appointment with a gastrointestinal surgeon 45 min €347

For more information about the examination and appointments with a gastrointestinal surgeon, please call our bookings line at +358 10 773 2010.