Gastro-enterology: colonoscopies and gastroscopies
Attention: before any endoscopic examination, prior consultation with the gastroenterologist is necessary.
During this consultation, the gastroenterologist will give all the information to the patient, explain the risk/benefit ratio of the colonoscopy and explain how the examination will be carried out. The specialist will also be able, if necessary, to adapt the preparation to be followed before the procedure according to the patient’s specificities (respect of contraindications, tolerance, use of small volumes…).
According to the French Society of Gastroenterology, the pre-coloscopy consultation is a significant quality criterion and is considered indispensable by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
This recommendation is also applicable before undergoing upper digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy).
Medical team
Appointment's timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Farahat, Karim |
07.30-11.15 Endoscopies under anaesthesia 14.00-19.00 Consultations |
08.00 - 12.30 Endoscopies whithout anaesthesia |
13.30-17.30 Endoscopies under anaesthesia 2xmonth 18.00-19.30 Consultations |
||
| Dr Noel, Pierre |
08.00-12.30 Endoscopies whithout anaesthesia 14.00-16.30 Consultations |
07.30-11.15 Endoscopies under anaesthesia |
08.00-12.30 Consultations |
14.30-18.30 Endoscopies under anaesthesia |
|
| Dr Sarafidis, Alexandre |
13.30-16.15 Endoscopies under anaesthesia 13.30-19.00 Consultations |
08.00-12.30 Endoscopies under anaesthesia |
Technical exams
Gastroscopy (Dr Sarafidis,Dr Noel, Dr Farahat)
Preparation for the gastroscopy
There is no special preparation to follow, except to fast (without water or food) for at least 5 hours.If the examination takes place early in the afternoon, you can take a light breakfast (toast, cheese, coffee or tea for example) early in the morning and not eating or drinking then.
Colonoscopy (Dr Sarafidis, Dr Noel, Dr Farahat)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between colonoscopy with sedation (injection of a relaxing product) and under anaesthesia?
Overall, there are three ways to have a colonoscopy administered:
1) Colonoscopy without sedation or anaesthesia: for patients who do not wish to be sedated or benefit from a “relaxing” injection.
2) Colonoscopy under sedation: for anxious, tense, stressed patients etc.: the injection of a relaxing product (Valium®, Dormicum®) allows you to relax and sometimes, to not even remember the exam. However, during the examination, pain is still possible. During colonoscopy under sedation, the patient remains conscious.
3) Colonoscopy under anaesthesia with Diprivan®: the doctor injects the patient, intravenously, with a product that puts them into a state of sleep during the entire duration of the examination (about 20 minutes). This procedure is under permanent control of the anaesthetist. At the end of the examination, the patient wakes up within 2 minutes.
The complete process, with anaesthesia and recovery, takes about 2 hours. Upon awakening, the patient does not remember the examination and during the examination they feel no pain.
At the end of the exam, the patient has a clear head.However, as a precaution, driving is prohibited for the rest of the day.
In addition to these differences, it should be noted that with colonoscopy under general anaesthesia, the physician can perform comprehensive screening more easily because they are not stopped by the patient experiencing pain.
How do I know which colonoscopy to choose (with or without general anaesthesia)?
The choice to perform a colonoscopy with or without sedation or under anaesthesia can be weighed according to various criteria:
1) First, your doctor may have recommended one or the other technique, depending on your medical record, your background, your personality…
2) If you are nervous or anxious, you may prefer colonoscopy under sedation or under anaesthesia.
3) If you have had an abdomen operation at any point, choose colonoscopy under anaesthesia.
In conclusion, it is above all a personal choice.
Is colonoscopy under Diprivan® reimbursed by the health insurance association?
Yes, but only partially (for colonoscopy with or without sedation). You can get information about this from the nurse.
Are there contraindications to colonoscopy with Diprivan®?
Contraindications mainly concern people with poor health. However, a prior consultation with the doctor is always advisable and you may find this reassuring.
Are there possible side effects or risks associated with the procedure?
The risks are very minimal. Beforehand, if in doubt, a recent blood test and electrocardiogram will allow you to be completely reassured. Note that during colonoscopy under Diprivan®, a nurse (qualified for resuscitation if necessary) and an anaesthesiologist are always present on site.
Why do I have to book a consultation with the gastroenterolist prior to the colonoscopy ?
Colonoscopy is the preferred examination for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal neoplastic lesions. Therefore, many countries have published quality criteria for the performance of these examinations to improve their level of quality and safety.
Prior medical consultation is essential (recommendations of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy), the French Society of Gastroenterology mentions the pre-colonoscopy talk as a significant quality criterion. It must, therefore, always be scheduled.
Indeed, during this consultation, the gastroenterologist will be able to give all the information to the patient, specify the risk/benefit ratio of the colonoscopy and explain how the examination will be carried out. The specialist will also be able to adapt the preparation to be followed before the procedure, if necessary, according to the patient’s specificities (respect of contraindications, tolerance, use of small volumes…).
I've heard about a "virtual scanner", what is this?
The virtual scanner makes it possible to explore the colon without introducing an endoscope. However, this scanner also requires preparation (the same as for colonoscopy under Diprivan®) and may also be painful because the doctor will add air to the intestines during the examination. The risk of perforation is lower compared to conventional colonoscopy. The virtual scanner has the disadvantage of sometimes missing flat lesions and/or small polyps. If there is a doubt or a lesion, then it will necessarily be necessary to perform a classic colonoscopy check.
All these reasons explain why in general the virtual scanner remains reserved for certain cases, such as for example the elderly for whom anaesthesia is contraindicated.