At HealthSpot Glyfada, a fully equipped Endoscopy Unit is in operation. It is staffed by experienced and highly trained endoscopists who perform gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures with the presence of an anesthesiologist and specialized nursing staff.
High-definition, high-resolution endoscopes, combined with the use of advanced techniques such as digital and conventional chromoendoscopy by specially trained endoscopists, create a high-standard diagnostic unit that fully meets modern medical requirements.
Diagnostic Capabilities
Upper gastrointestinal tract
The unit provides detection and diagnosis of:
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Gluten intolerance (celiac disease screening)
- Vitamin B12 malabsorption
- Early diagnosis of esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus
- Diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease
Lower gastrointestinal tract
Through specialized chromoendoscopy techniques, we are able to contribute directly and effectively to the prevention of colorectal cancer, as even very small polyps can be detected and removed, thereby significantly reducing the risk of cancer development, as demonstrated by numerous studies highlighting the importance of screening colonoscopy.
In addition, the unit offers diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as evaluation and mapping of diverticular disease.
Furthermore, with the use of digital chromoendoscopy, it is possible to detect HPV-related lesions (condylomas) in the anorectal area and guide patients appropriately and effectively for further management.
This is a modern, fully equipped, state-of-the-art endoscopy unit, focused on prompt and early diagnosis of upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders, complementing the primary healthcare services provided by HealthSpot Glyfada.
What is Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a short, minimally invasive examination used to evaluate diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Like all endoscopic procedures, it is safe and is performed painlessly under sedation, with the presence of an anesthesiologist. During the examination, the inner lining of these organs is carefully inspected in detail.
This allows the detection of various abnormalities (such as gastric or duodenal ulcers) and findings that may lead to the diagnosis of conditions such as esophagitis, esophageal varices, or neoplasms.
During the procedure, tissue samples may be taken for histological examination (biopsy), and testing for Helicobacter pylori can also be performed.
Gastroscopy is recommended for patients with:
- Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing solids or liquids)
- Episodes of food impaction in the esophagus and refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, to rule out Barrett’s esophagus and for appropriate follow-up based on histological and imaging findings
- Persistent abdominal pain or pain that awakens the patient at night, to rule out peptic ulcer disease
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, especially in male patients of any age
- Weight loss and vomiting
- Abnormal laboratory or imaging findings suggesting possible involvement of the esophagus or stomach
Gastroscopy procedure at HealthSpot
The patient is monitored throughout the procedure and recovery by both a nurse and an anesthesiologist. Oxygen is administered throughout the examination purely for preventive and safety reasons. Insufflation is performed using carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is absorbed 150 times faster than air, ensuring a comfortable, painless examination and minimal post-procedure discomfort.
Special emphasis has been placed on high-definition digital endoscopic equipment, utilizing the latest-generation endoscopes that allow detailed diagnosis of esophageal and gastric lesions.
These endoscopes provide exceptional image quality, magnification endoscopy, and digital chromoendoscopy, enabling trained endoscopists to detect and analyze even very small lesions or early-stage significant diseases—offering patients accurate and timely diagnosis in a single endoscopic session.
Finally, the endoscopy laboratory is a dedicated autonomous space and is thoroughly disinfected after the completion of each endoscopy schedule, in accordance with established guidelines.
What is Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination used to evaluate the mucosa (inner lining) of the large intestine, also known as the colon.
A flexible instrument equipped with a high-definition camera at its tip is gently and painlessly inserted through the rectum and advanced carefully to the end of the colon, reaching the cecum.
Colonoscopy is used as a diagnostic and preventive examination for colorectal and rectal cancer, or in the presence of any of the symptoms listed below.
Colorectal cancer screening
Preventive screening with colonoscopy is recommended for individuals over 50 years of age (or over 45 years, according to updated guidelines of the American Cancer Society), even in the absence of symptoms, as the appearance of symptoms usually indicates advanced disease.
Colonoscopy is superior to any radiological method because it allows for biopsy sampling and endoscopic removal of polyps, which may otherwise develop into colorectal cancer over time.
Although many patients believe the examination to be painful, in practice this is not the case when proper conditions are met, in addition to the necessary expertise of the endoscopist.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
Indications for colonoscopy include:
- Preventive screening if you are over 50 years old (or 45 years according to updated American Gastroenterological Association guidelines), even without symptoms
- Family history of colorectal disease (cancer, polyps, etc.)
- Blood in the stool
- Recent change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Anemia accompanied by fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Findings involving the colon on imaging studies such as CT or MRI
Colonoscopy procedure at HealthSpot
In our department, we follow specific practices that have been scientifically and empirically proven to make the examination significantly easier and cause minimal discomfort for the patient.
- The procedure is performed under sedation, with the presence of an anesthesiologist
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used for insufflation instead of air
- CO₂ is absorbed by the intestine 150 times faster than air, eliminating bloating during and after the examination
- Oxygen is administered throughout the procedure to ensure maximum patient comfort
- We utilize all necessary equipment and technical resources to ensure that the examination is both safe and diagnostically accurate
- Strict adherence is maintained to international guidelines for endoscope cleaning and disinfection, using specialized disinfectants and sterilization agents, carried out meticulously by our trained nursing staff
- The endoscopy laboratory area is autonomous and is thoroughly disinfected after completion of each endoscopy schedule