Medical Care of Ioannina has created a state-of-the-art Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department and Endoscopy Unit.
We offer diagnostic tests and treatments for the whole spectrum of conditions affecting the digestive system, such as IBS, peptic ulcer disease, Gastro-oesophageal reflux, IBD (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), eosinophilic oesophagitis, coeliac disease, microscopic colitis, hepatitis, as well as conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreas.
Transnasal endoscopy is a novel endoscopic approach to assess the upper part of the gastrointestinal system (gullet, stomach and the first part of the small bowel which is called “duodenum”). Instead of inserting the camera through the mouth, a very thin camera is inserted through the nostril, after using a local decongestant and anaesthetic to numb it. The procedure can be done with sedation, depending on patient preference. The main advantage of transnasal endoscopy is the fact that the endoscope does not touch the tongue or the soft palate (upper part of the mouth) and therefore there is much less gagging sensation caused to the patient, who is able to talk during the procedure or watch the screen if they wish so.
The current generation of transnasal endoscopes offer excellent image quality and we are proud to have the first Full HD transnasal endoscope in Greece and one of few available in Europe (Fujifilm Eluxeo EG-740N).
This is a novel technology using light of various colours (different wavelength) to enhance different types of abnormalities in the internal lining of the digestive track. It is particularly helpful in identifying and characterising pre-cancerous lesions like polyps and Barrett’s oesophagus.
Barrett’s oesophagus is a term used to describe a change in the lining of the oesophagus (gullet) that becomes similar to the lining of the bowel. This is a pre-cancerous condition that merits surveillance with endoscopies. We use full high definition endoscopes and chromoendoscopy for a thorough and safe surveillance, meeting the highest international standards.
This is a novel technique, where sterile water is used to open-up the bowel lumen, which is necessary for inspection, instead of gas. This offers a more comfortable experience and can be particularly useful in certain, difficult cases.
The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of ambient air during endoscopy is intended to treat flatulence ("bloating") after endoscopy. CO2 is absorbed 160 times faster than Nitrogen in the air and thus does not remain in the gut long after the end of the test. By using CO2 in the endoscopy, the patient has no feeling of bloating after the end of the examination.
APC is a technique used to destroy superficial lesions throughout the digestive track. It can be used to treat superficial abnormal, “spider- like” blood vessels, called angiodysplasias, as well as rectal warts.
