Examinations
How to understand the purpose of an examination
This page explains when an endoscopic examination may be needed, what usually happens, and what questions are worth discussing with the doctor.
Short description
Main examinations
Consultation
The first step is discussing symptoms, previous tests, and risk factors with the doctor to choose the right examination.
Gastroscopy
Helps assess the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for pain, heartburn, nausea, difficult swallowing, and other symptoms.
Colonoscopy
Used for colon symptoms, bleeding, long-term constipation or diarrhea, and preventive screening.
Helicobacter pylori
Assessment helps understand causes of inflammatory changes in the stomach and choose the right treatment approach.
Details
What each examination includes
The information below is general. The final decision depends on symptoms, risk factors, previous tests, and the doctor’s examination.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the upper digestive tract. With a thin flexible instrument, the doctor views the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- It may be recommended for heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, difficult swallowing, anemia, or unexplained weight loss.
- It helps assess inflammation, erosions, ulcers, reflux-related changes, and other mucosal changes.
- If needed, biopsy can be taken, including for Helicobacter assessment or tissue diagnosis.
- The examination is usually short, and the need for sedation is discussed in advance.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy examines the inner surface of the colon and rectum. It helps find the cause of symptoms and perform preventive evaluation.
- It may be needed for bleeding, long-term constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, or family risks.
- It is also used to detect polyps and for preventive colorectal cancer screening.
- If small polyps are found, in some cases they can be removed during the examination.
- For a good result the bowel must be clean, so the preparation plan is very important.
Biopsy
Biopsy is taking a small tissue sample from the mucosa. It usually does not feel painful like a skin cut because the sample is taken from the inner mucosa during the examination.
- It helps confirm or exclude inflammatory, infectious, precancerous, or other changes.
- It is often used for Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, colitis, or suspicious mucosal changes.
- The result comes after laboratory testing and should be discussed with the doctor.
Result discussion
An endoscopy report is not only a description. It is important to understand what the result means, what treatment or follow-up is needed, and when a repeat visit is necessary.
- The doctor explains the observed changes in clear language.
- A next-step plan is created: medicine, laboratory tests, monitoring, or repeat examination.
- Previous results help compare the course and make the right decision.
What to remember
- The need for examination is decided during consultation.
- Preparation steps differ for gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
- Results should be discussed with the doctor, not interpreted alone.
- If you take blood thinners or have chronic diseases, inform the doctor in advance.
Next step
Not sure which examination is needed?
Start with consultation. The doctor will help choose the right examination and preparation plan.