Digestive endoscopy in Bogotá, Colombia

Digestive Endoscopy in Bogotá

Digestive endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera at its tip. This examination can help diagnose different digestive system conditions and, when indicated, allows biopsies to be taken or certain procedures to be performed during the same evaluation.

When is a digestive endoscopy performed?

A specialist may recommend a digestive endoscopy when a person has persistent symptoms or medical history that requires a detailed evaluation of the upper digestive tract.

• Frequent or persistent abdominal pain.
• Gastroesophageal reflux that does not improve with treatment.
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Digestive bleeding or vomiting blood.
• Black stools or suspected digestive bleeding.
• Anemia without an apparent cause.
• Suspected gastritis, esophagitis, or ulcers.
• Persistent difficulty eating.
• Suspected gastrointestinal conditions that require biopsies.

How is a digestive endoscopy performed?

Digestive endoscopy is performed with sedation or anesthesia, depending on the patient's age, medical condition, and the characteristics of the procedure. This helps the patient remain comfortable and prevents movements that could interfere with the examination.

1. A preliminary evaluation is performed and the patient's medical history is reviewed.
2. The indicated sedation or anesthesia is administered.
3. The patient lies down while the specialist carefully inserts the endoscope through the mouth.
4. The doctor examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
5. If necessary, small tissue samples or biopsies are taken for laboratory analysis.
6. After the procedure, the patient remains in recovery until the effects of the sedation or anesthesia have worn off.

Preparation before a digestive endoscopy

• Strictly follow the fasting instructions provided by the specialist or medical institution.
• Inform the doctor about all medications the patient is taking.
• Inform the doctor about any allergies or existing medical conditions.
• Bring previous test results and medical reports related to the digestive problem.
• Follow the specific instructions regarding food and fluid intake before the procedure.
• Be accompanied by a responsible adult if sedation or anesthesia will be used.

Care after a digestive endoscopy

After the procedure, the patient remains under observation until they have adequately recovered from the sedation or anesthesia. Drowsiness, mild throat irritation, gas, or mild abdominal discomfort may occur for a few hours.

Can digestive endoscopy be performed on children?

Yes. Digestive endoscopy can be performed on children and adolescents from birth through 18 years of age when medically indicated. In these cases, the procedure should be performed by a pediatric gastroenterologist with experience in pediatric digestive endoscopy and in a medical institution equipped to care for pediatric patients. Depending on the child's age and medical condition, pediatric sedation or anesthesia may be required.

How much does a digestive endoscopy cost in Bogotá?

The cost of a digestive endoscopy in Bogotá can vary depending on the medical institution, the type of sedation or anesthesia, the specialist's fees, biopsy studies, and the services included in the procedure.

In Bogotá, a private digestive endoscopy may cost approximately between COP $800,000 and COP $1,200,000.

Where can I find digestive endoscopy specialists in Bogotá?

Through MedicosDoc, you can find specialists in Bogotá who provide evaluation and follow-up for patients with digestive conditions.

Specialists may see patients at clinics, medical centers, and private practices located in different areas of Bogotá, including Chapinero, Usaquén, Chicó, Cedritos, and Teusaquillo. A medical evaluation helps determine whether an endoscopy is appropriate, what preparation is required, and where the procedure can be performed according to the patient's needs.

What is digestive endoscopy?

It is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to see inside the digestive tract. Upper endoscopy examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; colonoscopy examines the colon and the end of the small intestine.

When is it ordered?

Upper endoscopy for persistent heartburn or stomach pain, reflux that does not improve, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, unexplained anemia or to test for Helicobacter pylori. Colonoscopy for rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea, and as colon cancer screening, generally from age 45 to 50 or earlier with a family history.

How should you prepare?

For upper endoscopy, fast for 6 to 8 hours. For colonoscopy, follow a special diet in the days before and a laxative prep to clean the colon; good cleansing is key for a useful exam. Tell the team if you take blood thinners, antiplatelets, iron or diabetes medication. Bring a companion, since sedation is used.

Does it hurt?

With sedation, most people feel no discomfort and do not remember the procedure. Gas or bloating may last a few hours afterward. Biopsies or polyp removal can be done painlessly during the exam.

Find digestive endoscopy specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find gastroenterologists and endoscopy centers. Compare options and book your procedure.