Endoscopy

Conditions Detectable by Gastroscopy

Recommended for Individuals with the Following Symptoms or Concerns

• Pain around the upper abdomen
• Heartburn
• Sour regurgitation
• Suspected chronic gastritis
• Unexplained weight loss
• Need for stomach cancer screening
• Suspected Helicobacter pylori infection
• Loss of appetite, etc.

Early-stage stomach cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnosis when metastasis has already occurred. Even without symptoms, regular gastroscopy can detect and allow for the early treatment of stomach cancer. We strongly recommend individuals over 40, who are at an increased risk, to undergo gastroscopy.

Features of Our Gastroscopy Examination

Feature 1: Examination by an Experienced Specialist

In large medical facilities, different doctors may perform the procedure each time, leading to variations in skill and approach. At our clinic, all gastroscopy examinations are conducted by our experienced director, who has trained at advanced medical institutions and has performed over 45,000 upper endoscopic procedures, ensuring high-quality examinations.

Feature 3: Minimally Discomforting Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is classified as either transnasal or transoral, depending on the insertion route. We offer both methods, striving to minimize discomfort. For transoral procedures, sedatives and pain relief can be administered to reduce discomfort.

Feature 5: Same-Day and Sunday Appointments Available

If scheduling permits and pre-examination requirements are met (such as fasting time), same-day gastroscopy examinations are available. Additionally, examinations are conducted by appointment on the first and third Sundays of each month, making it convenient for those with busy weekday schedules.

Feature 7: Same-Day Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy

Patients can opt for a same-day gastroscopy and colonoscopy, reducing the number of hospital visits and limiting dietary restrictions to just one day. Whether a same-day examination is suitable depends on the physician’s assessment, so please consult us if you are interested.

Gastroscopy Procedure

• The Day Before the Examination

  Avoid alcohol consumption.
  Eat easily digestible food and finish dinner by around 9 PM.
  Water and tea are allowed without restriction.

• Do not eat anything before coming to the clinic.
  You may drink one glass of water or tea up to two hours before the examination.
  If you take medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, or asthma, take them at least three hours before the examination. However, those with diabetes should avoid medication or insulin on the day of the examination to prevent low blood sugar.

• Arrival at the Clinic

  Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  A pre-examination interview will be conducted, and an anti-foaming agent will be administered.
  For transnasal endoscopy, a spray and gel anesthetic will be applied to the nasal passages. For transoral endoscopy, a spray anesthetic will be applied to the throat.
  If sedation is requested, it will be administered at this time. Note: Patients receiving sedation should not drive themselves (car, motorcycle, or bicycle) to the clinic.

• Beginning of the Examination

  The examination begins with the patient lying on the examination table.
  The endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth, allowing the doctor to observe the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
  For transnasal endoscopy, patients can communicate with the doctor during the procedure.
  If necessary, tissue samples may be collected for pathology tests or Helicobacter pylori testing.

• End of the Examination

  The procedure typically lasts 3–5 minutes if only observation is required.
  Patients who received sedation will be transported via stretcher to the recovery room for rest.

• Explanation of Results

  The doctor will provide a detailed explanation of the findings.
  If tissue samples were collected, the pathology results will be available later, requiring a follow-up visit or online consultation.
  Drinking and eating can resume one hour after the examination. Start with a small sip of water to ensure swallowing is smooth and without discomfort.
  Avoid strenuous physical activity on the day of the examination.

Our Clinic Aims to Achieve to Reduce Colorectal Cancer which is “One of the Most Common Cancer in the World ”

In 2023, the annual number of deaths from colorectal cancer in Japan exceeded 50,000. Colorectal cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related death among women and the second leading cause among men, following lung cancer. Colorectal cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death globally.
Although colorectal cancer screening using the fecal occult blood test is widely performed, the continued increase in deaths highlights the limitations of this test.
On the other hand, colorectal cancer is highly curable if detected at an early stage, and it is ideal to remove benign polyps endoscopically before they become cancerous. Even individuals without any digestive symptoms are strongly encouraged to undergo a colonoscopy around the age of 45 and continue with regular examinations thereafter. However, it is also true that many people hesitate to undergo colonoscopy due to anxiety or fear.
At our clinic, we are strongly committed to reducing the number of patients affected by colorectal cancer. To achieve this, we make every effort to provide both high-quality examinations and an environment in which patients can undergo the examination while staying relaxed.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy (lower gastrointestinal endoscopy) is a procedure in which an endoscope is inserted through the anus to examine the rectum and colon up to the cecum. Using a small camera, the physician can identify inflammation, polyps, cancer, ulcers, and other abnormalities. Japanese endoscopists are globally recognized for their high-level technical skills, particularly in advanced therapeutic procedures and early cancer detection.
If suspicious tissue is found, a biopsy can be performed, and if polyps are detected, they can often be removed during the same procedure.

Conditions Commonly Detected by Colonoscopy

Who Should Consider a Colonoscopy.

• Individuals with a positive fecal occult blood test.
• Those who have noticed blood in their stool.
• People with bowel habit changes (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation).
• Those who feel a lump in the abdomen.
• Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.
• Anyone over 40 who has never had a colonoscopy.

Features of Our Colonoscopy Examination

4. Advanced Endoscopy System

The OLYMPUS EVIS-X1 CV1500, which we have introduced at our hospital, utilizes NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) special light for observation, magnification, image processing that emphasizes blood vessels and inflammation, and a wide-angle view that expands the observation range. This allows us to detect even minor lesions in a short time, enabling highly accurate examinations and treatments.

7. Comfortable Recovery Space

We provide a recovery area where you can rest comfortably after the procedure. If sedation is used, you can stay in the recovery space until the effects wear off. You will be transferred from the examination room on a stretcher, minimizing physical strain.

8. Sterilization of Equipment

We strictly adhere to guidelines set by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. All endoscopes and instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after each use, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all patients.