Colonoscopy and gastroscopy screenings at FirstMed Endoscopy Center in Budapest
FirstMed’s Budapest clinic offers comprehensive colonoscopy and gastroscopy screenings at our specialized Endoscopy Center, conducted by a skilled team of medical professionals. These examinations are crucial for the early detection of digestive tract issues: colonoscopy exams assess bowel health and identify problems at an early stage, while gastroscopic exams investigate the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for indigestion and reflux.
If you’re facing gastrointestinal problems or are above 50, consult our doctors for endoscopy screening!
How are the endoscopic examinations carried out at FirstMed?
All endoscopic examinations are conducted at our clinic’s specialized Endoscopy Center, a dedicated department designed to perform endoscopic procedures safely and comfortably. Our gastroenterologists examine the relevant part of the digestive tract internally using a flexible tube equipped with a high-resolution camera, known as an endoscope. This allows our doctors to identify any concerns and, if needed, take tissue samples.
We perform endoscopy under general anesthesia, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
The two main types of endoscopy procedures we offer are colonoscopy and gastroscopy:
Colonoscopy
Doctors examine the inner surface of the large intestine (colon) and rectum to identify issues such as inflammation, tumors, polyps, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy is highly recommended for preventive purposes if you are over 50, as it plays a significant role in detecting early signs of bowel cancer.
Gastroscopy
Assessment of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This procedure, also called upper endoscopy, effectively investigates persistent stomach pain, heartburn, peptic ulcers, and esophageal issues.
Gastroscopy helps to identify the exact cause of stomach and digestive problems and start immediate treatment if necessary.
Which symptoms warrant endoscopic examination?
For gastrointestinal issues:
- Persistent heartburn, reflux
- Abdominal pain, bloating
- Constant nausea or vomiting
- Bloody or black stools
- Abdominal cramps or abdominal discomfort
- Changes in bowel movements (diarrhoea, constipation)
For respiratory complaints:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Chronic sore throat
- Laryngeal problems (e.g., hoarseness)
For chronic diseases:
- Suspected inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Follow-up of complications or symptoms of diagnosed bowel disease
- Iron deficiency anaemia (not explained by other causes)
For health check-ups:
- Early screening tests, e.g. screening for colorectal cancer over the age of 50
- Suspected gastric or bowel cancer
- Long-term follow-up of reflux disease
The endoscopic screening procedure at FirstMed Budapest
Depending on your symptoms and preferences, the endoscopic screening may include a gastroscopy, a colonoscopy, or both. The screening process consists of two phases to ensure a comprehensive exam while minimizing discomfort.
1. Initial consultation
The endoscopic screening procedure starts with an initial 30-minute consultation, during which you will discuss the following with your doctor:
- family history,
- your current health status,
- regularly taken medications (such as blood-thinners),
- your symptoms (if you have any).
The gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopic examination based on this information.
Your doctor will explain the procedure and the necessary preparations for the examination, which you will also receive via email after your visit.
Based on the specialist’s recommendation, we will schedule an appointment for your endoscopy, which will be carried out on another date.
2. Gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy examination
The endoscopy visit lasts about one hour from check-in to check-out. The procedure is performed in the following steps:
- Anesthesia is administered to avoid discomfort during the endoscopic exam.
- A flexible tube equipped with a highly accurate camera (endoscope) is inserted into the body, and our specialist checks for abnormalities. You can have a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or both at the same time.
- During the procedure, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken, or polyp(s) may be removed.
- Our in-house lab will process the sample for evaluation, and you will receive the result by email.
- After the exam, you will rest in a private room for a short time until the anesthesia wears off. Then you can go home with an escort by car.
Choose FirstMed for safe and comfortable endoscopy
We understand that your most important factors are a safe and accurate checkup, a comfortable environment, and prompt and precise results. At FirstMed’s Endoscopy Center, you will experience the utmost care and expertise at every step.
Our Endoscopy Center has been operating since 2020 as a special department at high professional standards. Its modern equipment ensures the most accurate results.
Central location in Budapest near Széll Kálmán tér metro station, with good access by public transportation and free parking for our patients.
Common language: English communication ensures you understand everything from booking appointments to preparing for procedures and receiving results.
With decades of experience, FirstMed’s professional endoscopic team ensures your comfort and safety during the screening.
Convenient appointments for examinations are available on specific weekday afternoons or Saturdays to have your endoscopy at a preferred time.
Direct billing to insurance: For private health insurance holders, we may bill your insurer directly for colonoscopy screening if your insurance plan covers this service.
What our patients have experienced:
We are dedicated to high-quality care and patient satisfaction, which is reflected in our patients’ testimonials:
Meet our expert team
Our highly qualified, English-speaking doctors have the professional knowledge and experience to ensure you receive the highest level of care. Visit us with any gastrointestinal-related questions or complaints; our team is here to help you with the most effective endoscopic examination and recommend treatment options.
Dr. Péter Kokas, PhD
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Péter Lukovich
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Katalin Darvas, Prof. emeritus
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Zsuzsanna Ulakcsai
Anesthesiologist
Endoscopy screenings – Prices
Our special offer for those who pay for the endoscopic examination on the spot is a complimentary FirstMed Value Card (valued at HUF 28,000), valid for an entire year. This exclusive card unlocks discounts on endoscopic examinations and a variety of our other services. Prioritize your health and book an appointment for a consultation today!
A gastroenterology consultation precedes the endoscopic examination. Our plan holders can obtain consultation and other services at our Endoscopy Center with special conditions.
Specialist consultation
(gastroenterology)
from HUF 42,000
Endoscopic examination
gastroscopy under anesthesia
from HUF 145,000
Endoscopic examination
colonoscopy under anesthesia
from HUF 169,000
Endoscopic examination
gastroscopy and colonoscopy under anesthesia
from HUF 245,000
The prices listed above are indicative and are valid for payment at our clinic or online via our webshop before your visit. Our staff will be happy to provide you with information on the prices of other services.
Direct billing to insurance
For private health insurance holders, we may bill your insurer directly for the cost of endoscopy screening if your insurance plan covers this service. Indicate on the inquiry form below if you have insurance, so we can verify whether we can accept yours.
Our patients have asked
How to request appointment for endoscopic screening?
The easiest way to request an appointment for endoscopic screening is to fill out the form below. We will respond to your request within one business day. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us using our regular contact details.
What does an endoscopy checks for?
An endoscopy examination checks for abnormalities in the digestive system that cause symptoms such as chronic bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, reflux, and bloody stools. If you experience these symptoms, discuss with your doctor the need for an endoscopic examination.
A colonoscopy can reveal polyps at the initial stage when there are no symptoms, and the specialist can remove them before they cause problems or develop into a malignant tumor.
Starting at age 50, or sooner if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, regular colonoscopies every five years are crucial for prevention. Patients from Southeast Asia are advised to have a colonoscopy annually.
Detecting symptoms can often indicate an advanced stage when the disease is difficult or impossible to cure. The earlier a lesion is detected, the greater the chance of a successful cure.
Is a medical referral necessary for endoscopy?
A referral is not necessary, but it is helpful to have a preliminary check-up with your GP if you have symptoms that may require an endoscopy.
For the consultation, please obtain a medical report from an internist or family doctor dated no more than 40 days prior (Hypertonia, Diabetes, Anticoagulants), to review the use of blood-thinning medicines. If you do not have one, please let us know, and we will arrange it in our clinic before your endoscopy consultation.
When do you do the endoscopic exams?
Initial consultation and endoscopy are usually carried out in afternoon or early evening appointments on some working days, and the examination is also possible on Saturdays. This means that you do not need to take any time off work.
What are polyps and why are they important to remove?
Colon and rectal polyps are benign clusters of cells forming on the colon’s inner lining. If left untreated, they can progress to colon and rectal cancer. Removing polyps can significantly lower the risk of colon cancer, which is why regular endoscopic screening is a crucial preventive measure for individuals over 50.
During the colonoscopy procedure, precancerous polyps are not only detected but also removed.
What preparations are needed before colonoscopy?
A complete bowel cleanse is necessary before a colonoscopy. This cleansing should be done at home the day before and on the day of your scheduled exam, using bowel-cleansing medication. During this period, you are allowed to consume fluids to maintain your calorie intake, so complete fasting is not required.
We will inform you of every detail in English at the preliminary consultation and by email before the examination.
Is it painful to do an endoscopy?
The endoscopic procedure may cause some discomfort; however, to minimize this, the exams are performed under anesthesia. Our highly trained expert team administers anesthesia to ensure complete safety.
Can I have endoscopic exam without anesthesia?
Endoscopies are performed under general anesthesia to ensure a painless experience and comfort throughout the examination. Our highly skilled professionals will prioritize your safety during the anesthesia process. However, with special arrangements, an awake examination is also an option.
Choose FirstMed’s Endoscopy Center in Budapest for expert screening to uncover any abnormalities or potential gastrointestinal concerns early on. Don’t wait for symptoms—take charge of your health with a proactive approach to your well-being!
Request endoscopy appointment simply
Fill out the form below with your details, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
