Frequent digestive issues, recurring abdominal pain, or simply a focus on prevention—how much do we really know about the health of our digestive system?

Endoscopic exams like gastroscopy and colonoscopy are often approached with hesitation, yet they are essential tools in safeguarding and maintaining our gastrointestinal well-being. In this video interview with a specialist, we’ll debunk common myths, discuss when it’s the right time to undergo these tests, and explore how endoscopy plays a vital role in early diagnosis and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

Thanks to advancements in electronics, digital imaging, and data processing, today’s endoscopic technologies offer a detailed, high-resolution view of the digestive tract, far beyond the capabilities of traditional fiber optics. These innovations allow for the early detection of potentially risky lesions and enable diagnosis to be made during the endoscopic procedure itself.

When Should You Undergo These Exams—and Why Are They So Important?

We explore the topic with Dr. Mauro Trifero, general surgeon and expert in digestive endoscopy at Ars Medica.

With these modern endoscopic techniques, it’s possible to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including:

• Esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus—a condition where stomach-like mucosa is found in the lower third of the esophagus

• Hiatal hernias, esophageal diverticula, and eosinophilic esophagitis

• Gastritis (superficial, erosive, or atrophic forms), ulcers, and unfortunately, esophageal or gastric cancers

What Happens During These Exams?

During both gastroscopy and colonoscopy, small biopsies can be easily taken using millimeter-sized forceps. These samples are then analyzed by a pathologist to confirm the nature of any abnormal findings, enabling precise, early-stage diagnoses.

What Can Gastroscopy Detect?

Gastroscopy (also called esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) offers a thorough examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, allowing doctors to identify inflammation, ulcers, and early signs of cancer in the upper digestive tract.

What Can Colonoscopy Detect?

Colonoscopy explores the colon and rectum, helping identify:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases

• Diverticulosis

• Hemorrhoidal lesions

• Polyps or early-stage tumors

This procedure has become increasingly widespread, especially for fecal occult blood screening programs. These have enabled earlier detection of precancerous polyps or tumors, significantly improving survival rates for colon cancer in recent decades.

Emergency Management at Ars Medica

Endoscopy is also essential in emergency situations, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Both mechanical and chemical methods can be used during the procedure to stop the bleeding effectively.

One particularly memorable case involved a young patient who accidentally swallowed a dental crown. The object lodged near the appendix, causing localized irritation. The crown—sharp and potentially dangerous—was safely retrieved endoscopically using a retrieval basket. With a short course of antibiotics, the patient recovered fully without the need for surgery.

Why Choose Ars Medica for Digestive Endoscopy?

Undergoing digestive endoscopy at Ars Medica means placing your trust in a team of highly experienced professionals who combine years of clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our team stays up to date with the latest technological advances, including the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics.

“We use state-of-the-art endoscopic tools that not only make the procedure smoother and more comfortable but also allow for enhanced visualization,” explains Dr. Trifero. “Using advanced contrast-light imaging, we can now detect lesions as small as a few millimeters—details that traditional methods might have missed.”