What is gastro-enterology?

Gastro-enterology treats problems concerning the digestive system: dan enkel foto van dia 43 toevoegen.

Stomach-intestine

Do you have some of the following complaints: Pain behind the sternum, swallowing problems, heartburn, regurgitation, stomach ache, belching, nausea,...

What is a gastroscopy? How do we investigate esophagus and stomach?

A gastroscopy is a visual exam, the aim of which is to search for lesions of the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine.

Colon problems

Abdominal pains, bloated stomach, diarrhea, constipation, blood loss…?

These complaints may be caused by banal past infections, inflammatory intestine sicknesses, spastic intestine, diverticle, intestinal polyps, intestinal tumors, prolapse,...

Polyps of the large intestine: the importance?

Some of the patients slowly develop a polyp on the mucous surface of the large intestine. We can describe it as an accretion. It tends to grow in the shape of a mushroom with a stem or as a flat carpet spred on the mucous. A polyp can grow without causing any complaints, but it can also cause blood loss or rectal mucous loss, a different bowel movement pattern or convulsions. Polyps can finally cause colon cancer. The risk of developping a polyp raises at the age of 50. There is no lifestyle, medication or alimentation existing that has proven to counter a polyp formation.

Examination?

When there is a family history of intestinal cancer or intestinal polyps, a preventive examination is desirable. The choice of examination happens in concertation with the doctor. Most of the time, he will recommend a colonoscopy as screening. In 15% of the cases, we find a polyp.

Colon cancer: Prevention is better than cure

4500 Belgians/year will be diagnosed. Colon cancer is the 4 most common tumor, just behind breast, lung and prostate cancer. 76 to 90% of the colorectal cancers can be prevented by screening colonoscopy. Colonoscopy wtih resection of the polyps is the only proven and efficient therapy at the moment.