Endoscopy under sedation: gastroscopy, colonoscopy and bronchoscopy
At Medical Time hospital all three endoscopic examinations are done to the same standard: under sedation managed by an anesthesiologist, with modern video equipment and continuous monitoring of pulse, breathing, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. The patient sleeps through the examination, feels no pain and does not remember it, while the doctor works calmly and thoroughly.
Endoscopy is not only an examination. If the doctor notices a suspicious change, a tissue sample for biopsy is taken during the same procedure, and a polyp found during colonoscopy is, as a rule, removed straight away. When symptoms call for an examination of the whole digestive tract, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are done under the same sedation, so the patient falls asleep once and wakes up once.
Which examination you need depends on where the symptoms are:
- Colonoscopy under sedation — examination of the entire large intestine, for blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, anemia of unclear cause and as colorectal cancer screening; takes 20 to 40 minutes
- Gastroscopy under sedation — examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, for heartburn, stomach pain, nausea and suspected Helicobacter pylori; takes 10 to 20 minutes
- Bronchoscopy under sedation — examination of the trachea and bronchi, for a persistent cough, coughing up blood and an unclear shadow on a lung X-ray; takes 15 to 30 minutes
- Combined examination — gastroscopy and colonoscopy under the same sedation
- Therapeutic procedures during the same examination — polyp removal, stopping bleeding and removing a foreign body
Preparation, the examination and when you get the results
An endoscopic examination is done on an empty stomach: for gastroscopy and bronchoscopy you do not eat for at least 6 hours beforehand, and you stop clear fluids 2 hours earlier. For colonoscopy you also need bowel preparation the day before, following the written instructions you receive when booking.
Because the examination is done under sedation, you come with a companion and do not drive that day. The whole hospital visit, including preparation, sedation and waking up, usually takes about one to two hours. If you would like to spend the first hours of recovery under supervision, Beo Day, our one-day hospital stay, is available.
You receive the report with images and recommendations immediately after the examination. If samples were taken, the histopathology results arrive in the following days, and all images and reports are stored digitally for comparison at follow-up.
Ultrasound, cardiac diagnostics and blood tests
Alongside endoscopy, we also carry out examinations of the heart, blood vessels, lungs and general health in one place. Results are interpreted by a specialist with clear recommendations, often during the examination itself.
- Ultrasound — a painless, radiation-free examination of the internal organs and soft tissues; takes 10 to 30 minutes
- Color Doppler — an ultrasound view of blood flow through the arteries and veins; takes 15 to 30 minutes
- ECG — a recording of the heart's activity in a few minutes, interpreted by a cardiologist
- Holter ECG and blood pressure Holter — monitoring of the heart and blood pressure over a full day and night
- Spirometry — a lung function test, with results as soon as the test is finished
- Blood tests — basic tests such as a complete blood count, blood sugar and cholesterol are usually ready the same day
How much diagnostics cost at Medical Time
The price of an endoscopic examination depends on which organ is examined, whether it is done under sedation or local anesthesia, and whether a biopsy is taken or a polyp removed. A combined examination under the same sedation is, as a rule, more affordable than two separate appointments.
The price is confirmed before the examination, with no hidden costs. For the current price and an available appointment, call 062 399 888.
Why have your diagnostics done at Medical Time
Medical Time is a private hospital in Vračar, at Krunska 9. We are open weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.
- endoscopy under sedation with continuous anesthesiologist supervision
- experienced gastroenterologists and pulmonologists and modern video endoscopes
- biopsy and polyp removal during the same examination
- quick booking, and no referral needed for endoscopic examinations and blood tests
- report and recommendations immediately, with images and reports stored digitally
- laboratory, histopathology, imaging and specialist consultation in one place
Frequently asked questions about diagnostics at Medical Time
No. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and bronchoscopy are done under sedation managed by an anesthesiologist, so the patient sleeps through the examination and feels no pain. After waking up there may only be mild bloating or a passing scratchy throat.
No. At Medical Time you can book endoscopic examinations and blood tests without a referral, usually quickly and without a long wait.
Yes. Both examinations are done under the same sedation, so the patient falls asleep once and wakes up once. This is quicker and easier than two separate appointments.
You receive the endoscopy report with images and recommendations immediately after the examination, and histopathology results for any samples arrive in the following days. Basic blood tests are usually ready the same day.
At least 6 hours before gastroscopy or bronchoscopy, and you stop clear fluids 2 hours earlier. For colonoscopy you also need bowel preparation the day before, following the instructions you receive when booking.
No. Because of the sedation you come with a companion and do not drive or operate machinery that day. If you would like to recover under supervision, you can stay for Beo Day, our one-day hospital stay.
The price depends on the type of examination, the type of sedation and whether a biopsy is taken or a polyp removed. You get the exact price and an appointment on 062 399 888, and the price is confirmed before the examination.
Krunska 9, Vračar, Belgrade. We are open weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Book an examination on 062 399 888.
Related pages
Most requested examinations and services alongside diagnostics: