Colonoscopy

Welcome to InnerMed - your specialists for colonoscopy in Bühl/Baden-Baden!

With more than 3500 colonoscopies a year, we have reliable experience in the field of endoscopic examinations. Our priority: your safety and well-being. State-of-the-art, high-quality equipment and personalised care from qualified specialists are therefore top priorities at InnerMed.

In addition to the colonoscopy, we naturally offer a wide range of other examination and treatment options. s

at a glance

When is a colonoscopy recommended?
Before the colonoscopy: what you should think about
Colonoscopy: how the examination works
After the colonoscopy - what should I bear in mind?
Colonoscopy: benefits, risks and costs
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
OWNER LUTZ EHMSEN: WHAT INNERMED STANDS FOR
CERTIFIED QUALITY, MODERN EQUIPMENT, HIGHEST HYGIENE STANDARDS
Directions
Lutz Ehmsen

When is a colonoscopy recommended?

Colonoscopy is the standard procedure for examining the large intestine and the lower section of the small intestine. It is particularly suitable for Early detection of bowel cancer and its precursors are important. Screening is therefore recommended for men from the age of 50 and for women from the age of 55.

Colonoscopy is also advisable as a preventive measure if there is a family history of bowel cancer, i.e. if direct relatives have been diagnosed with the disease.

For unclear abdominal complaints, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or for specific Symptoms we also recommend having a colonoscopy performed. This includes

Blood in the stool
Increased abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation
Iron deficiency or anaemia
Unclear weight loss

A colonoscopy enables your doctor to identify the cause of your symptoms. For example, chronic bowel diseases, precursors of bowel cancer and possible inflammation or malignant changes in the bowel mucosa can be recognised.

Also for the Aftercare following bowel surgery (for example after bowel cancer), we recommend a colonoscopy for a check-up.

ATTENTION

Please use our contact form for the following acute symptoms:

New irregularities in bowel movements

New onset of diarrhoea and/or constipation for at least four weeks

Visible blood in the stool or detection of blood in the stool using a stool test

Unexplained weight loss

Anaemia of unknown cause diagnosed by a general practitioner

We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Contact form

Before the colonoscopy: what you should think about

It is important to us that you go to your examination feeling confident. It goes without saying that we will therefore take the time to inform you in detail about the procedure and the advantages and disadvantages of the examination. A few days before the agreed appointment, you will receive a Personal information meeting, during which we will explain all the steps to you and answer your questions.

Various factors such as food and medication can have a decisive influence on the quality of the examination. To optimise the Requirements for a safe and successful colonoscopy a few things need to be taken into account.

1. Change your diet - start in good time

Start reducing fibre in your diet a few days before the colonoscopy. This means: no wholemeal products, muesli or fruit and vegetables containing seeds. It is best to stick to white bread, pasta, potatoes, toast and low-fibre fruit and vegetables.

2. How bowel evacuation works

The bowel must be completely cleansed and emptied for the examination. We will therefore give you a prescription for a laxative drinking solution, which you should take the evening before your colonoscopy. From this point onwards, you should also refrain from eating solid food.

3. The laxative solution: making it easier to take

Do you find it difficult to take the laxative? It can help to take the solution chilled, suck slices of lemon or orange before and after each sip and use a straw.

4. Don't forget to eat and drink

A thorough bowel cleansing is important - but you should not stop eating too early. Make sure you have a light lunch the day before the examination and drink plenty of fluids such as water and tea.

5. Clarify medication intake

Anyone who regularly takes medication should discuss this with their doctor before the colonoscopy. In some cases, the intake must be adjusted, for example in the case of blood-thinning medication or diabetics who inject insulin.

6. Wear comfortable clothing

We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose and stain-resistant clothing on the day of the examination. It is not uncommon to feel cold after the colonoscopy - so it is best to pack something warm to wear.

7. keep your diary free

We advise our patients to rest after the examination - especially if they have been given a sedative. Therefore, if possible, do not schedule any important appointments on the day of the examination.

8. bring an accompanying person with you

Anyone who has been given a sedative for the colonoscopy must not drive for around 24 hours and should not go home alone. It is best to organise a companion in good time, arrange to be picked up or take a taxi.

9. bring medical findings and documents with you

Have you already had a colonoscopy in the past? It is best to bring the relevant findings with you on the day of the examination. A medication plan should also be presented, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

10 The specialist's tip: Don't be afraid of the short sleep injection!

„A colonoscopy doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience, on the contrary - thanks to the possibility of a light anaesthetic, patients usually don't feel anything at all. I therefore recommend having the examination performed with a short anaesthetic. Questions about anaesthesia or your colonoscopy? The InnerMed team is here for you, feel free to contact us!“ - Lutz Ehmsen, owner and gastroenterologist

Colonoscopy: how the examination works

Colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis at InnerMed and therefore does not require hospitalisation. On the day of the examination, we will see you at the agreed time in our endoscopy department. Here you will again receive all the necessary information about the examination procedure.

In order to always guarantee you a pain-free examination, we recommend having the colonoscopy performed with a ‘short anaesthetic’. However, you can of course also have the examination without a short anaesthetic.

The examination usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The endoscope - a tube-like device about the thickness of a finger - is inserted into the large intestine from the anus. The intestine must first be dilated so that the intestinal mucosa can be seen clearly and any changes can be visualised. This is done by blowing in air or medical carbon dioxide. The endoscope can then be advanced through the large intestine to the junction of the small intestine.

If necessary, your doctor can, during the examination Tissue samples or perform minor endoscopic procedures. This includes, for example, the removal of polyps, i.e. benign growths, to prevent cancer. Depending on the size of the polyp, this is done using small forceps or an electric snare and is completely painless.

Colonoscopy - examination at the InnerMed group practice for general medicine and gastroenterology in Bühl / Baden-Baden

After the colonoscopy - what should I bear in mind?

After the colonoscopy examination at the InnerMed group practice for general medicine and gastroenterology in Bühl / Baden-Baden

If you have been given a sedative for the examination, you will be taken to a recovery room for about 20 to 30 minutes after the colonoscopy. This is followed by a Final consultation with your doctor where we will inform you of the results of your examination. If tissue samples have been taken, they will be sent to our partner laboratory for analysis. As a rule, you will receive the results of this analysis after three days at the latest.

You may not feel as energetic as usual immediately after the colonoscopy. If you have been given sedatives, you will also not be allowed to drive a car, bicycle or motorbike for 24 hours. We therefore recommend that you have someone accompany you after the examination and then recover at home.

If you do not have the possibility to be picked up, we will be happy to organise a taxi for you - just contact us.

Your digestion may also need a few days to recover. Laxation before the colonoscopy puts a strain on the large intestine and can lead to discomfort such as abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort. A temporary intake of probiotic bacteria can be helpful for faster regeneration. We recommend Orthomed fit pro-6 ® for this purpose. Please feel free to contact us about this.

You may eat and drink as usual after the examination.

Colonoscopy: benefits, risks and costs

ADVANTAGES

What are the advantages of colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is an important preventive examination. It is currently the most accurate and reliable method of detecting and preventing bowel diseases. A number of advantages speak in favour of the examination:

Enables a Precise assessment of the intestinal mucosa

Tissue samples can be taken directly during the examination

Enables the Recognising bowel cancer in very early stages

Conspicuous growths (polyps) in the intestine can be removed immediately to prevent them from developing into malignant tumours

Reduces the risk for the development of
Colorectal cancer significant

RISKS

What are the risks and side effects?

Colonoscopy is considered a very safe procedure. The risk of complications is extremely low. In rare cases, minor bleeding may occur, for example when polyps are removed. However, these can usually be treated immediately on an outpatient basis.In extremely rare cases, more serious complications such as perforation of the bowel wall may occur during the examination.

In individual cases, patients do not tolerate the sedative. This can lead to circulatory problems during the examination - which is why we constantly monitor pulse, oxygen saturation and blood pressure.

The air used to dilate the bowel escapes naturally after the examination. This can take a few hours and can lead to temporary abdominal pain or flatulence. To reduce discomfort before and after the colonoscopy, you can also have the examination performed using medical carbon dioxide (CO2) thanks to new technology. However, as the additional costs of using this procedure are not covered by statutory health insurance, we charge around 20 euros for this.

COSTS

How much does a colonoscopy cost?

In the following cases, the statutory
Health insurance companies cover the costs of your colonoscopy:

To the Colorectal cancer screeningFor men from the age of 50 and for women from the age of 55.

For colorectal cancer screening at increased risk: As required from an earlier age. You can clarify this individually with your health insurance company, your family doctor or gastroenterologist.

With Complaints, which indicate an underlying bowel disease.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Brochures & downloads for you

Information / Consent for colonoscopy Download

Information Colon cleansing with Eziclen®Download

Information Colon cleansing with Picoprep®Download

Default fee Download

Consent to the transfer of patient data Download

Further information

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Can I shower/bathe before the colonoscopy?

Yes - showering or bathing before the colonoscopy has no influence on the examination. You can therefore carry out your daily personal hygiene as usual.

What do I wear to the colonoscopy?

You do not need any special clothing for the colonoscopy. We will provide you with examination trousers and overshoes. However, it is best to come in loose, comfortable and stain-resistant clothing. We recommend that you wear a short-sleeved vest or T-shirt if possible and pack warm clothing in case you feel cold after the examination. You can also pack spare underwear just in case. You do not need to bring a towel.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The actual examination usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. If you have been given a sedative, you will be taken to a recovery room for around 20 to 30 minutes after your colonoscopy.

You will then have a final consultation with your doctor, during which we will discuss the results of your examination. You can expect to remain in the practice for around one to two hours on the day of the examination.

What can I eat and drink before the colonoscopy?

A few days before your colonoscopy, you should avoid foods containing grains and pulses - including wholemeal products, muesli, linseed and fruit and vegetables containing seeds (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, grapes, kiwi, cucumber, tomatoes). The reason: the grains remain in the intestine for longer and can block the endoscope, i.e. the examination instrument.

The day before your examination, it is best to have a light breakfast and a light lunch. For example, you could have soup, mashed potatoes or pasta. After that, you should not eat anything else. As the laxative removes fluid from the body, it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. This means: tea, water, clear broth or diluted juices without pulp. Please avoid milk, coffee, cola, Fanta, dark fruit juices and black tea. You should also stop drinking water two hours before your appointment.

Which clear broth before the colonoscopy?

The type of broth you consume before the colonoscopy is not important. Whether vegetable broth, chicken broth or beef broth - the only important thing is that you choose a light-coloured broth. This applies to all liquids before the examination: please avoid dark, milky or carbonated drinks.

Why no dairy products before the colonoscopy?

Milk and dairy products can impair vision during a colonoscopy. You should therefore avoid milk and products such as butter, cheese or yoghurt the day before and on the day of the examination.

What can I eat after a colonoscopy?

Immediately after the examination, you can eat anything you want again. Sometimes it can take a few days for your digestion to completely normalise again. However, this is no cause for concern. The temporary intake of intestinal bacteria can be helpful for faster regeneration.

How does a colonoscopy work?

The colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. A few days before the examination, you will have an information session during which we will explain the examination procedure to you and take the time to answer your questions. On the day of the examination, the colonoscopy can be performed with a ‘short sleep injection’, i.e. under a short anaesthetic, and takes between 15 and 30 minutes. It is safe, clean and painless. After the examination, you will have a consultation with a doctor - preferably in the presence of an accompanying person - to discuss the results.

How often should a colonoscopy be performed?

Colonoscopy is an important preventive examination. It is recommended for men from the age of 50 and for women from the age of 55. If your findings are unremarkable, you only have to repeat the colonoscopy after ten years. In some cases, your doctor may recommend more frequent colonoscopies - for example, if polyps have previously been removed, if you have a known chronic bowel inflammation or if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

What does a colonoscopy cost?

The costs of a colonoscopy are usually covered by your health insurance. For men, the examination is covered from the age of 50; for women from the age of 55.

Statutory health insurance companies also generally cover the costs of colonoscopies for complaints that indicate a disease in the intestinal area.

How do I get an appointment for a colonoscopy?

It is best to book your appointment for the preliminary consultation for the colonoscopy completely simply and conveniently online. The appointment for the examination itself will be arranged during this consultation.

Of course you can also contact us by E-mail, by telephone or in person in practice.

How long is the waiting time for a colonoscopy?

The waiting time for an examination appointment can vary. It depends on the urgency of the examination and can range from a few days to several weeks.

For acute symptoms, please use our Contact form. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

InnerMed Gastroentrology

OWNER LUTZ EHMSEN: WHAT INNERMED STANDS FOR

Your well-being is a priority at InnerMed. Our competent practice team, led by owner and gastroenterologist Lutz Ehmsen, ensures that your colonoscopy runs smoothly and provides comprehensive care during and after the examination. This is particularly important to us:

Detailed patient education and information
Time for individual support and diagnostics
Safety and well-being of our patients
A friendly tone and communication at eye level

LUTZ EHMSEN

Specialist in internal medicine

CERTIFIED QUALITY, MODERN EQUIPMENT,
HIGHEST HYGIENE STANDARDS

Thanks to many years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we can offer you a offer medical care at the very highest level. We not only attach great importance to professional expertise and personalised care, but also to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.Compliance with these standards is a core aspect of our work and ensures the safety of our patients. We use state-of-the-art, high-resolution video endoscopes from Olympus for our endoscopic examinations.

Do you have questions or doubts before your examination?

Don't hesitate to contact us - we take your fears seriously and take the time to answer your questions.

Patient voices

“The InnerMed practice has a great portfolio of services, is superbly equipped and uses modern communication channels. The whole team is competent, helpful and friendly. A mega service - I always feel well and honestly advised by you. Thank you very much ... keep up the good work.”

Isabell W.

“I've been with InnerMed for a long time.
Great team and great doctors.”

Lena K.

“Firstly, I would like to give huge praise to the medical assistants. This also reflects the expertise of the medical specialists. I can recommend this practice with a clear conscience.”

Peter F.

“As a patient for many years, I can say
Very nice practice team and empathetic, competent team of doctors. I feel very well looked after and comfortable.”

Petra S.

“Great team, I always feel well looked after.”

Andrea P.

How to find us

Directions

About the author

Lutz Ehmsen

Lutz Ehmsen is a specialist in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology with additional qualifications in emergency medicine and owner of the group practice InnerMed. He has many years of clinical and outpatient experience, has worked as a senior physician and head of an endoscopy department and has an exceptionally high level of experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy with around 2000 colonoscopies and 500 gastroscopies per year.

His specialist focus is on quality-assured colonoscopy and gastroscopy, structured colon cancer screening and the comprehensive care of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Find out more about my qualifications and experience on the About Me page >

Colonoscopy