Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is an examination method that can help with this, Complaints in the upper digestive tract to be clarified. The following Symptoms can be the reason for a gastroscopy:

• Frequent heartburn
• Persistent nausea with or without vomiting
• Swallowing disorders
• Increased flatulence
• Unclear weight loss and loss of appetite

During the examination, abnormal changes in the mucous membrane can be detected and tissue samples can be taken if necessary. This allows certain diseases and causes of symptoms to be identified, for example:

• Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance (coeliac disease)
• Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
• Internal bleeding (e.g. in the oesophagus, duodenum or stomach))
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that frequently colonises the gastric mucosa in humans and can lead to the development of inflammation and/or ulcers.

Unlike a colonoscopy, a gastroscopy does not require extensive preparation and cleansing with laxatives. The stomach usually empties quickly on its own - it is therefore sufficient to avoid food and drink for at least four hours before the examination. You can consume clear liquids (e.g. water) up to about two hours before the examination.

Are you taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners)? It is best to discuss this with your doctor in good time - preferably at least two weeks before the examination appointment. It may be necessary to temporarily discontinue such medication, as otherwise the risk of internal bleeding may increase.

Gastroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis in the endoscopy department of our practice, hospitalisation is therefore not necessary. As the examination only takes between five and 15 minutes and is usually painless, anaesthesia is usually not necessary. However, we can of course administer a sedative (short sleep injection) on request. In most cases, the throat is also anaesthetised with a special spray so that the insertion of the examination device through the mouth is not too noticeable.

During the examination, the patient lies on their side. The endoscope - a tube-like device about the thickness of a finger - is inserted through the throat and advanced towards the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is equipped with a small camera and allows your doctor to view the entire gastric mucosa. With the help of small forceps, tissue samples can be taken and minor procedures performed. The endoscope is then carefully pulled out again.

If you have been given a sedative, you will be taken to a recovery room for about 20 to 30 minutes after the examination. This is followed by a Final consultation with your doctor where we will discuss 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.

After the gastroscopy, the local anaesthetic in the throat may cause hoarseness and a numb feeling in the mouth. This is nothing to worry about: the numbness will subside on its own after a short time. Until then, you should not drink or eat anything, as you could otherwise choke. 

Patients who have been given a sedative may not drive on the day of the examination. We recommend that you have someone you trust pick you up after the examination and accompany you home. We will be happy to organise a taxi for you, just contact us!

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.

Make an appointment

“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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 InnerMed Group Practice – General Practice and Gastroenterology
  
 320 Google reviews 
 
 Write a review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Doris Kist 
 
4 days ago
 
 
  
A very friendly team. I felt I was in excellent hands and was treated very well. Dr Ehmsen was very competent and empathetic.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Christian Oswald 
 
8 days ago
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Ulrich Weisbrod 
 
8 days ago
 
 
  
No waiting time. Friendly receptionists and the attending doctor, Dr Ehmsen
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Jürgen Schulten 
 
9 days ago
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel Nollau 
 
10 days ago
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Bernhard Rendler 
 
14 days ago
 
 
  
Very professional, no waiting times, friendly staff.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Tiberiu Ferent 
 
24 days ago
 
 
  
I can highly recommend this surgery. The doctors are very competent and empathetic, and listen carefully to all your concerns. I was treated very well. The medical assistants are also very empathetic and competent, and always greet you warmly. Thank you very much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Monika Schneider 
 
27 days ago
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Hans Schwarz 
 
28 days ago
 
 
  
The colonoscopy and gastroscopy carried out by Dr Ehmsen, including the preparation, were excellent. Both Dr Ehmsen and the rest of the team were very professional and, at the same time, very friendly. I would be happy to recommend the practice.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
 
 
 
 
 Ayten Sahin 
 
33 days ago
 
 
  
It was lovely – the whole process, the waiting room, the information provided – and everyone was very friendly. My child also gave the surgery 5 stars. Most importantly, it’s very accessible for wheelchair users, as there’s a lift.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

^{Note regarding our reviews: The reviews shown are taken from our public Google business profile and are reproduced in full, without any filtering based on star ratings. We do not carry out our own checks to verify whether the reviewers have actually used our services.}

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 >