FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Since all operations are performed by a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) technique if possible, this not only leads to significantly less pain after the procedure, but also a significantly shorter hospital stay.

The average length of stay in hospital can be estimated as follows:

Inguinal hernia surgery: 1 to 2 days

Gallbladder surgery: 2 to 3 days

Reflux surgery: 2 to 3 days

Gastrointestinal surgery: 5-7 days

Normal day-to-day activities are possible again in all of the operations listed above after a rest period or sick leave of around 10 to 14 days.

Greater physical exertion or sport is allowed again after 3 to 4 weeks.

By administering a sedative / sleep-inducing drug, you can be put into a short state of twilight sleep during the examination. This offer is accepted by almost all patients. You will be then sleeping during the entire colonoscopy.

Flatulence can occur after the examination, but you can get it under control quickly with sufficient body movement.

Is a stool test at the family doctor enough as a screening test?

The faecal occult blood test does not provide any assurance that your intestine may not have developed carcinoma or polyps. Traces of blood can only be found in the test if existing tumours and polyps are bleeding, which they do not always do.

Conversely, a positive test result does not automatically mean that you have colorectal cancer. Bleeding haemorrhoids, intestinal inflammation, etc. can falsify the test result.

The only effective colorectal cancer screening method is and remains colonoscopy, since it can detect benign precursors of colorectal cancer (polyps). Removal of the precursors prevents the polyps from developing into cancer later.

Can the intestine be injured during the colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a very safe and gentle examination method if it is performed by an experienced doctor. Complications can occur in exceptional cases.