Digestive Health Screening & Gastroenterology

Overview

The Digestive Health Screening & Gastroenterology center at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center provides comprehensive upper and lower gastrointestinal diagnostics using Olympus high-definition endoscopic imaging systems. Working within a multidisciplinary clinical team of 16 board-certified specialists, our board-certified gastroenterologists perform precision endoscopic examinations, tissue biopsies, polyp resections, and functional evaluations. Patients can review specialist credentials via our Medical Staff Directory.

Key Diagnostic & Therapeutic Programs

• Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy): High-definition optical examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for early detection of gastritis, peptic ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and mucosal lesions.
• Colonoscopy: Detailed inspection of the entire large intestine and terminal ileum for colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel changes, and early neoplastic lesions.
• Upper GI Series (Barium X-ray): Fluoroscopic barium contrast radiography evaluating swallowing mechanics, esophageal transit, and gastric contour.
• Endoscopic Diagnosis & Treatment: Targeted mucosal biopsy, hemostasis, and endoscopic polypectomy performed during screening when clinically indicated.
• Indigestion Evaluation: Structured diagnostic workup for chronic dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, bloating, and gastrointestinal motility disorders.
• Reflux Esophagitis (GERD) Treatment: Endoscopic grading of gastroesophageal reflux disease paired with individualized medical and lifestyle management.

Clinical Diagnostic Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)	Inspects esophageal, gastric, and duodenal mucosa; allows targeted biopsy	Fasting from food and water for at least 8 hours prior to procedure
Colonoscopy	Evaluates entire colon for polyps, adenomas, and mucosal inflammation	Low-residue diet for 3 days prior plus split-dose bowel cleansing regimen
Upper GI Series (Barium X-ray)	Non-endoscopic fluoroscopic imaging of upper digestive tract anatomy	Fasting for 8 hours prior; increased water intake after barium swallow
Conscious Sedation Endoscopy	Enhances patient comfort during upper or lower endoscopic procedures	Pre-sedation vital sign screening; accompanied departure and no driving on exam day

Preparation & Examination Flow

1. Pre-Procedure Clinical Assessment: Review of digestive symptoms, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, drug allergies, and medical history.
2. Bowel & Fasting Preparation: Personalized fasting instructions and bowel-cleansing guidance prior to the scheduled appointment.
3. High-Definition Endoscopic Examination: Performed by board-certified gastroenterologists with continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring when conscious sedation is selected.
4. Recovery & Specialist Consultation: Post-procedure observation in a dedicated recovery lounge followed by endoscopic image review and scheduling through our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Important Clinical Considerations

• Patients taking blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, or direct oral anticoagulants) must consult their prescribing physician and inform our medical team in advance before scheduling an endoscopy or biopsy.
• Following conscious sedation endoscopy, patients must refrain from driving, operating machinery, or making legal decisions for the remainder of the day.
• Endoscopic biopsy or polypectomy carries small clinical risks such as mucosal bleeding or perforation, which are explained in detail prior to consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I fast before an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy?

For an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), patients should fast completely from food, water, and beverages for at least 8 hours before the examination. For a colonoscopy, patients follow a 3-day low-residue dietary restriction along with the prescribed bowel-cleansing solution protocol.

Can gastroscopy and colonoscopy be performed during the same visit?

Yes, upper gastroscopy and lower colonoscopy are frequently scheduled together during a single comprehensive screening visit under continuous conscious sedation monitoring, allowing our board-certified gastroenterologists to evaluate both the upper and lower digestive tracts efficiently.