Professor Hagit Tulchinskyleading colorectal surgeon
This type of examination represents a modern diagnostic method that allows for a complete examination of the inner surface of the mucosa of the large intestine and the distal part of the small intestine. During the colonoscopy, Israeli doctors identify polyps, inflammatory processes, ulcers, and malignant neoplasms of the intestine. One of the advantages of the method is the ability to perform treatment simultaneously with diagnosis (for example, to remove a small polyp).
Top Ichilov Medical Center is one of the largest medical institutions in the country, equipped with the latest technology. Colonoscopy at Ichilov is performed using high-precision endoscopic equipment, and the interpretation of the results is carried out by doctors with clinical experience of 10-15 years or more.
Indications
The examination is conducted upon detection of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, unexpected deterioration of intestinal functions, and other signs of possible tumour formation. This type of diagnosis is also indicated for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, elderly patients with a drop in hematocrit of unclear etiology (one of the signs of anemia).
Colonoscopy is often recommended to patients as a screening examination for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, for diagnosing polyps, hemorrhoids, and clarifying the cause of constipation. This type of examination is often included in the comprehensive diagnostic program for patients preparing for surgery (in particular, surgeries for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases).
Essence of the Method
The examination involves the introduction of a thin flexible tube through the anus into the intestine. The tube is called a colonoscope and is equipped with a fiber-optic or electronic CCD video camera, which transmits images to a screen as it moves through the intestine. Doctors examine the intestinal mucosa in real-time, and the obtained images are saved on a computer for further use. During the examination, the colonoscope camera traverses the entire large intestine.
One of the modern varieties of colonoscopy is called virtual colonoscopy. This is a non-invasive type of examination that relies entirely on tomographic data. The method allows for viewing two-dimensional CT images and a three-dimensional model of the intestine constructed based on them. The disadvantages of the method include low resolution (it is impossible to detect neoplasms smaller than 0.5 cm) and the inability to perform a biopsy or immediately remove a detected polyp. In contrast to virtual colonoscopy, standard colonoscopy allows visualization of even very small pathologies of the intestinal walls and, if necessary, treatment can be performed. We will describe in detail how the standard colonoscopy procedure is conducted.
How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost in Israel
The price of colonoscopy in Israel differs significantly from that in Western Europe, Canada, and the United States. Here you have the opportunity to save at least 30-45% of your personal budget. This is largely why thousands of patients come to Israeli clinics every year seeking accurate and prompt intestinal diagnostics while wanting to save money. Israel is one of the leading countries in medical tourism, and the clinics in the country strive to implement pricing policies that are as comfortable as possible for a wide range of foreign patients.
- Acromegaly
- Atrophic gastritis
- Rectal prolapse
- Gastritis
- Gastroduodenitis
- Treatment of Crohn's disease
- Treatment of rectal cancer in Israel
- Treatment of cecal cancer
- Treatment of colon cancer
- Gastrointestinal tumours
- Intestinal polyposis
- Rectal polyposis
- Bile duct cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Rectal polyp
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Procedure
During the examination, the intestine must be empty, so the patient consumes only liquid food (juices, broths) or food free of plant fibers for several days. A day before the examination, the patient is given a laxative and plenty of water to cleanse the intestine. It is recommended to stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications ten days before the procedure (to avoid bleeding if polypectomy is needed).
Usually, the intestine has a folded structure and consists of many bends — to allow for a detailed examination of the mucosa in such areas, the intestinal lumen is expanded by inflating air using an air compressor. During the examination, the patient lies on their side with their legs drawn up. The specialist rectally inserts the colonoscope, guided by the image transmitted by the colonoscope camera to the monitor. The patient is in a state of deep sedation (tranquilizers and analgesics are administered intravenously). In some cases, sedation may not be used.
The colonoscope has a flexible tip — by bending it in different directions, the doctor can better visualize various internal structures of the large intestine. Most colonoscopes have an instrumental channel. With the tools installed in it, the doctor can perform a biopsy (take a tissue sample for histological analysis) or remove small polyps. Modern models of endoscopic equipment can be equipped with lasers, electrosurgical instruments, and other devices that allow for the removal of pathological formations detected during colonoscopy.
Highly qualified endoscopists perform a complete colonoscopy in about 10 minutes. If any pathologies are detected, a more detailed examination is conducted, which may take an additional 20-30 minutes. After the examination, the patient rests for some time until the effects of the sedative medications completely wear off. This process takes about half an hour to an hour. Some patients may experience bloating and a short-term pain syndrome after the examination.
Advantages of Examination at Our Center
- The clinic employs experienced specialists. It is known that the main cause of complications during endoscopic examinations of the intestine (perforation of its walls, bleeding, etc.) arises from the low qualifications of the specialist conducting the diagnosis. Our center employs endoscopists who have undergone extensive specialization (including in major foreign clinics), have significant experience, and conduct examinations with maximum care.
- During the examination, the latest samples of endoscopic equipment are used — modern colonoscopes from leading global manufacturers, allowing for high-resolution imaging and the most informative diagnostics.
- At all stages, you are accompanied by a dedicated individual curator — an employee of the clinic's international department, who will coordinate the doctors, translate your medical documents, and assist you with any other questions. If you are interested, they can even organize tours of historical sites.
- The cost of colonoscopy in Israel is significantly lower than in leading EU countries or the United States. Here you can undergo accurate and quick diagnostics without overpaying for anything.