Gastroenterology Department
The Gastroenterology Department at Hygeia Hospital Tirana specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive system disorders. Our team of experienced physicians provides expert care for conditions affecting the pancreas, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon (large intestine).
The department is equipped with state-of-the-art endoscopic technology, ensuring both precision and comfort during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures—for patients and medical staff alike. This allows us to deliver an optimal standard of care.
Endoscopic procedures in this department are highly safe and patient-friendly. They involve the use of a long, flexible tube with a built-in camera, inserted into the body to visualize and treat various gastrointestinal issues. These procedures are typically performed under light sedation, ensuring the patient experiences a comfortable, safe, and accurate examination.
What Is Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)?
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The examination is performed using a long, flexible tube equipped with optical lenses, a light source, and a high-resolution camera that transmits real-time images to an external monitor. This allows the gastroenterologist to observe, diagnose, and sometimes treat conditions during the same session.
During the procedure, special tools inserted through the scope allow the physician to perform additional tasks such as taking biopsies, removing stuck food, or conducting minor endoscopic surgeries such as widening narrowed areas.
If you experience frequent digestive symptoms like heartburn, bloating, belching, nausea, or early satiety, you should consult a gastroenterologist. This exam is essential not only for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions but also for preventing digestive cancers.
What Can This Procedure Help With?
Symptom Investigation
Endoscopy helps the doctor determine the cause of:
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Unexplained persistent nausea or vomiting
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Upper abdominal pain
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Difficulty swallowing
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Gastrointestinal bleeding
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Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis
The gastroenterologist can collect tissue samples (biopsies) for lab analysis to detect:
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Anemia
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Bleeding
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Inflammation
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Diarrhea
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Digestive system cancer
Treatment
Through specialized tools, endoscopy can also be used to:
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Stop bleeding by cauterizing blood vessels
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Dilate narrowed areas (e.g., esophageal strictures)
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Remove polyps or foreign objects
This is a very safe procedure and complications are extremely rare.
How to Prepare for Gastroscopy
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Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the exam so your stomach is completely empty
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You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications a few days beforehand to reduce bleeding risk
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Inform your doctor if you have chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension; you will receive specific instructions
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Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
Is the Procedure Painful?
Gastroscopy is slightly uncomfortable but not painful. At our hospital, we use modern techniques and mild sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the 15-minute procedure. If sedation is used, patients must be accompanied by someone to take them home afterward. Driving is not allowed after the procedure under sedation.
Can the Exam Be Performed Without Symptoms?
Yes. Gastroscopy is also recommended for people without symptoms, especially those with a family history of esophageal or stomach cancer. In such cases, the risk of developing the same condition is significantly higher, and early screening is strongly advised.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to diagnose abnormalities or changes in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is performed using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. At the tip of this tube is a small camera connected to an external monitor, allowing the doctor to visualize the inside of the colon. During the examination, the gastroenterologist may remove polyps or abnormal tissues and take biopsies to be sent for lab analysis. The procedure usually lasts between 20 minutes and one hour.
When Is a Colonoscopy Recommended?
Colonoscopy is used to detect diseases affecting the colon, including early-stage colon cancer, inflammation, and ulcers. It is also the primary screening tool for colorectal cancer. It is recommended even in the absence of symptoms, especially for early detection—early diagnosis saves lives. A colonoscopy is performed to examine and manage conditions such as:
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Polyps
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Tumors
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Ulcers
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Inflammation
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Colonic strictures
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Foreign body removal during the procedure
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Chronic unexplained diarrhea
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Post-treatment follow-up for colorectal cancer
The procedure may also be recommended by the specialist for other specific cases.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
Before undergoing a colonoscopy, the colon must be fully cleansed. Inadequate preparation can prevent a complete and accurate examination. Here’s what to do:
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Special diet one day before: Avoid solid foods. Drink only clear liquids like water, tea, or black coffee. Avoid red or brown liquids, as they may be mistaken for blood during the exam. Stop consuming all liquids three hours before the procedure.
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Take a laxative: Your doctor will prescribe a laxative and provide instructions on how and when to take it to cleanse your colon.
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Inform your doctor about medications: Let your gastroenterologist know which medications you’ve been taking for at least one week before the procedure, especially if you are being treated for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, or if you take iron supplements, aspirin, blood thinners, or anticoagulants.
What Happens After the Colonoscopy?
After the procedure, you will stay under observation until the sedation wears off. Recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. You may go home once your vital signs are stable, but you must be accompanied by a family member. Driving is not allowed. You may eat as tolerated but should avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Drink fluids to rehydrate after preparation. Some gas or cramping may occur, which is normal.
If you experience fever, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen after the procedure, contact your gastroenterologist immediately for proper guidance.
Gastric Balloon – An Innovative, Non-Surgical Procedure for Weight Loss
Obesity has become an increasingly common issue in modern life. Staying in shape or maintaining an ideal weight is a daily challenge. Lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and various other factors often lead to weight gain—making it difficult to return to a healthy weight. Fortunately, there are medical procedures that offer quick and effective solutions.
In response to growing demand for medical weight loss treatments, Hygeia Hospital Tirana now offers the innovative, non-surgical Spatz3 Gastric Balloon procedure.
What Is It and How Does It Work?
This procedure involves placing a soft balloon inside the stomach using an endoscopic technique (similar to a standard gastroscopy). It is performed on an outpatient basis, takes only 20–30 minutes, and is considered one of the safest and most effective non-surgical weight loss procedures available. The balloon remains in the stomach for a period of 6 months.
By occupying space in the stomach, the balloon helps reduce food intake. As a result, patients typically lose 10–14 kilograms during the 6-month period.
At the end of the treatment, the balloon is removed via a simple outpatient procedure using a gastroscope.
Benefits of the Gastric Balloon
This method offers several advantages over surgical alternatives such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or gastric banding:
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Non-surgical and minimally invasive (no general anesthesia required)
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Quick procedure with same-day discharge
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Safe, effective, and clinically proven to support significant weight loss
