Dear patient, this website introduces you to a established center for out-patient care in Bitburg and vicintiy.

 

It is the first ambulatory endoscopy center inside a hospital to be certified by Tricare and by the German Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care in the surrounding 100 miles.

 

    

 

 

 

Gastroscopy is a procedere to examine the upper part of your gastrointestinal system (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) using a thin flexible tube with its owns lens and light source. It is needed to clearify:

 

• Swallowing difficulties

• Nausea

• Vomoting

• Reflux

• Bleeding

• Indigestion

• Abdominal pain

• Chest pain

 

The physician can see abnormalities that don't show up on x-rays. Biopsies are taken, abnomal findings can be removed, bleeding lesions stopped. Most consider the test to be minimally uncomfortable and fall asleep during the procedure which takes only about 5 minutes.

 

Paper work

 

Please bring refferal form an reports from previous examinations. Most US insurances pay for the endoscopy. For patients without insurance or a german bank account a cash payment is required.

 

 

The day before

 

• No meals after 6 p.m.

• No drinks

• No tablets (except heart or blood pressure medication) after 11 p.m. 

• A small sip of wter is ok

 

Where to go?

 

Examinations are performed at the endoscopy unit of the Bitburg Hospital located in 3rd floor of the main building. Follwo our "wave logo" and the signs "Endoskopie / Praxis Dr. Aurora". Take either the main stair case of the main building all the way to the top floor or use the elevator.

 

On the 3rd floor you will see a neon sign "Endoskopie" to the left and "Oncology" to the right, you will find there the check-in-desk.

 

 

Arrangements to get home

 

Sedation used for endoscopic procedures include Midozolam (simular to valium) and Propofol. These medications are used for "conscious sedation", provide pain relief, but may cause short term amnesia.

 

Patients are not allowed to drive or work for the rest of the day and you are to be escorted.

 

 

What to expect?

 

After filling out the consent form your personal patient history will be taken in English and your questions answered.

 

Praparation begins with spraying your throat with a local anesthetic. Monitoring devices for blood oxygen level, blood pressure and puls will be adjusted and you will receive an iv. While you are in a comfortable position on your side, you will be asked to swallow as if you wanted to take a drink.

 

 

What happens afterwards?

 

After sedation you are monitored for approx 30 minutes until you are observed to be "street fit". You will receive a report with high quality picture prints in English with advice for further treatment and "work up".

 

You will be able to eat and drink after leaving the endoscopy. The biopsy report will be sent to the referring physician.