Colon cancer is characterised by the fact that it does not cause any symptoms for a long time. Colonoscopy makes it easy to detect any tumours that may have already developed and, more importantly, to identify the tiny growths on the mucous membrane (polyps) that can be considered as a precursor to colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic method of colonoscopic examination of the colon. The colonoscopy procedure is as follows:

• The procedure involves passing an endoscope through the anus into the colon, with a camera at the end.
• The camera allows the mucous membrane of the intestine to be examined in a clearly visible way and minor procedures (biopsy, polyp removal) can be easily performed.
• Colonoscopy can also be used to diagnose polyps, inflammation, tumours, rectal and colonic bleeding and lower abdominal pain.
• Colonoscopy can be used to remove polyps from the colon using an endoscopic loop, and thus almost completely prevent the development of colon cancer by regular colonoscopy every 5 years.

Colonoscopy can be performed with or without anaesthesia. You should not eat the night before a colonoscopy, and if you are hungry, you should take some glucose or honey. For more information, read our blog post on colonoscopy.

The hydrogen exhalation test can painlessly detect lactose intolerance, contaminated small bowel syndrome (SIBO) and fructose intolerance.

• Lactose is a disaccharide found in milk, which is converted by an enzyme called lactase into glucose and galactose that are absorbed in the small intestine. If this enzyme is missing, the body cannot convert and use the sugar from milk.
• In contaminated small intestine syndrome, colon bacteria enter the small intestine and start a fermentation process that damages the intestinal wall.
• Fructose (fructose) is a monosaccharide which, after absorption from the intestine, is converted into glucose (glucose) by an enzyme (fructose-1-phosphate aldolase). If the body lacks the enzyme to break down the glucose, the conversion does not take place, resulting in a drop in blood sugar and the release of toxic substances that damage the liver.

When the test fluid ingested during the test is broken down, hydrogen gas is produced, absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs.

The procedure for a special gastroenterology test:

After adequate preparation, the patient ingests a test liquid containing lactose, fructose or lactulose. During the test, every 20 to 30 minutes for 180 minutes, the exhaled air is blown into a tube connected to the measuring device, which measures the rise in hydrogen levels.

Preparations for the test:

• Stop taking antibiotics and probiotics in the month before the test.
• After endoscopic procedures and surgery, at least 4 weeks should elapse before H2 testing.
• Avoid consuming milk, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, nuts and oilseeds the day before the test.
• Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and smoking the day before the test.
• On the day of the test, brush your teeth only with clean water and do not use toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum or sweets, as these substances will affect the results of the test.

Helicobacter pylori is responsible for a large proportion of inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract and increases the risk of developing tumours in the digestive tract. It colonises the superficial mucus layers of the gastric mucosa, is highly resistant and thrives in the gastric acidic environment. The presence of the bacterium can be detected by a rapid and painless exhalation test.

How the test works:

• The patient is given oral C-carbamide in tablet form, and after waiting 10 minutes, the exhaled air is blown into a so-called breathing card for 1-4 minutes. When the test is finished, the card is placed in a measuring device which immediately shows the result.

A vizsgálat előkészületei:

• It is not recommended to take antibiotics or bismuth-containing medication for one month prior to the test.
• The week before the test, it is no longer recommended to take antacids.
• No food or fluids should be consumed for 4 hours before the test.

The tablets taken during the test contain the carbon isotope C14, a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found in the air and in the human body. The patient will only be exposed to a level of radiation equivalent to the radiation received from naturally occurring background radiation in the environment over a 24-hour period.
Nevertheless, the test is not recommended:

• For pregnant women and breastfeeding
• Persons under 18 years of age
• People who have undergone gastric surgery and have had part or all of their stomach removed
• In the case of hypersensitivity to any active substance
• If there is a risk of other stomach infections

The feeding tube can prevent and treat malnutrition associated with cancer and anti-tumour treatments, and can help to ensure that the right amount, composition and quality of food is provided to avoid deficiencies. Tube feeding may be necessary if the patient is unable to eat enough nutrients by conventional means for whatever reason, or if there is a barrier to the consumption of oral nutrients.

Accepting tube feeding can be both physically and emotionally challenging, so it is important to understand that if there is no other option, artificial feeding

• can improve overall fitness,
• make treatments more effective,
• support the body’s propensity to heal,
• it can also reduce the risk of side effects, and
• a greater chance of recovery.

The use of a feeding tube requires a dietetic and gastroenterological consultation. In some specific cases, where home tube feeding needs to be introduced, our specialists can also actively assist in the patient’s training and care. Another advantage is that the patient can recover in a family environment. Its success depends on the cooperation between the home care nurse and the hospital/specialist team and the patient’s education.

There may also be risks associated with tube feeding, and our specialist will provide full information on this during the gastroenterology examination.