The Hořovice Hospital, which is part of the AKESO medical holding, has expanded its gastroenterology services since February to include two highly specialized methods - endosonography (EUS) and ERCP. These modern procedures enable very precise diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pancreas, biliary tract and other parts of the digestive tract. In many cases, they can replace surgery.
"Thanks to the combination of methods, we are able to provide the patient with comprehensive care under one roof. We are able to significantly shorten the time from suspicion of the disease to the final diagnosis and the start of treatment, which is especially crucial for oncology patients," says Michal Voška, MD, PhD, Head of the Gastroenterology Department.
Endosonography: a detailed view of the pancreas and bile ducts
Endosonography (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound. The doctor inserts a thin instrument into the digestive tract and uses an ultrasound probe to view the surrounding organs in detail, especially the pancreas, bile ducts, oesophagus and stomach.
The method is particularly crucial when tumours, inflammatory diseases or cysts are suspected . A great advantage is the possibility of targeted tissue sampling directly during the examination, which allows a rapid refinement of the diagnosis without the need for further invasive surgery.
ERCP: diagnosis and treatment in one procedure
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is used not only for the diagnosis, but above all for the treatment of diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas.
It is most commonly used to remove gallstones, resolve bile duct strictures or to insert stents. For many patients, this procedure can replace surgery and significantly reduce the treatment time.
Short waiting times and comprehensive care
One of the main advantages of Hořovice Hospital is the fast availability of examinations. In most cases, patients are booked within a few days. For acute and oncological indications, appointments are shortened to the maximum extent possible according to the severity of the medical condition.
Patients also benefit from the connection to other specialties within the hospital - internal medicine, surgery, oncology, radiology and anaesthesiology. This allows rapid follow-up to other treatments without the need for transfer to another facility.
Procedures are performed by an experienced team of specialists using modern instrumentation.
How to make an appointment
The patient is referred for an examination by a general practitioner or specialist. Appointments are made as standard on the basis of a request form or after prior telephone or electronic arrangement with the gastroenterology department.
For more complex cases, a consultation of the findings before the procedure is possible in order to select the most appropriate procedure.
Both endosonography and ERCP are fully covered by health insurance if properly indicated. Patients do not pay any direct costs for the examination.
