Digestive Health

Diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, belching, abdominal pain… These are just some of the symptoms commonly associated with digestive disorders. It is estimated that every second person experiences some form of digestive health issue during their lifetime.

Many people tolerate these symptoms for years, considering them normal or simply an inconvenience they must live with. In most cases, however, digestive problems have a clear cause and effective treatment is available.

Digestive disorders can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions requiring long-term treatment.

Recommendation: Do not ignore symptoms, as even minor changes may indicate a serious underlying condition. Without proper attention, the condition may worsen.

What Digestive Symptoms Should Raise Concern?

You should pay attention if you:

  • Experience persistent or recurrent abdominal pain;
  • Feel that food gets stuck in the esophagus or have difficulty swallowing;
  • Have persistent heartburn or acid reflux;
  • Frequently experience nausea, bloating, or vomiting;
  • Suffer from long-term constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits;
  • Notice blood in your stool or bleeding from the rectum;
  • Experience unexplained weight loss within a short period of time;
  • Feel persistent fatigue over a prolonged period.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders

Throughout your life, you have probably experienced various digestive problems, such as constipation, bloating, or diarrhoea. These issues irritate the digestive tract and cause unpleasant symptoms.

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Structural gastrointestinal diseases

Structural gastrointestinal diseases cause more persistent symptoms that do not resolve through lifestyle changes alone.

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Risks and Prevention of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Gastrointestinal diseases often share common causes, and the risk of developing them can be reduced.

What are the risk factors for gastrointestinal diseases?

  • irregular and unbalanced diet;
  • excessive consumption of fatty, fried, and spicy foods;
  • alcohol abuse and smoking;
  • chronic stress;
  • uncontrolled use of medications and infections;
  • lack of physical activity;
  • hereditary predisposition.

The more of these factors a person is exposed to at the same time, the higher their risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases.

How can the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases be reduced?

  • Eat regularly and maintain a varied diet, including sufficient vegetables, whole grains, protein, and fluids.
  • Reduce the consumption of fast food and excessively fatty or spicy dishes.
  • Engage in moderate physical activity, as it improves metabolism and bowel function.
  • Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption to reduce the strain on the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines.
  • Manage stress, as emotional tension directly affects digestion.

Examinations and Diagnosis

Do not silently endure digestive problems for years, considering them normal or simply an inconvenience that you have to put up with. Digestive problems usually have a clear cause and effective treatment is often available. Timely treatment improves quality of life.

Consultation with a Gastrointestinal Surgeon Endoscopic examinations Diagnostic imaging

Gastrointestinal surgeon consultation

A gastrointestinal surgeon helps diagnose and treat problems related to the abdominal cavity and the digestive system.

When should you see a gastrointestinal surgeon?

You should book a consultation with a gastrointestinal surgeon if you experience:

  • persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, especially if it is severe, sudden, or lasts for more than a few days;
  • a feeling that food is getting stuck in the esophagus (difficulty swallowing);
  • persistent heartburn or acid reflux that does not improve with standard treatments;
  • frequent nausea, bloating, or vomiting that affects daily life;
  • changes in bowel habits, such as long-term constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both;
  • blood in the stool or rectal bleeding;
  • unexplained weight loss over a short period;
  • long-term fatigue;
  • the need to clarify previous test results.
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Full Price 130€

Pre-endoscopy surgical consultation (remote appointment)

Before undergoing an endoscopic examination, you can consult your doctor to determine which examination is most appropriate based on your complaints and symptoms, or if you need a doctor’s assessment to meet your insurance requirements.

Full Price 100€

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is an upper gastrointestinal tract examination in which the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are visualized. The procedure is performed using a flexible, thin tube-like optical instrument that allows direct inspection of the inner surfaces of these organs. If necessary, tissue samples can be taken immediately, benign lesions removed, or bleeding stopped.

When should you have a gastroscopy?

  • upper abdominal pain, heartburn, belching, or a sensation of a lump in the throat
  • difficulty swallowing, eating problems, recurrent nausea or vomiting
  • unexplained weight loss or anemia
  • vomiting blood
  • need for post-treatment or post-surgical follow-up
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Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a modern intestinal examination used to evaluate the large intestine (colon), rectum, and the terminal part of the small intestine. It is the most accurate method for assessing the lining of the colon and the only diagnostic method that can reliably rule out colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy helps identify the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms by detecting polyps, tumors, inflammatory changes, diverticula, or hemorrhoids. If necessary, polyps can be removed and tissue samples (biopsies) taken during the procedure.

When should you have a colonoscopy?

  • long-term abdominal pain or diarrhea
  • blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss
  • symptoms of intestinal inflammation, such as bloating, intestinal cramps, or diarrhea
  • a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
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Sigmoidoscopy

What is a Sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the lower part of the large intestine, during which the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined. The procedure is performed using a flexible, thin, tube-like optical instrument, which is usually used to examine approximately 60 cm of the large intestine. In essence, sigmoidoscopy is a partial colonoscopy.

If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken and polyps can be removed during the examination.

You should undergo the examination if you experience:

  • bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool;
  • lower abdominal pain or recurrent abdominal cramps;
  • prolonged constipation or diarrhoea;
  • changes in bowel habits;
  • suspected inflammation of the rectum or sigmoid colon, polyps, or other abnormalities;
  • the need for a follow-up examination after a previously diagnosed disease of the rectum or sigmoid colon.

How to prepare for a sigmoidoscopy

For a successful sigmoidoscopy, the bowel must be cleared of stool. A Microlax enema is used for this purpose before the examination.

  • Use one Microlax enema on the evening before the examination.
  • Use a second Microlax enema 2 hours before coming for the examination.
  • A bowel movement is usually triggered after using the enema, so please allow for the possibility of needing to stay close to a toilet.
  • A special diet or complete cleansing of the entire large intestine with a bowel preparation solution is generally not required before a sigmoidoscopy.

The results of tissue samples (biopsies) are available within 3–4 weeks. The results will be communicated either by the family doctor who referred you for the examination or, in the case of a paid examination, by the doctor who performed the examination.

Full Price 200€

Biopsy ( histological examination ) – 1 specimen container

Funded by Tervisekassa

If further clarification of the diagnosis is needed during the examination, a tissue sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination.

Tervisekassa 0€
Full Price 65€

Comfort service during an endoscopic examination with a referral from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund

Colonoscopy comfort service 45 min

Full Price 35€

Gastroscopy comfort service 15 min

Full Price 20€

Endoscopy can be an uncomfortable or stressful procedure for the patient. The Comfort Service helps make the examination more comfortable and easier for the patient to tolerate.

The Comfort Service applies to endoscopic examinations performed without anaesthesia.

For examinations performed under anaesthesia, no additional fee is charged for the Comfort Service, as it is included in the price of anaesthesia. For paid examinations, the Comfort Service is already included in the examination price.

For examinations performed with a referral, a fee for the “Comfort Service” is added to the cost of the examination.

The 15-minute comfort service includes:

  • Warmth and comfort during the procedure: a heated blanket and disposable slippers.
  • Changing and privacy: a changing room and a lockable personal locker for clothing and valuables.
  • Anxiety relief: a stress ball.

The 45-minute comfort service includes:

Anxiety relief: a stress ball.

Warmth and comfort during the procedure: a heated blanket, disposable slippers and procedure clothing.

Changing and privacy: a changing room and a lockable personal locker for clothing and valuables.

Small bowel MRI

A small bowel MRI is used to assess the structure of the small intestinal wall, possible inflammatory changes, and intraluminal lesions. It also helps detect strictures, tumors, and inflammatory complications such as fistulas and abscesses.

Why is a small bowel MRI performed?

  • detect Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases
  • investigate long-lasting or unexplained abdominal pain
  • identify intestinal narrowing or obstruction
  • evaluate causes of gastrointestinal bleeding
  • detect tumors of the small intestine
  • monitor known disease progression and treatment response

What you need to know about the examination

  • Do not eat for 6 hours before the examination
  • Please arrive 1 hour before your scheduled appointment
  • One hour before the scan, you will be asked to drink 1.5 liters of a diluted solution (Eziclen or Fortrans) within 60 minutes. This solution expands the small bowel lumen, which is essential for high-quality imaging. It may cause diarrhea.
  • A venous cannula will be placed in your arm for the administration of contrast agent and medication (Bysimin) to slow intestinal movement.
  • The examination takes up to 45 minutes.
Full Price 285€

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examination

Assessment of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and pelvic organs.

Referral required

An abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is used to assess the condition of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and pelvic organs, and to detect possible abnormalities.

Why is an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound performed?

  • determine the cause of abdominal pain or discomfort
  • evaluate digestive issues, bloating, or changes in bowel function
  • detect diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, or bladder
  • identify kidney or gallstones
  • detect inflammatory processes and tumors
  • identify fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
  • investigate gynecological symptoms (e.g. lower abdominal pain)
  • monitor known medical conditions

What you need to know about the examination

  • The examination is suitable for both adults and children
  • You may eat a light meal up to 3 hours before the examinationIt is recommended to avoid eating immediately before the procedure. Small amounts of water may be consumed
  • The examination is painless and safe.
Full Price 80€

Gastrointestinal health starts with the right diagnosis

40%

Of people


Experiences various digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or changes in bowel habits.

1000+

People

Every year, many people in Estonia are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Early detection saves lives — colorectal cancer prevention starts with timely diagnosis.

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