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Departments

Gastroenterology

About

At the German Medical Institute, the Department of Gastroenterology is committed to delivering prompt and accurate diagnosis, high-quality endoscopic services, and personalised, effective treatment plans for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders.

Our priority is the continuous enhancement of the medical services we offer. This is achieved through our team’s unwavering dedication to scientific advancement, ongoing investment in the latest theoretical and practical training, state-of-the-art endoscopic technology, and a holistic, patient-centred approach to care.

Driven by a passion for innovation and the evolution of medical science, our department actively participates in research projects and clinical trials. We also play an active role in the education and training of medical students and junior healthcare professionals, contributing to the advancement of the field of gastroenterology.


Welcome to the Department of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Dimitrios Giannakakis

The Team

The Department of Gastroenterology at the German Medical Institute is staffed by a team of highly experienced physicians who are dedicated to providing patient-centred, compassionate care. During your consultation, our doctors will thoroughly explain your diagnostic and treatment plan, ensuring that every step is clearly understood and agreed upon before proceeding.

Special attention is given to the long-term monitoring and management of patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, always with a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and continuity of care.


The department is led by Dr. Dimitrios Giannakakis, Director of the Department of Gastroenterology.

Equipment and Technology

The Department of Gastroenterology at the German Medical Institute is equipped with cutting-edge, high-definition endoscopic systems, ensuring exceptional image quality and diagnostic accuracy. This advanced technology enables early and precise identification of gastrointestinal conditions, contributing to optimal clinical outcomes and enhanced patient care.

Our endoscopy units are fitted with carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation systems, used in routine colonoscopies and other advanced endoscopic procedures. Compared to ambient air, CO₂ is absorbed more rapidly by the body, significantly reducing the risk of complications and post-procedural abdominal discomfort. This contributes to a more comfortable and safer experience for patients undergoing endoscopic examinations.

Endoscopic Equipment in Use:

Gastroscopes:

  • Olympus GIF-1100 HD – Routine high-definition gastroscope

  • Olympus GIF-HQ190 HD – High-definition gastroscope with enhanced imaging

  • Olympus GIF-1TH190 – Therapeutic gastroscope with large working channel

  • Olympus GIF-H190N HD – Pediatric high-definition gastroscope

Colonoscopes:

  • Olympus CF-HQ1100DL HD – High-definition colonoscope

Duodenoscope for ERCP:

  • Olympus TJF-Q190V – Advanced duodenoscope for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):

  • Olympus GF-UE190 Radial EUS – High-resolution radial endoscopic ultrasound scope

Capsule Endoscopy System for Small Bowel:

  • Olympus EC-10 with MAJ-2029 software (version 3)

Advanced Imaging Technologies:
All our endoscopes are equipped with enhanced imaging modalities to support superior diagnostic precision:

  • NBI (Narrow Band Imaging): Enhances visualization of the mucosal surface using filtered blue and green light, allowing better identification and characterization of lesions.

  • RDI (Red Dichromatic Imaging): Improves visualization of deep blood vessels and active bleeding sites, facilitating quicker and more effective hemostasis.

  • TXI (Texture and Colour Enhancement Imaging): Enhances mucosal colour, brightness, and texture to aid in the detection of subtle lesions and abnormal tissue patterns.

These technological advancements underscore our department’s commitment to providing the highest standard of gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic care.

Clinical and Endoscopic Services


The Department of Gastroenterology at the German Medical Institute offers a comprehensive range of clinical and endoscopic services for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases affecting the digestive system. Our mission is to provide accurate, timely, and compassionate care using the latest medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology, and a multidisciplinary approach.

Outpatient Clinical Services
Our daily outpatient clinics are staffed by experienced gastroenterologists who conduct thorough medical history evaluations, clinical examinations, and diagnostic consultations. Based on the findings, patients may receive a diagnosis, be referred for additional testing, prescribed medication, or scheduled for follow-up care or further specialist evaluation.

We provide close monitoring and management of a wide range of gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary disorders, including:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers

  • Inflammatory conditions or tumors of the digestive tract

  • Biliary, pancreatic, and liver diseases, including provision of liver biopsies when indicated

  • Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

When biologic therapy is indicated, patients may receive infusions in our specialized day care unit. In line with our holistic approach to care, the department collaborates with a clinical nutritionist and the broader paramedical team at GMI.

Endoscopic Services
Our department is equipped with the latest high-definition endoscopic systems and staffed by highly trained personnel, enabling us to perform a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures with the highest standards of safety and comfort.

Except in rare cases, endoscopies are performed under sedation using propofol, ensuring a painless and well-tolerated experience. Patients typically recover within minutes and are discharged shortly thereafter. A detailed report with endoscopic images is provided prior to departure. For complex or invasive procedures, or when medically indicated, patients may be admitted for inpatient care.

Available Endoscopic Procedures:

  • Gastroscopy: Endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, with or without biopsy. Routine urease testing for Helicobacter pylori is performed during the procedure.

  • Colonoscopy: Examination of the colon and terminal ileum, with or without biopsy.

  • Polypectomy / Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Removal of benign or early malignant tumors. In many early-stage cancers, endoscopic resection alone may be curative.

  • Endoscopic Hemostasis: Treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding via hemostatic clips, submucosal adrenaline injection, thermal coagulation, or hemospray application.

  • Argon Plasma Coagulation: Treatment of angiodysplasias in the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Variceal Band Ligation: For the management of esophageal varices.

  • Balloon Dilatation: Treatment of strictures in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon.

  • Esophageal Stenting: Placement of bare metal stents under fluoroscopic guidance to manage esophageal strictures.

  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): Placement or replacement of PEG tubes in patients unable to receive oral nutrition.

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): For cancer staging, evaluation of submucosal tumors or pancreatic cysts, detection of bile duct stones, and assessment of extrahepatic biliary abnormalities.

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Including sphincterotomy, stone extraction, and stent placement for bile duct strictures.

  • Capsule Endoscopy: Evaluation of the small intestine for conditions such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, or suspected small bowel tumors.

Image by Dmitry Spravko

The Department


Gastrointestinal Oncology Care

The Department of Gastroenterology at the German Medical Institute (GMI) provides expert diagnostic and therapeutic services for a broad spectrum of digestive diseases, with a dedicated focus on the care of oncology patients—particularly those with tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

Our approach is grounded in medical excellence, compassion, and personalised care. With each patient visit, our team brings together extensive clinical expertise and a holistic perspective, recognising the unique needs of every individual. We are committed to delivering precise diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans, while ensuring that our patients feel safe, informed, and supported throughout their care journey. Our experienced nursing and support staff play a vital role in creating a calm and reassuring environment.

In order to deliver the highest standard of care, we work in close collaboration with other specialised departments within GMI, including:

  • Department of Medical Oncology

  • Department of Radiation Oncology

  • Department of Radiology

  • Department of Histopathology

  • Department of Nuclear Medicine

Our department is also a key participant in the GMI Gastroenterology Oncology Board, a weekly multidisciplinary conference where specialists from all relevant fields review complex cases and collectively design the most effective and individualized treatment strategies for each patient.

The Department


Gastrointestinal Oncology Care

The Department of Gastroenterology at the German Medical Institute (GMI) provides expert diagnostic and therapeutic services for a broad spectrum of digestive diseases, with a dedicated focus on the care of oncology patients—particularly those with tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

Our approach is grounded in medical excellence, compassion, and personalised care. With each patient visit, our team brings together extensive clinical expertise and a holistic perspective, recognising the unique needs of every individual. We are committed to delivering precise diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans, while ensuring that our patients feel safe, informed, and supported throughout their care journey. Our experienced nursing and support staff play a vital role in creating a calm and reassuring environment.

In order to deliver the highest standard of care, we work in close collaboration with other specialised departments within GMI, including:

  • Department of Medical Oncology

  • Department of Radiation Oncology

  • Department of Radiology

  • Department of Histopathology

  • Department of Nuclear Medicine

Our department is also a key participant in the GMI Gastroenterology Oncology Board, a weekly multidisciplinary conference where specialists from all relevant fields review complex cases and collectively design the most effective and individualized treatment strategies for each patient.

FAQs


What do I need to bring with me when visiting the outpatient clinic?

During your medical consultation, your doctor will ask you about your medical history. This includes:

  • Information on any medication you take, how long and how often you take it, and at what dosage (written or in photo form)

  • Reports from other doctors you have visited

  • Test results, such as blood tests, previous endoscopies, imaging tests, ultrasound scans, CT/MRI scans, etc.

Complete, accurate and timely information shared between patients and their medical team will help expedite the diagnostic process. 

Due to our efforts to minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a 24-hour COVID-19 rapid test is required before entry into our facilities.

What do I need to know before having a gastroscopy?
What do I need to know before having a colonoscopy?
I have heard some people experience severe bloating after the test. What can cause this?
Will I not be put under general anaesthesia?
Will an anesthesiologist be present?
What are the possible complications of a colonoscopy/gastroscopy?
What happens after a colonoscopy?

Medical Staff

Contact Details

PHONE

(+357) 25 208 000

WORKING HOURS

Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 16:30

ADDRESS

1, Nikis Avenue,
4108, Agios Athanasios,
Limassol, Cyprus

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