With the introduction of new services like video capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), patients can now be diagnosed and treated for diseases of the small intestine and pancreas without the need to travel to neighboring countries.

Fitore Komoni, the director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic at QKUK, stated that due to the absence of equipment for these two services, patients were referred to healthcare institutions in other countries until last year, KosovaPress reports.

“We have managed to activate two new services, such as video capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Video capsule is an examination method mainly used for the small intestine, which diagnoses and enables treatment for patients with related indications. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a method that allows diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases, a method that has not been performed in Kosovo until now, and we started it in 2024. This is not done in private hospitals, as it is a very specific method and has not been implemented before, it’s the first time here. In the past, due to the lack of equipment for small intestine examination, patients had to be referred to other countries,” said Komoni.

In an interview for KosovaPress, Komoni emphasized that over the years, the number of endoscopies performed has increased.

According to her, during 2024, around 2,000 gastroscopies and over 1,300 colonoscopies were performed.

Despite this, Komoni said the clinic aims to be supplied with other equipment by 2025.

“Gastroscopies totaled around 2,100, and colonoscopies 1,300, showing a significant increase compared to previous years. From 2023 to 2024, we had about a 10% increase. In 2025, depending on the action plan, we aim to first expand the infrastructure, as well as renovate and equip the clinic with other necessary equipment. In the Gastroenterology Clinic, due to the large number of services provided and the hospitalization of patients, the number of specialist doctors is sufficient. The nursing staff is also adequate, responding to the services we provide,” added Komoni.

Komoni mentioned that the Gastroenterology Clinic also provides biological therapy, which has a high cost, according to her.

"As for essential medicines and consumables, I can say that throughout 2024, we provided a very expensive biological therapy, which also has a high cost in other countries. Throughout the year, we were supplied with infliximab, adalimumab, and vedolizumab ampoules, which have been included in the essential list,” said Komoni.

Additionally, Komoni stated that the waiting list for endoscopic procedures has been reduced.

Abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy with biopsy, emergency gastroscopy, and endoscopic interventions, including polypectomy and gastric balloon insertion, are some of the services offered at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic.