Frequently Asked Questions Regards to Kano General Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to expand)

Frequently Asked Questions about medical check-ups and health screenings at Kano General Hospital are listed below. First, check the items on reservations, access, gastroscopy, upper GI series, payment, reports, CT, MRI, and women’s health screenings.

Use these Frequently Asked Questions before your visit to understand the examination flow, important precautions, and contact options. Also, contact our Health Management Center if you need help choosing a course or optional examination.

Reservations and Access
Gastroscopy and Upper GI Series
Reports, Payment, and Follow-Up
Brain Dock, CT, and MRI
For Female Patients
Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions About Reservations and Access

Q1. How do I make a reservation?

A. Make a reservation by phone on weekdays between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Before calling, check your preferred date, course, and optional examinations. As a result, staff can guide you more smoothly.

Q2. Is parking available?

A. Yes. A multi-story car park is available. However, vehicle size restrictions apply.

For details, refer to the Access page. Also, contact us in advance if you plan to use the car park.

Gastroscopy and Upper GI Series

Q3. Can I have the gastroscopy under sedation?

A. No. At our center, gastroscopy uses local anesthesia for the nose or throat. Therefore, you remain awake during the examination.

We do not offer gastroscopy under sedation. If you feel anxious, ask our staff about the examination flow before your appointment.

Q4. What is the difference between gastroscopy and an upper GI series?

A. Gastroscopy lets the doctor look directly at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. If needed, the doctor can also take a small tissue sample for biopsy.

In contrast, an upper GI series uses X-ray imaging after barium spreads inside the stomach. Therefore, the two tests check the stomach in different ways.

Upper GI Series Restrictions

The following people cannot undergo an upper GI series:

Pregnant people, or those who may be pregnant, cannot take this test. If you are breastfeeding, contact us in advance.
Anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to barium preparations should avoid this examination.
A history of intestinal obstruction makes this test unsuitable.
This examination is not available within 2 months after colorectal polyp removal.
Recent abdominal or orthopedic surgery within the past year may prevent this examination.
Myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction within the past year may also make the test unsuitable.
Fluid restrictions due to kidney disease, dialysis, or similar conditions may prevent safe testing.
Difficulty standing independently may make the examination unsafe.
Difficulty holding the handrail of the imaging table may also prevent testing.
People weighing 120 kg or more cannot undergo this examination.
Your condition or questionnaire responses on the day may make the examination unsuitable.

Q5. Is the gastroscopy performed through the mouth?

A. You may choose nasal insertion or oral insertion. If you are unsure which method to choose, ask our staff when you make your reservation.

Q6. Are there any weight restrictions?

A. People weighing 120 kg or more may not be able to undergo certain examinations. In addition, some tests depend on your physical condition on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reports, Payment, and Follow-Up

Q7. Can I bring my child with me?

A. We do not have childcare facilities. Therefore, arrange childcare before your appointment.

Q8. How long does it take to receive the examination report?

A. We mail the report within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the timing may vary depending on the examination details.

Q9. Is payment at the counter accepted by cash only?

A. No. In addition to cash, we accept credit cards. You may use JCB, VISA, or MASTERCARD.

Q10. What should I do if I have questions after receiving my report by mail?

A. Contact us by email or phone. After we confirm your identity, staff will answer your questions.

Q11. What happens if my results show an abnormality?

A. If your results require urgent attention, we will arrange for you to see a doctor promptly.

Also, if you would like a referral letter, we will prepare one and provide it to you.

Brain Dock, CT, and MRI

Q12. What is the difference between a head CT and a brain MRI?

A. CT and MRI both create cross-sectional images. CT uses X-rays. Meanwhile, MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves, so it does not involve radiation exposure.

CT helps detect bleeding, trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. MRI is better suited for tumors, degenerative diseases, subacute or chronic cerebrovascular disorders, and micro-infarctions.

MRI Safety Notes

Important notes regarding MRI

The following people cannot undergo MRI examination at our hospital:

People with a cardiac pacemaker, stimulation electrodes, cochlear implant, or similar device cannot undergo MRI.
Pregnant people, or those who may be pregnant, cannot undergo this examination.

In addition, the following people may not be able to undergo MRI examination at our hospital:

Metal implants in the body, such as cerebral aneurysm clips or artificial joints, may prevent MRI.
Claustrophobia or difficulty in enclosed spaces may make MRI difficult.
Difficulty remaining in the same position for an extended period may also prevent MRI.

A specialist physician reviews Brain Dock MRI/MRA results before we finalize the report.

Frequently Asked Questions for Female Patients

Q13. Can I have my check-up while menstruating?

A. For the stool examination, you may use a sample collected before or after your period.

For the urine examination, you may bring a sample on the day of your appointment if you collected it within one week of your visit.

For cervical cytology, the examination can proceed as long as bleeding is not heavy.

Q14. Should I choose mammography or breast ultrasound for breast cancer screening?

A. For women aged 40 and over, we recommend mammography. It can detect fine calcifications and small lumps that are difficult to feel.

For younger women or those with high breast density, mammography may make lumps harder to detect. In such cases, breast ultrasound is recommended.

In addition, using both examinations may support earlier detection.

Mammography is not available for those who have had breast augmentation surgery, have a pacemaker, or have a VP shunt.

Q15. Can I have a check-up if I am pregnant or think I may be pregnant?

A. You cannot undergo examinations that involve radiation. These include chest X-ray, upper GI series, mammography, and head CT.

Contact Us

These Frequently Asked Questions cover common topics, but our staff can also help with individual concerns.

Reservations for medical check-ups and health screenings are accepted by phone.

For inquiries, contact us by phone or use the inquiry form below.

TEL: 06-6351-0866 (Direct line · 14:00–16:00)
FAX: 06-6242-8081

Inquiry Form

Navigation About