George Potamitis

Gastroenterologist Hepatologist – Internal Medicine

General

Nationality: Cypriot
Religion: Christian (Greek Orthodox)
Date of birth: 6th February 1951

Registration:

Medical Council of Cyprus – Full Registration No: 715
Registered to practice as specialist in Internal Medicine in Cyprus and Greece
Register to practice as specialist in Gastroenterology in Cyprus and Greece

Contact Info

Full Contact Info

Dr. George S. Potamitis
11 Kyriacou Matsi, Nikis Center
1^st Floor
1082 – Nicosia
Cyprus
e-mail: g.potamitis @ logos.cy.net

Education

1963 – 1969:
Pancyprian Gymnasium (High school).
During my studies I was granted a scholarship from the Cypriot Brotherhood of Philadelphia U.S.A.

1970 – 1976:
Primary Medical Qualification M.D.Thessaloniki Greece (Ptychion Iatrikes).
During my studies I was granted a scholarship from the Bank of Cyprus scholarship fund. I graduated from the Medical School in 1976 obtaining my degree with an average “very good” grade. In the summer of 1974, I took part in a student exchange program and I worked in the Medical Department of Copenhagen Bispebjerg Hospital.

1976-1977:
I worked in the Nicosia General Hospital where I completed one-year intership.

1977 – 1980:
I worked in the State Department of Internal Medicine of the Ippokration General Hospital of Athens (Teaching Hospital) towards completing the requirements for my speciality in Internal Medicine.
Specialist in Internal Medicine – Examination Board of Athens Greece

1981 – 1983:
I joined the unit of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy in the State Department of the Ippokration General Hospital of Athens Greece (Teaching Hospital) towards completing the requirements for speciality in Gastroenterology.

1982 – 1983:
Fellowship in the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the 1st Medical Department Endoscopy unit of the AICHI CANCER Center Hospital Nagoya, Japan.

Work Experience

1984-TODAY:
Private Medical Center Gastroenterology-Internal Medicine – Endoscopy Unit

1990-TODAY:
External consultant Gastroenterologist-Hepatologist at Apollonio Private Hospital – Endoscopy Unit

Qualifications

Primary Medical Qualification, MD Thessaloniki.
E.C.F.M.G., U.S.A (Examination of the Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
Specialist in Internal Medicine (Examination Board of Athens, Greece).
Specialist in Internal Medicine (Ministry of Health, Republic of Cyprus).
Specialist in Gastroenterology (Ministry of Health, Republic of Cyprus).
Diploma in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AICHI Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan).
European Diploma in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FEBGH).

Prizes and Awards

6-year scholarship from the Cypriot Brotherhood of Philadelphia of U.S.A.
5-year scholarship from the Bank of Cyprus scholarship fund.

Professional Activities

Member of Greek Gastroenterology Society
Member of Cyprus Internal Medicine
Member of Cyprus Gastroenterology Society
Member of Cyprus Chemotherapy and Infection Society
Member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
Member of the Board “Ippokratis” Nicosia – Kyrenia Medical Association
Member of the Board of the Pancyprian Medical Association
External collaborator of the Cyprus University

Distinction

President of the Cyprus Medical Council (2001-2003, 2003-2005, 2005-2007, 2007-2009, 2009-2011)
Elected president of the Cyprus Society of Gastroenterology (1991-1993, 1993-1995, 1999-2001, 2012-2015)
Vice President of the Cyprus Society of Gastroenterology (2003-2005, 2005-2007, 2007-2009, 2016-2018)
Past President of the Cyprus Society of Internal Medicine (1986-89)
Elected member of the board of Pancyprian Medical Association
Member of the board of Medical Council Cyprus (1997-1999, 1999-2001)
President of the Scientific Committee of Pancyprian Medical Association (2000-2003, 2003-2006, 2006-2009,,2009-20012, 2012- February 2015)
Elected Vice-President of the Cyprus Society of Chemotherapy
Ex. President of the National Committee against Hepatitis
Member of the National Committee Against Cancer (1997-1999, 1999-2001)
Ex. President of the Editorial Committee of the Cyprus Medical Journal
President of the Editorial Committee of the Cyprus Medical Review
General secretary of the Scientific Organising Committee of the 6th (1988), 7th (1989) and 8th (1990) Annual Medical Congress of the Pancyprian Medical Αssociation
Active member of the Scientific Organising Committee of the Annual Medical Congress of the “Ippokratis” Medical Association for the years 1988, 1989 and 1990
Member of the Scientific Organising Committee of Congress in Chemotherapy organised by the Hellenic Society of Chemotherapy and Ippokratis Medical Association
President of the Organising Committee of the 12th and the 13th Pancyprian Annual Medical Congress
President of 1st Congress of Gastroenterology Organised by the Cyprus Society of Gastoenterology
President of the Committee for the design of the training course of GPs within the N.H system – Ministry of Health (2006-2007)
Lecturer in Cypriot Doctors Specialization Program in Cyprus State Hospitals
Lecturer of the Medical School of European University for Gastroenterology and Hepatology
President of the Advisory Board of St. George Medical School at the University of Nicosia (2011)
Member of the Education Committee of the Ministry of Health
Member of the Advisory Board of the Medical School of European University Cyprus (2016)
0President of the XXVIII International Workshop on Helicobacter and Microbiota in chronic digestive inflammation and gastric cancer (2015)

Research

From 1978-1981 in Nuclear Center “Demokritos” of Greece.
Subject: Bile acids in Liver diseases.

September 6, 1982 to February 28, 1983 in Nagoya, AICHI Cancer Center
Subject: Screening for Early Gastric Cancer.

2012-2013 : Helicobacter Pylori infection in Cyprus.

Publications - Presentations

The value of serum Bile acids and reduce calories for the diagnosis of Gilbert Syndrome. (6th Greek National Congress of Gastroenterology, April 1981) (Oral pres)
QT space in the Acute Pancreatitis. (Ippokratis 10,205,1982)
Ultra fine structure of Gallstones with Electon Scanning Microscope (3rd Pancyprian Medical Congress 1985) (Oral pres)
Early Gastric Cancer: (Cyprus Medical journal 05,02,1985)
Molecular Organization of Gallstones (Digestive diseases and science 32,3,1987)
Interesting cases of Gastrointestinal endoscopy in Cypriot Patients. (7th Pancyprian Medical Congress 1989) (Oral pres)
Endoscopy Polypectomy. Five years experience in Cyprus. (1st Pancyprian Congress of Gastroenterology 1991) (Oral pres)
Aplastic anaemia as a complication of Hepatitis NonA NonB (Cyprus Medical journal 9,3,1991)
Hepatitis A, B and C markers in soldiers from Greece and Cyprus (Forth Hellenic British Scandinavian Meeting on antimicrobial Chemotherapy , April 24-30 1993 Cyprus) (Oral pres)
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B with Interferon (Cyprus Medical journal 12,3,1994)
Guidelines for the Clinical Management of Thalassaemia. Treatment Strategies for Chronic Hepatitis C and B (Cyprus Medical journal 17,1,2000)
Optic fields disturbances as an extrahepatis C infection (Falk Symposium 115, October 1999 Basel)
Guidelines for the Clinical Management of Thalassaemia Hepatitis C and B (Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) April 2000
H P infection. (1^st Panc. Med. Congress – Primary Doctors Ass 12-13 October, 2002) (Oral pres)
“The Contributions of Capsule Endoscopy in the investigation of Small Intestine diseases”. 23^rd Hellenic Congress of Gastroenterology 1-5 Oct. 2003, Thesalloniki Greece (Oral pres)
Hepatitis B & C: Epidemiology and Treatment 14^th Mediterranean Congress of chemotherapy and Infections Diseases 25-28 November 2004. Limassol, Cyprus (Oral pres)
The Contribution of Capsule Endoscopy for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding 19, Pancyprian Medical congrees 24-26 Sept. 2004, Nicosia Cyprus (Oral pres)
Hepatitis B and C in Cyprus Symposium Org. by the Greek Ass. for the study of the liver 7-8 May 2004, Nicosia Cyprus (Oral pres)
Gasroesophagical reflux. Diagnosis and treatment. 2^nd Congress for CPS 2004 Nicosia, Cyprus (Oral pres)
Capsule Endoscopy in Clinical Practise International congress in Gastroenterology. XXth Highlights of Gastroenterology 7-10 April, 2005 Pafos, Cyprus (Oral pres)
“Screening for Colon Cancer”. Publ of Ministry of Health Screening for cancer 2004
Fatty liver 21^st Medical Conference “ Hippocrates” Nicosia 2010, Lecture
Infection of Helicobacter Pylori in children. 1^st Annual Conference for the Helicobacter Pylori. Nicosia 2009, Lecture. President of the Organizing Committee
Hepatitis C in clinical practise. B’ Hepatology Workshop, Nicosia 2010. President of the Organizing Committee
Professional Guidance Conference, 2010. Lecture
Helicobacter pylori infection in Cyprus XXIV International Workshop on Helicobacter and related bacteria in chronic Digestive inflammation and gastricCancer,Rotterdam Sept 2013
Hepatitis B and C in Mediterranean and Balkan Countries. Submit Congress 6 December 2012, Nicosia, Cyprus
1^st Conference for postgraduate doctors. New endoscopic techniques in digestive system
Liver and Hepatitis. Lecture for nursing students (TEPAK)
Gasroesophagical reflux. Monthly lectures at private APOLLONION HOSPITAL
Liver in Thalassemia. Workshop in Thalassemia 13.05.2013
Treatment of Clostridium Difficile Infection. 5^th SEEC Chemotherapy and Infection Bled Slovenia October 2014
Gastrointestinal inflammation and Cancer. Lecture University of Cyprus Biology Dept. May, 2015
Georgios S.Potamitis and Anthony T.R .Axon Helicobacter pylori and Nonmalignant Diseases Helicobacter 2015; 20 (Suppl.S1) :26-29
George S. Potamitis Cyprus Medical Review 5, 2017, p10 Fatty Liver disease
Evangelou A. Chrysanthi, Panayi P. Christiana, Spyrou M Stavria, Sourouppi L. Chrystalla, Potamitis S. George Cyprus Medical Review 1, 2016:10 Clostridium difficile infection: a review article
Cyprus Workshop on the Microbione Lecture: Microbioma in the Diseases of Gastrointestinal System. Workshop of Biology Society and FEBS. Febr. 16, 2019 Nicosia University

Participation in many International Conferences
Participation in several presentations – discussions in the media about medical Issues. (RIK, ANT1, Sigma, Mega, TV Plus)
Publications in the press

Paul Harris Fellow ROTARY CLUB Nicosia – Leukothea

services

Clinical Examination
Gastroenterology – Hepatology – Internal Medicine

Diagnostic Endoscopy Examinations

Gastroscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Total Colonoscopy
Capsule Endoscopy
Colon Capsule
Ph monitoring – Impendance
Manometry of Esophagus
BRAVO PHmetry

Therapeutic Endoscopy

Polypectomy
Mucosectomy
Endoscopic hemostasis
Injection-Clips
Argon Plasma Coagulation
Dilatation of esophagus
Stent
Gastrostomy (PEG)
Microflora Transplantation (FMT)
If Red Coagulation for hemorrhoids
Foreign Body Removal
Endogastric Balloon for obesity (BIB)

Specific Diagnostic Exams

Breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection for adults and children
Breath Test for Lactose Intolerance
Bacteria Overgrowth Test
Chromoendoscopy

Hepatology

FIBROSCAN
Liver Biopsy
Treatment for Hepatitis B and C according EASL and AALD protocols
Nursing care by qualified nurses

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Ulcerative colitis – Crohn’s disease)
Treatment with Biological Factors
Nursing care by qualified nurses

book an appointment

before the examination

Below you can find the preparation for each exam

COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is the examination of the colon with a flexible instrument having fiber optics. The diagnostic value is of high reliability and precision. Purpose of the test to diagnose colitis, polyps, cancer and other diseases of the colon. If there is any indication, therapeutic endoscopy can be done immediately (polypectomy, Hemostasis etc). For the success of the test, good bowel preparation is necessary. Please follow our guidelines for the success of the exam.

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Stop any iron preparation but continue with other medicines if you are taking and unless you have other instructions from the doctor.
Stop eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. Below you can find a list of foods that are allowed or prohibited to consume.

Allowed Foods
Meat, fish, chicken
Potatoes, Pasta, Rice white
Egg, Yellow or Hard Cheeses
Tea, Refreshments, Coffee without milk
Fruit juices (non-natural)
Olive oil, Butter, Margarine, Vinegar
Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Honey
Glycatine Substances

Unauthorized Foods
Whole-grain bread or seeds
Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes
Natural Juices, Juices and Drinks with Red Dyes
Sauces, Vegetables
Jams, Sweets
Nuts

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Special diet:
Breakfast : egg, tea
Lunch: plain soup.

From 14:00 p.m. only tea and water until the time you will go for sleep.

At 10:00 o’clock in the morning dissolve one sachet Fortrans in one liter water. You have to drink the whole bottle in one hour.

At 16:00 p.m. dissolve 1 sachet Picoprep in 1 glass cold water. Blend for 2-3 minutes and then drink it. Wait until the solution is cool enough before drinking it. Repeat the same procedure with another sachet of Picoprep at 22:00 p.m.

Every one hour drink at least one glass of water from 16:00 p.m. until the time you will go to sleep.

After you take Picoprep you will notice diarrhea in 1-2 hours.

The day of the examination you have to come to the Endoscopy Unit at the agreed time without drinking, eating anything and avoid smoking. The examination takes 20 minutes. After the examination you are not allowed to drive.

Please let us know if you are taking medication.

For any further information please contact us.

SIGMOIDOSCOPY

Sigmoidoscopy is the examination of the colon with a flexible instrument having fiber optics. The diagnostic value is of high reliability and precision. Purpose of the test to diagnose colitis, polyps, cancer and other diseases of the colon. If there is any indication, therapeutic endoscopy can be done immediately (polypectomy, Hemostasis etc). For the success of the test, good bowel preparation is necessary. Please follow our guidelines for the success of the exam.

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Stop any iron preparation but continue with other medicines if you are taking any, unless you have other instructions from the doctor. Stop eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. Below you can find a list of foods that are allowed or prohibited to consume.

Unauthorized Foods
Whole-grain bread or seeds
Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes
Natural Juices, Juices and Drinks with Red Dyes
Sauces, Vegetables
Jams, Sweets
Nuts

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Special diet:
Breakfast : egg, tea
Lunch: plain soup.

From 14:00 p.m. only tea and water until the time you will go for sleep.

Every one hour drink at least one glass of water from 16:00 p.m. until the time you will go to sleep.

After you take Picoprep you will notice diarrhea in 1-2 hours.

The day of the examination you have to come to the Endoscopy Unit at the agreed time without drinking, eating anything and avoid smoking. The examination takes 20 minutes. After the examination you are not allowed to drive.

Please let us know if you are taking medication.

For any further information please contact us.

THE TEST OF LACTOSE

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorder. This clinical situation is from deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the intestine, either by genetics or temporary alteration of the small intestine. Without adequate levels of this enzyme, the digestive system can not absorb lactose, which is the main ingredient in milk and milk products. When this happens, the unabsorbed lactose is fermented by colon bacteria causing release of gas.
For detecting this particular clinical condition we do the examination of lactose breath test. This test is a simple, safe, reliable, non-invasive examination. It is very important to make that assessment, because the correct diagnosis can help in implementing an effective treatment against dyspepsia and malabsorption of lactose and thus eliminate chronic and persistent symptoms.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Do not drink or eat anything dairy.

THE DAY OF THE TEST

Come in the medical office at the appointed time and date without eating or drinking anything. Also, avoid smoking.
The examination lasts 1-2 hours. Then you will be informed of the outcome.

GASTROSCOPY

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EXAMINATION

Eat something light on the night before the exam and your last meal should be at around 8 o’clock.

THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION

Come to the medical office at the specified date and time without drinking, eating anything and avoid smoking.

The examination takes 15 minutes.

After the examination you are not allowed to drive.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) has been associated with the onset of gastritis, peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, lymphoma and possibly gastric adenocarcinoma. Breath test is an easy, safe, fast and reliable test with high specificity, which detects the presence of H.P. in the stomach.

There is no contraindication for any age and you can repeat this examination many times.
To avoid false negative results, should not be obtained PPI two weeks before the examination and antibiotics four weeks before the examination.

ON THE DAY OF THE TEST

Come to the medical office at the appointed time and date without eating, drinking or smoking.

The test procedure takes 30 minutes.

CHALLENGE BREATH TEST

ONE DAY BEFORE THE TEST

Generally, do not eat food with high fiber or indigestible food.

In particular, foods to avoid:

Cereals: pasta, whole grains (including toast, cereal)
FRUITS: fruit juice, applesauce, apricots, bananas, melons, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, peach, watermelon, raw and dried fruits like raisins and berries, yogurt containing fruit.
Vegetables: Vegetable juices, potatoes, alfalfa sprouts, beets, green or yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green or red pepper, zucchini.
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels vegetables, cabbage, kale, chard, beans, peas, lentils, corn, black eyed peas etc.
NUTS, SEEDS: all kinds of nuts and seeds as well as foods that may contain any of them.
ALL DAIRY PRODUCTS (EXCEPT EGGS): milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter.
MEAT, PASTA, CORN AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING CORN.

12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST

You should not eat food, you can only have water.

4 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST

No smoking.

2 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST & DURING THE TEST

1. Do NOT sleep.
2. Do NOT play any sports.

ATTENTION: Inform your doctor or nurse if you have taken antibiotics recently or have liquid diarrhea, because these are factors influencing the outcome.

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