Consultations
The right diagnosis is the first step in successfully treating digestive problems. The symptoms of many gastrointestinal (GI) problems are very similar, and the symptoms of other diseases may be masked.
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe/gullet), stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Under sedation a thin flexible tube is passed through your mouth into your stomach and duodenum. During the procedure, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken and sent to the pathologist. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel). Under sedation, a flexible tube is gently passed via the rectum (back passage) into the colon. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken, or polyps (growths) removed and sent to the pathologist. Colonoscopy is the best test to assess for bowel polyps or cancers, although no test is 100% accurate.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is a new technology which painlessly examines the small intestine/bowel. It is often used in patients with unexplained iron deficiency (cause not found with gastroscopy or colonoscopy) to determine if there is any bleeding in the small intestine.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) affects the large bowel (colon) and rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer in Australia.
