What is an Endoscopy Procedure?
This is an investigative procedure that involves using a flexible endoscope (camera) to view the inner lining of the Stomach and Colon. A Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy are both Endoscopy procedures.
Polyps and areas of abnormal stomach or bowel lining can be removed and tested using specialised forceps. These forceps are passed down the scope. Techniques used to remove a biopsy or to remove a polyp include Snare polypectomy (essentially a wire lasoo), EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection) and ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection). In other instances, abnormal areas can be treated with diathermy, argon gas, laser and HALO (radiofrequency ablation) treatment.
Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy
Gastroscopy
- Involves a scope being inserted through the mouth to view the Oesophagus down to the Stomach.
Colonoscopy
- Involves a scope being inserted through the Anus and through the large bowel.
- You will be required to empty the bowel prior to the Colonoscopy being completed to ensure to bowel can be viewed without obstruction from faecal matter.
Why do I need a Gastroscopy or Colonoscopy?
You may be asked to have a Gastroscopy procedure to investigate causes of:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hematemesis (vomiting blood)
- Rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habit
- Family history of bowel or stomach conditions
Conditions that can be diagnosed include:
- Helicobacter infection, a bacteria found in the stomach, thought to be harmful
- Cancer of the oesophagus and stomach
- Cancer of the bowel
- Achalasia
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Hiatus hernia
- Barretts oesophagus (a condition where the lining of the oesophagus undergoes transformation to that of the stomach or bowel, a precancerous condition)
- Peptic ulcer disease.
- Diverticulosis
- Polyps (growths in the bowel lining that can be precancerous) and Bowel cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and crohns disease)
For more information including our Open Access Endoscopy Procedures please call our rooms on 9457-6690.
Please understand that the information that is provided on this website is to serve as a guide only. This does, by no means, negate or alter the need for a full individual consultation and medical assessment.