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Gastroscopy
This procedure involves passing a small flexible fibre optic camera down from the
mouth into the stomach reaching the first part of the small bowel.
The gastroscopy is a useful test to diagnose problems such as Barrett’s oesophagitis, reflux oesophagitis, stomach ulcers or cancer and coeliac disease.
Colonoscopy
This procedure involves passing a small fibre optic camera through the anus to the
end of the large colon and sometimes the terminal ileum, or the last part of the small
bowel.
The colonoscopy can be used to detect bowel cancer, colitis, or polyps, etc. Also,
when polyps are detected, they are removed by diathermy.
These procedures are done under a deep sedation for the patient’s comfort.
• Blood in your bowel motions
• If you have had constipation or diarrhoea lasting more than 2 weeks.
• If you have persisting stomach pain
• If one or more of your close relatives have had bowel cancer
• If you have had bowel polyps (small pre-cancer growths)
• If you have had inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Haemorrhoid treatment
Haemorrhoids are very common and affect
almost everyone. They are treated with rubber
banding and this is usually done in conjunction
with the colonoscopy while the patient is under
sedation.
Capsule Endoscopy
A camera is mounted on a pill the size of a vitamin tablet and the patient is then asked to swallow the pill under supervision of the treating Doctor. The “Pillcam” allows the doctor to examine the inside of the entire small bowel. This is the region where both the Gastroscopy and the Colonoscopy cannot reach. Capsule endoscopy is indicated in special situations such as anaemia or iron defieciency, etc. However you need to consult the doctor first.
If you would like more information on conditions and procedures please use the following links
Gastroenterological Society of Australia - www.gesa.org.au
Government Health Information - HealthInsite - www.healthinsite.gov.au