Endoscopy Ringwood
Understanding Endoscopy
When your digestion isn’t working as it should, it can impact your comfort and confidence each day. Whether you’re noticing abdominal pain, unusual bowel changes, or symptoms like bleeding, finding out what’s going on matters.
Your digestive system plays a central role in overall health, but symptoms like pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits may point to problems that need closer investigation. That’s where an endoscopy procedure with an experienced surgeon, such as Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam, may help.
What is an Endoscopy Procedure?
Through a small, flexible camera, an endoscopy enables close examination of areas such as the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon. It’s an important tool for detecting conditions including ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and liver disorders.
Gastroscopies and colonoscopies are common types of endoscopy used to examine the digestive system. A gastroscopy investigates the upper tract, while a colonoscopy focuses on the large bowel and rectum. For people across Ringwood and regional Victoria, these procedures often deliver important answers and next steps for care.
Your Endoscopy Procedure With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
With a commitment to excellence and patient wellbeing, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides care that exceeds expectations. Using the latest techniques and a thoughtful, empathetic approach, his team strives to make each patient’s endoscopy experience as calm and supportive as possible.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam conducts each procedure according to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy services are performed under the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard to promote safety and quality outcomes.
- Complete gastroenterology care
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- Advanced and well-equipped clinical environments
- Kind, patient-centred support
Delays in diagnosis can occur when patients are placed on long waiting lists. For those needing faster evaluation, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers open-access endoscopy, enabling direct booking after your consultation. His team reviews each patient’s situation to ensure appropriate scheduling.
If you’re a referring doctor and think your patient would be suited to this option, please mention it in your referral email.
Our Endoscopy Services
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that examines the upper part of the digestive system, the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It’s commonly performed to assess symptoms such as reflux, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained anaemia, and may reveal inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows surgeons to carefully examine the colon and rectum for signs of disease or irregularity. It’s an essential method for bowel cancer detection, identifying polyps, and exploring symptoms like ongoing diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, or unexplained bowel changes. Over a million colonoscopies are performed annually in Australia.
Looking to take the next step toward understanding your digestive symptoms and exploring treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Ringwood Questions Answered
When should I have an endoscopy?
While the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers free home testing to Australians aged 45 to 74, anybody experiencing concerning symptoms should see their doctor to potentially arrange an endoscopy. Symptoms to look out for include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, difficulty swallowing, reflux, changes in bowel movements, and unexplained weight loss.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Instructions may differ depending on your admission time, medications, and dietary restrictions, so ensure you follow your specific instructions. Generally, preparation includes avoiding solid food for at least six hours and liquids for at least two hours before your appointment. Your procedure involves sedation, so please arrive with a responsible adult and make arrangements to get home safely, as you will not be able to drive.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will supply written guidance for your colonoscopy preparation. Thorough preparation is vital for clear visibility of the bowel and surrounding tissues. Depending on your case, you may need standard, extended, or Colonolytely bowel prep. Follow these directions precisely, come with a support person, and ensure you have transport home, as sedation prevents driving.
Are there any other procedure options?
Sometimes, your doctor might suggest alternative steps before proceeding with an endoscopy, including:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Fecal occult blood test
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography
- Contrast barium X-ray of the bowel
Compared to other diagnostic options, endoscopy offers the most comprehensive visual assessment of your digestive tract, including the oesophagus and bowel lining. It also allows tissue sampling, polyp removal, and detection of abnormalities linked to conditions such as ulcers or colorectal cancer.
What are the risks and benefits of endoscopy?
Although complications from endoscopy are rare, they can include bleeding, perforation, or cardiorespiratory issues, with death being extremely uncommon. It’s important to remember that postponing or avoiding endoscopy may carry higher risks, as it can delay essential diagnosis and treatment recommended by your doctor.
What areas do you service?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Endoscopy Specialist
A primary benefit of undergoing an endoscopy is that it enables early detection and removal of polyps or abnormal tissue, which could otherwise progress to cancer if not treated promptly.
Rapid Access
Patients are usually seen within one week of referral, with open-access endoscopy helping to shorten waiting periods.
Quality and Accreditation
All endoscopy services are carried out in accredited environments aligned with NSQHS and approved healthcare quality standards.
Make an Appointment at Our Endoscopy Centre Closest to You
Whether you’re dealing with a change in your bowel habits, experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, or are concerned about colorectal cancer, you may benefit from an investigation. If your doctor has advised you to have an endoscopy, or if you are experiencing symptoms affecting your digestive system, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam and his team aim to help. With state-of-the-art endoscopy services in Ringwood and regional Victoria, you don’t need to wait months for answers.
Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, referral, and whether you may be eligible for open-access endoscopy.