Endoscopy Mitcham
Understanding Endoscopy
Digestive issues can be uncomfortable, painful, and even affect your daily routines and your peace of mind. Whether it’s ongoing stomach pain, unexplained changes in bowel habits, or even symptoms like bleeding, it’s natural to want clear answers as soon as possible.
Because your digestive system is vital to how your body functions, symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, or bowel changes should never be ignored. An endoscopy with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam aims to offer valuable insight into what’s happening internally.
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.
An endoscopy can take different forms, including a gastroscopy, which examines the upper digestive tract, and a colonoscopy, which checks the colon and rectum. Many patients in Mitcham and throughout regional Victoria undergo these procedures in an effort to gain clarity and direction for their digestive health.
Your Endoscopy Procedure With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
As a specialist dedicated to providing exceptional care, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam goes beyond quality health service standards. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and a strong emphasis on warm, personalised care, he and his team understand the anxiety that may come with scheduling an endoscopy, and always aim to help you feel comfortable and supported.
Every procedure undertaken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam aligns with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. His approach to colonoscopy and gastroscopy follows the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard to ensure patients receive reliable, evidence-informed care.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Diagnostic and treatment-focused procedures
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Kind, patient-centred support
Sometimes, waiting lists can postpone a diagnosis that needs to be made sooner. To support patients requiring timely assessment, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides open-access endoscopy, allowing procedures to be booked immediately after a Telehealth or in-person consultation. His team carefully prioritises each case based on clinical need.
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 is a specialised endoscopy procedure used to examine the rectum and colon (large bowel). It is a key tool in screening for colorectal cancer, identifying and removing polyps, and investigating symptoms like persistent diarrhoea, bleeding, or unexplained changes in bowel habits. In Australia, surgeons perform over one million colonoscopies every year.
Looking to take the next step toward understanding your digestive symptoms and exploring treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Mitcham Questions Answered
When should I have an endoscopy?
Australians aged 45 to 74 are eligible for free bowel screening tests through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Yet, anyone with symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, bleeding, swallowing problems, altered bowel habits, or unexpected weight loss should seek medical advice and discuss whether endoscopy is appropriate.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Depending on your appointment time and any medical or dietary requirements, preparation instructions may vary. In most cases, patients are asked to avoid solid foods for at least six hours and clear liquids for two hours before the procedure. As you’ll receive sedation, please bring a responsible adult and organise a safe way home, as driving afterwards isn’t permitted.
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?
In certain situations, your doctor could recommend different assessments or treatments before considering an endoscopy, such as:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Faecal blood screening test
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- Non-invasive virtual colon examination
- Barium X-ray examination
However, endoscopy is the procedure that offers specialists the clearest view of your bowel, oesophagus, bowel lining, and other areas of concern. This also allows them to take biopsies, remove polyps, and identify changes that may point to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, 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
He aims to see patients within one week of referral, with open-access endoscopy available to reduce waiting times.
Quality and Accreditation
He delivers endoscopy services in accredited facilities meeting NSQHS standards and quality health service standards.
Make an Appointment at Our Endoscopy Centre Closest to You
If you’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits, ongoing discomfort, or are worried about bowel cancer, an endoscopic examination may be appropriate. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam and his team provide advanced endoscopy services across Mitcham and regional Victoria, helping you get timely answers and peace of mind.
Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, referral, and whether you may be eligible for open-access endoscopy.