Endoscopy Vermont
Understanding Endoscopy
Problems with digestion can cause ongoing pain, disruption, and worry. From recurring stomach aches and changes in bowel patterns to unexpected bleeding, seeking timely answers is the first step toward peace of mind.
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?
An endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, or colon. It allows your surgeon to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, liver disease, ulcers, and other problems of the digestive system.
Colonoscopies and gastroscopies are types of endoscopy. A gastroscopy focuses on the upper digestive tract, while a colonoscopy examines the rectum and colon, also known as the large bowel. For many patients in Vermont and regional Victoria, an endoscopy aims to offer answers and information about potential treatment options in one procedure.
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
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Empathetic and personalised care
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.
Doctors referring patients are asked to specify if open-access endoscopy may be appropriate when submitting their referral by email.
Our Endoscopy Services
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy that focuses on the upper digestive tract. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Surgeons typically use gastroscopy to investigate symptoms like reflux, nausea, unexplained anaemia, or upper abdominal pain, and it may be able to detect issues like ulcers or inflammation.
Colonoscopy
Used to examine the large bowel and rectum, a colonoscopy is an important endoscopic procedure for diagnosing bowel conditions. It helps detect colorectal cancer, remove polyps, and investigate symptoms such as bleeding, chronic diarrhoea, or changes in bowel function. In Australia, this procedure is performed more than a million times each year.
Looking to take the next step toward understanding your digestive symptoms and exploring treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Vermont Questions Answered
When should I have an endoscopy?
Although the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides complimentary home testing for people aged 45 to 74, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, reflux, difficulty swallowing, rectal bleeding, bowel changes, or unexplained weight loss, as an endoscopy may be recommended.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Preparation steps can vary based on your scheduled time, current medications, and any dietary needs, so it’s important to follow the directions provided to you. Typically, you’ll need to avoid eating solid food for six hours and stop drinking liquids two hours prior to your procedure. Because sedation is used, you’ll need to attend with an accompanying adult and arrange transport home afterwards.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
You’ll receive specific written instructions from Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Effective preparation is important to ensure clear visibility of your bowel and lining during the procedure. Instructions may include standard, extended, or Colonolytely bowel preparation. Follow them closely, attend with a responsible adult, and arrange safe travel home, as you will not be permitted to drive post-sedation.
Are there any other procedure options?
In certain situations, your doctor could recommend different assessments or treatments before considering an endoscopy, such as:
- Lower bowel examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- Fecal occult blood test
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- Non-invasive virtual colon examination
- Contrast barium X-ray of the bowel
An endoscopy gives doctors a clear, real-time look inside the bowel and oesophagus, making it easier to detect inflammation, ulcers, or early signs of colorectal cancer. It also enables biopsies and polyp removal during the same procedure.
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
The main benefit of endoscopy is that it allows your surgeon to find and remove potential problems, such as polyps. These may grow into cancer if left, so having them removed and biopsied is crucial.
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
From changes in digestion to concerns about colorectal cancer, symptoms affecting your bowel or stomach deserve attention. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers comprehensive endoscopy services in Vermont and regional Victoria, ensuring you don’t face long waiting times for assessment and clarity.
Arrange an appointment today to speak with the team about your symptoms, referral, and possible eligibility for open-access endoscopy.