Endoscopy Vermont
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.
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?
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.
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 Vermont and regional Victoria, these procedures often deliver important answers and next steps for care.
Your Endoscopy Procedure With Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam
Dedicated to high standards of medical care and patient comfort, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam combines modern surgical methods with a caring, personal touch. He and his team understand the concerns many people have before an endoscopy and prioritise making every step comfortable and reassuring.
All procedures performed by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follow the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. His colonoscopy and gastroscopy services adhere to the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard to deliver consistent, evidence-based care.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- Advanced and well-equipped clinical environments
- Warm, understanding approach for every patient
In some cases, being placed on a waiting list may delay a diagnosis that should have been given much earlier. For patients who may benefit from urgent examination, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers open-access endoscopy. This means you can book your procedure directly after your Telehealth or face-to-face appointment. His team will triage patients accordingly.
For referring doctors, if you believe this option may benefit your patient, please indicate this when emailing your referral.
Our Endoscopy Services
Gastroscopy
During a gastroscopy, a surgeon uses a thin camera to inspect the oesophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine. This procedure helps investigate issues such as reflux, nausea, unexplained anaemia, or upper abdominal pain, and may uncover ulcers or irritation within the lining.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a form of endoscopy designed to inspect the large bowel, including the rectum and colon. It plays a vital role in detecting colorectal cancer, finding and removing polyps, and assessing issues such as bleeding, long-term diarrhoea, or altered bowel patterns. Each year, more than one million colonoscopies are carried out in Australia.
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?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free home test kits for Australians aged 45 to 74, but anyone with worrying digestive symptoms should consult their doctor, who may recommend an endoscopy. Warning signs include pain in the abdomen, reflux, rectal bleeding, swallowing difficulties, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.
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?
Before your colonoscopy, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will give you detailed preparation guidelines. Following these instructions properly is essential to allow a clear view of your bowel and its lining during the procedure. You may receive directions for standard, extended, or Colonolytely bowel preparation. Be sure to follow these steps exactly, attend with a responsible adult, and organise safe transport home, as you won’t be able to drive due to sedation.
Are there any other procedure options?
Sometimes, your doctor might suggest alternative steps before proceeding with an endoscopy, including:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Fecal occult blood test
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) barium study
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?
Endoscopy is generally very safe, though rare risks include bleeding, perforation, or heart and breathing-related complications. In very few cases, death can occur. However, skipping or delaying an endoscopy may pose greater danger by preventing timely diagnosis and care.
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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam strives to see patients within a week of referral and offers open-access endoscopy to help minimise delays.
Quality and Accreditation
Endoscopy procedures are performed in fully accredited facilities that comply with NSQHS and recognised quality healthcare 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 Vermont 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.