Endoscopy Blackburn
Understanding Endoscopy
Digestive discomfort can interfere with your comfort, energy, and day-to-day life. If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, or signs such as bleeding, it’s understandable to want clarity and reassurance quickly.
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 involves a slender, flexible tube with a camera that lets your surgeon see inside the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon. This procedure helps identify issues like ulcers, liver conditions, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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 Blackburn 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
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.
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam carries out all procedures in line with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy services are guided by the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard, which ensures patients receive safe, evidence-based care.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Diagnostic and treatment-focused procedures
- Advanced and well-equipped clinical environments
- 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.
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
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.
Want to start uncovering the cause of your symptoms and explore your treatment choices?
Your Endoscopy Blackburn 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?
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?
In certain situations, your doctor could recommend different assessments or treatments before considering an endoscopy, such as:
- Lower bowel examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- Stool test for hidden blood
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- 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?
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 endeavours to review patients promptly, typically within a week of referral, with open-access endoscopy provided to streamline access and 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 Blackburn 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.