Endoscopy Cheltenham
Modern and precise gastrointestinal endoscopy services offered across Cheltenham.
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.
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 Cheltenham 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
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.
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.
- Wide-ranging gastroenterology procedures
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- Contemporary facilities designed for patient comfort and care
- Empathetic and personalised care
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.
Referring doctors who feel their patient may benefit from this option are encouraged to note it when sending the referral via email.
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.
Ready to begin your search for answers and potential treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Cheltenham 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?
Your preparation guidelines will depend on your procedure time, medications, and dietary needs, so follow the specific instructions provided. Generally, patients fast from solid food for six hours and from liquids for two hours before the appointment. Because sedation is required, ensure you attend with a support person and plan transport home, as driving is not allowed after the procedure.
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?
Your doctor may occasionally advise exploring other approaches prior to endoscopy, such as:
- Partial colon examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- Faecal blood screening test
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Barium X-ray examination
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?
Potential risks of endoscopy are uncommon but may include bleeding, perforation, cardiorespiratory complications, and, in very rare cases, death. However, while any procedure comes with risks, the risk of delaying or forgoing endoscopy may be greater than the procedure itself. This is because if you do not have the gastroscopy or colonoscopy your doctor recommends, this could delay diagnosis and potential treatment options.
What areas do you service?
Holmesglen Private Hospital is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Endoscopy Specialist
One of the key advantages of endoscopy is its ability to detect and remove polyps or other abnormalities early. Removing and testing these growths helps reduce the risk that they will develop into cancer.
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.
Our Location near Cheltenham
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 Cheltenham and regional Victoria, ensuring you don’t face long waiting times for assessment and clarity.
Schedule an appointment today to review your symptoms, talk through your referral, and find out if open-access endoscopy is appropriate for you.