Endoscopy Highett
Advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures provided in Highett.
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.
The digestive system influences many aspects of your health. If you’re noticing signs such as pain, bleeding, or irregular bowel movements, an endoscopy with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam may assist in identifying the cause and guiding the next steps.
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.
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 Highett 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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Combining advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate approach, he and his team recognise that preparing for an endoscopy can feel daunting and work to ensure you feel reassured and well cared for.
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.
- Comprehensive gastroenterology services
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Kind, patient-centred support
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.
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
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.
Ready to find clarity and discuss possible treatment pathways?
Your Endoscopy Highett 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?
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?
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
- Stool DNA screening
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- Barium enema
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
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
Patients are usually seen within one week of referral, with open-access endoscopy helping to shorten waiting periods.
Quality and Accreditation
He provides endoscopy care within accredited hospitals and clinics that adhere to NSQHS and national quality standards.
Our Location near Highett
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 Highett and regional Victoria, you don’t need to wait months for answers.
Get in touch today to discuss your symptoms and referral, and to see if you qualify for open-access endoscopy.