Endoscopy Woodend
Advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures provided in Woodend.
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.
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.
Both colonoscopies and gastroscopies are forms of endoscopy. A gastroscopy looks at the upper part of the digestive system, while a colonoscopy explores the rectum and colon, or large bowel. For patients across Woodend and regional Victoria, an endoscopy aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for ongoing care in a single session.
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.
- Comprehensive gastroenterology services
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- Contemporary facilities designed for patient comfort and care
- Compassionate care and understanding
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
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 Woodend 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?
Instructions may differ depending on your admission time, medications, and dietary restrictions, so ensure you follow your specific instructions. Generally, preparation includes avoiding solid food for at least six hours and liquids for at least two hours before your appointment. Your procedure involves sedation, so please arrive with a responsible adult and make arrangements to get home safely, as you will not be able to drive.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will provide detailed written instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Proper preparation is crucial, as it ensures he will be able to see your bowel, its lining, and other areas clearly during your procedure. You may be given instructions for standard bowel preparation, extended bowel preparation, or bowel preparation with Colonolytely. Ensure you follow your specific instructions carefully, arrive with a responsible adult, and arrange transport home, as you will not be able to drive after sedation.
Are there any other procedure options?
Your doctor may occasionally advise exploring other approaches prior to endoscopy, such as:
- Partial colon examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- FOBT (faecal occult blood test)
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- 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?
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?
Vineyard Specialist Centre 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
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.
Our Locations near Woodend
Make an Appointment at Our Endoscopy Centre Closest to You
If you’re experiencing digestive issues such as pain, altered bowel habits, or signs that raise concern, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam and his caring team are here to assist. Their modern endoscopy facilities across Woodend and regional Victoria make it easier to access prompt and thorough investigation.
Get in touch today to discuss your symptoms and referral, and to see if you qualify for open-access endoscopy.