Endoscopy Melbourne ＆ Regional Victoria
State-of-the-art gastrointestinal endoscopy services across Melbourne and Shepparton.
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.
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 Melbourne 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 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
- Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Compassionate care and understanding
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
A gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy that focuses on the upper digestive tract. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Surgeons typically use gastroscopy to investigate symptoms like reflux, nausea, unexplained anaemia, or upper abdominal pain, and may be able to detect issues like ulcers or inflammation.
Colonoscopy
Ready to begin your search for answers and potential treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Melbourne 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?
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?
Are there any other procedure options?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend trying other options before endoscopy, such as:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Fecal occult blood test
- DNA stool test
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- Barium enema
However, endoscopy is the procedure that offers specialists the clearest view of your bowel, oesophagus, bowel lining, and other areas of concern. This also allows them to take biopsies, remove polyps, and identify changes that may point to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, 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.
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.
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Endoscopy Specialist
Combining general surgery training with experience in gastroenterology procedures, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
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 Clinic Locations
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 Melbourne 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.