Endoscopy Altona
Advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures provided in Altona.
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.
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 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.
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 Altona 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
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.
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.
- Complete gastroenterology care
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- Contemporary facilities designed for patient comfort and care
- Warm, understanding approach for every patient
When diagnosis is delayed due to waiting lists, important treatment decisions can also be postponed. That’s why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides open-access endoscopy for suitable patients, allowing you to book straight after your appointment, whether online or in person, with triage handled by his experienced team.
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
A gastroscopy involves examining the upper digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It’s often recommended to explore causes of nausea, reflux, upper abdominal pain, or low iron levels, and it may help identify inflammation or ulceration.
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 begin your search for answers and potential treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Altona 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?
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 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?
In certain situations, your doctor could recommend different assessments or treatments before considering an endoscopy, such as:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Stool test for hidden blood
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) barium study
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?
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?
Williamstown 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
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 provides endoscopy care within accredited hospitals and clinics that adhere to NSQHS and national quality standards.
Our Locations near Altona
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 Altona 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.