Endoscopy Forest Hill
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 health is key to your overall wellbeing, and symptoms such as discomfort, bleeding, or altered bowel patterns may signal an issue that requires assessment. An endoscopy performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam may help provide answers.
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 Forest Hill 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
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 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.
- Comprehensive gastroenterology services
- Procedures aimed towards diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions
- Modern, fully equipped medical facilities
- Kind, patient-centred support
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.
If you’re a referring doctor and think your patient would be suited to this option, please mention it in your referral email.
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 it may be able to detect issues like ulcers or inflammation.
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 Forest Hill 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?
Preparation steps can vary based on your scheduled time, current medications, and any dietary needs, so it’s important to follow the directions provided to you. Typically, you’ll need to avoid eating solid food for six hours and stop drinking liquids two hours prior to your procedure. Because sedation is used, you’ll need to attend with an accompanying adult and arrange transport home afterwards.
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:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- FOBT (faecal occult blood test)
- DNA stool test
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography
- Contrast barium X-ray of the bowel
Endoscopy provides the most direct and detailed view of the oesophagus, bowel, and surrounding tissues. It enables surgeons to perform biopsies, remove polyps, and detect signs of issues like 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.
What areas do you service?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are 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.
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 Forest Hill 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.