Endoscopy Glen Waverley
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 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 Glen Waverley 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.
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
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.
For referring doctors, if you believe this option may benefit your patient, please indicate this when emailing your referral.
Our Endoscopy Services
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that examines the upper part of the digestive system, the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It’s commonly performed to assess symptoms such as reflux, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained anaemia, and may reveal inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows surgeons to carefully examine the colon and rectum for signs of disease or irregularity. It’s an essential method for bowel cancer detection, identifying polyps, and exploring symptoms like ongoing diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, or unexplained bowel changes. Over a million colonoscopies are performed annually in Australia.
Looking to take the next step toward understanding your digestive symptoms and exploring treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Glen Waverley Questions Answered
When should I have an endoscopy?
Australians aged 45 to 74 are eligible for free bowel screening tests through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Yet, anyone with symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, bleeding, swallowing problems, altered bowel habits, or unexpected weight loss should seek medical advice and discuss whether endoscopy is appropriate.
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 supply written guidance for your colonoscopy preparation. Thorough preparation is vital for clear visibility of the bowel and surrounding tissues. Depending on your case, you may need standard, extended, or Colonolytely bowel prep. Follow these directions precisely, come with a support person, and ensure you have transport home, as sedation prevents driving.
Are there any other procedure options?
Sometimes, your doctor might suggest alternative steps before proceeding with an endoscopy, including:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Stool test for hidden blood
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) barium study
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?
Endoscopy is generally very safe, though rare risks include bleeding, perforation, or heart and breathing-related complications. In very few cases, death can occur. However, skipping or delaying an endoscopy may pose greater danger by preventing timely diagnosis and care.
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
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam strives to see patients within a week of referral and offers open-access endoscopy to help minimise delays.
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
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 Glen Waverley 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.