Endoscopy Mitcham
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.
The digestive system influences many aspects of your health. If you’re noticing signs such as pain, bleeding, or irregular bowel movements, an endoscopy with Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam may assist in identifying the cause and guiding the next steps.
What is an Endoscopy Procedure?
During an endoscopy, your surgeon uses a fine flexible camera to view the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon, helping your surgeon assess and diagnose digestive concerns such as liver disease, ulcers, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disorders.
Gastroscopies and colonoscopies are common types of endoscopy used to examine the digestive system. A gastroscopy investigates the upper tract, while a colonoscopy focuses on the large bowel and rectum. For people across Mitcham and regional Victoria, these procedures often deliver important answers and next steps for care.
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.
- Complete gastroenterology care
- Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures
- Advanced and well-equipped clinical environments
- Warm, understanding approach for every patient
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.
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 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 Mitcham 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?
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?
Your doctor may occasionally advise exploring other approaches prior to endoscopy, such as:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Fecal occult blood test
- DNA stool test
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- Barium X-ray examination
An endoscopy gives doctors a clear, real-time look inside the bowel and oesophagus, making it easier to detect inflammation, ulcers, or early signs of colorectal cancer. It also enables biopsies and polyp removal during the same procedure.
What are the risks and benefits of endoscopy?
While endoscopy carries minimal risk, possible complications include bleeding, bowel or organ perforation, or cardiorespiratory problems, with death being extremely rare. Still, the risk of not undergoing a needed endoscopy is often higher, as it may delay the identification and management of serious conditions.
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
A primary benefit of undergoing an endoscopy is that it enables early detection and removal of polyps or abnormal tissue, which could otherwise progress to cancer if not treated promptly.
Rapid Access
Patients are usually seen within one week of referral, with open-access endoscopy helping to shorten waiting periods.
Quality and Accreditation
All endoscopy services are carried out in accredited environments aligned with NSQHS and approved healthcare 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 Mitcham 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.