Endoscopy Ringwood
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.
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.
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 Ringwood 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
With a commitment to excellence and patient wellbeing, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam provides care that exceeds expectations. Using the latest techniques and a thoughtful, empathetic approach, his team strives to make each patient’s endoscopy experience as calm and supportive as possible.
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.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Diagnostic and treatment-focused procedures
- Contemporary facilities designed for patient comfort and care
- 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 it may be able to detect issues like ulcers or inflammation.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a form of endoscopy designed to inspect the large bowel, including the rectum and colon. It plays a vital role in detecting colorectal cancer, finding and removing polyps, and assessing issues such as bleeding, long-term diarrhoea, or altered bowel patterns. Each year, more than one million colonoscopies are carried out in Australia.
Ready to begin your search for answers and potential treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Ringwood 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?
Depending on your appointment time and any medical or dietary requirements, preparation instructions may vary. In most cases, patients are asked to avoid solid foods for at least six hours and clear liquids for two hours before the procedure. As you’ll receive sedation, please bring a responsible adult and organise a safe way home, as driving afterwards isn’t permitted.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Before your colonoscopy, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will give you detailed preparation guidelines. Following these instructions properly is essential to allow a clear view of your bowel and its lining during the procedure. You may receive directions for standard, extended, or Colonolytely bowel preparation. Be sure to follow these steps exactly, attend with a responsible adult, and organise safe transport home, as you won’t be able to drive due to sedation.
Are there any other procedure options?
In certain situations, your doctor could recommend different assessments or treatments before considering an endoscopy, such as:
- Partial colon examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- FOBT (faecal occult blood test)
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- Non-invasive virtual colon examination
- Barium X-ray examination
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?
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’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits, ongoing discomfort, or are worried about bowel cancer, an endoscopic examination may be appropriate. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam and his team provide advanced endoscopy services across Ringwood and regional Victoria, helping you get timely answers and peace of mind.
Arrange an appointment today to speak with the team about your symptoms, referral, and possible eligibility for open-access endoscopy.