Endoscopy Sunbury
State-of-the-art gastrointestinal endoscopy services across Sunbury.
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?
An endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, or colon. It allows your surgeon to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, liver disease, ulcers, and other problems of the digestive system.
An endoscopy can take different forms, including a gastroscopy, which examines the upper digestive tract, and a colonoscopy, which checks the colon and rectum. Many patients in Sunbury and throughout regional Victoria undergo these procedures in an effort to gain clarity and direction for their digestive health.
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.
All procedures performed by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam follow the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. His colonoscopy and gastroscopy services adhere to the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard to deliver consistent, evidence-based care.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Diagnostic and treatment-focused procedures
- Contemporary facilities designed for patient comfort and care
- Compassionate care and understanding
Delays in diagnosis can occur when patients are placed on long waiting lists. For those needing faster evaluation, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers open-access endoscopy, enabling direct booking after your consultation. His team reviews each patient’s situation to ensure appropriate scheduling.
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 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
Used to examine the large bowel and rectum, a colonoscopy is an important endoscopic procedure for diagnosing bowel conditions. It helps detect colorectal cancer, remove polyps, and investigate symptoms such as bleeding, chronic diarrhoea, or changes in bowel function. In Australia, this procedure is performed more than a million times each year.
Looking to take the next step toward understanding your digestive symptoms and exploring treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Sunbury 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?
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 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 some cases, your doctor may recommend trying other options before endoscopy, such as:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- FOBT (faecal occult blood test)
- Stool DNA screening
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Contrast barium X-ray of the bowel
Compared to other diagnostic options, endoscopy offers the most comprehensive visual assessment of your digestive tract, including the oesophagus and bowel lining. It also allows tissue sampling, polyp removal, and detection of abnormalities linked to conditions such as 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?
Vineyard Specialist Centre is easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Endoscopy Specialist
The main benefit of endoscopy is that it allows your surgeon to find and remove potential problems, such as polyps. These may grow into cancer if left, so having them removed and biopsied is crucial.
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 delivers endoscopy services in accredited facilities meeting NSQHS standards and quality health service standards.
Our Locations near Sunbury
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 Sunbury and regional Victoria, ensuring you don’t face long waiting times for assessment and clarity.
Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, referral, and whether you may be eligible for open-access endoscopy.