Endoscopy Knox (Wantirna)
Understanding Endoscopy
Digestive discomfort can interfere with your comfort, energy, and day-to-day life. If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, or signs such as bleeding, it’s understandable to want clarity and reassurance quickly.
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 Wantirna 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
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.
Every procedure undertaken by Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam aligns with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. His approach to colonoscopy and gastroscopy follows the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard to ensure patients receive reliable, evidence-informed care.
- Wide-ranging gastroenterology procedures
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Compassionate care and understanding
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.
Doctors referring patients are asked to specify if open-access endoscopy may be appropriate when submitting their referral by email.
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
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.
Ready to begin your search for answers and potential treatment options?
Your Endoscopy Wantirna 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?
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?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend trying other options before endoscopy, such as:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Faecal blood screening test
- Colorectal DNA stool analysis
- 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?
Knox Private Hospital and Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre are easily accessible to patients in:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
Endoscopy Specialist
Endoscopy offers a major benefit by allowing surgeons to locate and remove polyps or suspicious tissue before they become more serious. Biopsying these samples is an important step in preventing cancer.
Rapid Access
Patients are usually seen within one week of referral, with open-access endoscopy helping to shorten waiting periods.
Quality and Accreditation
Endoscopy procedures are performed in fully accredited facilities that comply with NSQHS and recognised quality healthcare 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 Wantirna and regional Victoria make it easier to access prompt and thorough investigation.
Schedule an appointment today to review your symptoms, talk through your referral, and find out if open-access endoscopy is appropriate for you.