Endoscopy Williamstown
Comprehensive gastrointestinal endoscopy care available throughout Williamstown.
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?
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.
Both colonoscopies and gastroscopies are forms of endoscopy. A gastroscopy looks at the upper part of the digestive system, while a colonoscopy explores the rectum and colon, or large bowel. For patients across Williamstown and regional Victoria, an endoscopy aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for ongoing care in a single session.
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.
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.
- Comprehensive gastroenterology services
- Both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy options
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Empathetic and personalised care
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
During a gastroscopy, a surgeon uses a thin camera to inspect the oesophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine. This procedure helps investigate issues such as reflux, nausea, unexplained anaemia, or upper abdominal pain, and may uncover ulcers or irritation within the lining.
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.
Want to start uncovering the cause of your symptoms and explore your treatment choices?
Your Endoscopy Williamstown Questions Answered
When should I have an endoscopy?
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free home test kits for Australians aged 45 to 74, but anyone with worrying digestive symptoms should consult their doctor, who may recommend an endoscopy. Warning signs include pain in the abdomen, reflux, rectal bleeding, swallowing difficulties, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Preparation steps can vary based on your scheduled time, current medications, and any dietary needs, so it’s important to follow the directions provided to you. Typically, you’ll need to avoid eating solid food for six hours and stop drinking liquids two hours prior to your procedure. Because sedation is used, you’ll need to attend with an accompanying adult and arrange transport home afterwards.
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?
Sometimes, your doctor might suggest alternative steps before proceeding with an endoscopy, including:
- Lower bowel examination (sigmoidoscopy)
- Fecal occult blood test
- DNA stool test
- Non-invasive virtual colon examination
- Barium enema
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?
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?
Williamstown Specialist Centre is 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
Endoscopy procedures are performed in fully accredited facilities that comply with NSQHS and recognised quality healthcare standards.
Our Locations near Williamstown
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 Williamstown and regional Victoria make it easier to access prompt and thorough investigation.
Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, referral, and whether you may be eligible for open-access endoscopy.