Endoscopy Williamstown
Modern and precise gastrointestinal endoscopy services offered across Williamstown.
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?
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.
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 Williamstown 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
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.
- Full gastroenterology support and treatment options
- Procedures aimed towards diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions
- Modern, fully equipped medical facilities
- Warm, understanding approach for every patient
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.
If you’re a referring doctor and think your patient would be suited to this option, please mention it in your referral 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
A colonoscopy is a specialised endoscopy procedure used to examine the rectum and colon (large bowel). It is a key tool in screening for colorectal cancer, identifying and removing polyps, and investigating symptoms like persistent diarrhoea, bleeding, or unexplained changes in bowel habits. In Australia, surgeons perform over one million colonoscopies every year.
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?
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?
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?
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?
Sometimes, your doctor might suggest alternative steps before proceeding with an endoscopy, including:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Stool test for hidden blood
- Bowel DNA test using a stool sample
- Virtual colonoscopy, or colonography
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) barium study
Endoscopy provides the most direct and detailed view of the oesophagus, bowel, and surrounding tissues. It enables surgeons to perform biopsies, remove polyps, and detect signs of issues like 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
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
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 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.
Schedule an appointment today to review your symptoms, talk through your referral, and find out if open-access endoscopy is appropriate for you.