Endoscopy Services

A gastroscopy is a procedure in which a doctor examines the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract — the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, and duodenum — using a thin, flexible telescope called an endoscope. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and down towards the stomach, with a tiny video camera at the tip that transmits images to a monitor.

A gastroscopy may be advised if you have symptoms such as recurring indigestion or heartburn, pains in the upper abdomen, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms thought to be coming from the upper gut.

Conditions It Can Diagnose

• Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
• Duodenal and stomach ulcers
• Duodenitis and gastritis
• Cancer of the stomach and oesophagus
• Hiatus hernia and acid reflux (GORD)

What to Expect

Gastroscopy is usually done as an outpatient day case. Sedation may be offered to help you relax. The procedure typically takes about 10 minutes, though you should allow at least two hours for the full appointment. The doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) during the procedure. Most people are ready to go home after resting for about half an hour.

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to visually examine the entire lining of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope — a long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and gradually advanced through the colon, allowing careful examination of the lining to diagnose problems, perform biopsies, and remove polyps.

Colonoscopy is often considered the "gold-standard" screening and diagnostic test for colorectal conditions, as it allows for both detection and removal (or sampling) of polyps and cancers.

Who Should Have a Colonoscopy?

• Adults from age 50 as part of colorectal cancer screening
• Patients with a family history of colon or rectal cancer or polyps
• Patients experiencing rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pains
• Patients with a history of colon polyps or cancer (follow-up)
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Patients with acute or chronic anaemia

What to Expect

One or two days before the procedure, a bowel preparation (cleansing) is required. During the colonoscopy, sedation is given intravenously. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards and to remain with you for 12 hours following the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activity the morning following a colonoscopy.

A polypectomy is the medical procedure for removing polyps — abnormal growths that arise from the cells lining the bowel. While most polyps are benign, they often have the potential to become malignant (cancerous) if left untreated. Research has demonstrated that removal of polyps dramatically reduces the incidence of subsequent colon cancer.

Colonic polypectomy is performed during a colonoscopy and does not require a separate procedure. Most polyps produce no symptoms and are found incidentally during endoscopy. However, some polyps can produce bleeding, mucosal discharge, or alteration in bowel function.

How It Is Performed

Small polyps are removed using a biopsy forceps instrument. Larger polyps are removed by placing a wire snare (noose) around the polyp base and burning through the tissue with an electric current. Neither procedure is painful, and you will not usually be aware they are being performed during your colonoscopy.

Safety

Polypectomy is very safe. Potential complications (rare) include bleeding and perforation, which your endoscopist will discuss with you beforehand. Following polypectomy, tissue analysis is performed and results communicated to you, along with any recommendation for a repeat examination.