Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy in Sydney
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a procedure that allows a specialist to see inside your body. An endoscope is a long, thin flexible tube, with a camera and light source at its end.
Upper endoscopy, commonly known as gastroscopy, is used to visualise the upper gastrointestinal tract, via your mouth. The upper gastrointestinal tract includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Colonoscopy is used to examine the large intestine, via the anus.
Endoscopy is mostly done to investigate the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition to visualising the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, the specialist can take samples of tissue for biopsy. Laboratory analysis of biopsy samples can differentiate benign, pre-cancerous, and cancerous conditions.
Endoscopy is an invasive procedure and is usually done as day procedure under sedation (“a light anaesthetic”).
Why do I need an endoscopy?
We recommend endoscopy to diagnose the cause of symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, swallowing problems, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss and gastrointestinal bleeding. You may also need an endoscopy if you have a family history of oesophagus, stomach or colon cancer. Endoscopy may be required when other non-invasive diagnostic methods, like clinical examination and ultrasound or CT scan, are inconclusive.
Can my symptoms be treated during endoscopy?
In addition to assisting with diagnosis, endoscopy can also be used to treat various conditions.
For example, a gastrointestinal stricture (abnormal narrowing) could be dilated during endoscopy. In some cases, a stent could be placed endoscopically, to prevent the stricture from narrowing again.
Endoscopy can be used to stop gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly if the bleeding is due to ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
Endoscopy can also be used to treat early premalignant conditions or cancers. For example, polyps that have the potential to become cancerous can be removed during endoscopy.
Do I need special preparation for the procedure?
An empty stomach is essential for a safe gastroscopy. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything, including water, for approximately six hours before the examination.
For colonoscopy, bowel preparation is essential. It takes two days to prepare. Our staff will explain all this and provide you with instructions.
In addition, we will also ask you about your current medications. It is especially important for us to know if you are on diabetic or blood thinning medication.
What should I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, our staff will monitor you until you are awake. Your throat may be a little sore, and you may feel bloated because of the air introduced into your stomach or bowel during the procedure. We will have asked you to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and accompany you home.
Are there any complications of endoscopy?
Endoscopy is considered a safe procedure. Although complications can occur, they are rare if the procedure is performed by a trained and experienced specialist. Our doctors at Sydney Surgical clinic are certified in endoscopy by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, and take the utmost care when performing endoscopy.
Potential procedural complications include:
- Reaction to sedation.
- Bleeding - Bleeding may occur if a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken, but it is usually short-lived. Persistent bleeding is rare, but may require admission to the hospital.
- Perforation (tear in the gut wall) – This is a rare but serious complication, which requires urgent emergency treatment. A bowel perforation is potentially life-threatening.
When will I get the results?
At Sydney Surgical Clinic, we usually see our patients 1 – 2 weeks following an endoscopy. Biopsy results may take up to 2 weeks to be processed by the laboratory.
