Endoscopy

A colonoscopy is a common day procedure used to examine and inspect the bowel, colon or large intestine. A colonoscopy can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions associated with the colon and rectum.

Colonoscopies can be used to assess and investigate:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in bowel habit
• Chronic constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
• Colorectal cancer
• Rectal bleeding
• Anaemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• A positive Faecal Occult Blood Test

The procedure is performed by a long, flexible plastic tube called a colonoscope. Under sedation or light anaesthetic, the colonoscope is inserted via the rectum into the colon allowing the doctor to carefully examine the lining of the bowel. Should abnormal tissue be identified during the examination, a biopsy may be taken for further evaluation. Sometimes polyps may be located during a colonoscopy. A polypectomy may also be performed at this time to remove the small growth.

Colonoscopies are often performed under full sedation, but it is sometimes possible to do them with little or no sedation. Your doctor can advise on the most appropriate options for you.

Preparation

You will likely have to do two or three days of preparation before your colonoscopy. This usually involves a particular diet, some fasting, and a special bowel preparation drink, which is used to clear your large bowel. Your doctor or a member of your care team will give you detailed instructions on what to do and it’s important to follow them exactly. If you don’t do your bowel preparation correctly, your colonoscopy might have to be rescheduled.

Gastroscopy is a commonly performed procedure to examine the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract and duodenum. It is used to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Gastroscopy can also be used to detect ulcers or tumours.

The examination is conducted using an endoscope - which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the tip. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and oesophagus, into the stomach and duodenum. The camera transmits an image to a monitor which allows the surgeon to review the lining of the upper GI tract.

During the procedure, your surgeon may remove any polyps that have been located or take a biopsy of abnormal tissue for further examination.

Preparation

Your care team will give you instructions on how to prepare for your gastroscopy procedure. This usually involves fasting, as you will need to have an empty stomach. If you’re having a colonoscopy at the same time, you will be given bowel preparation instructions as well.