Procedure Information

Gastroscopy

Upper GI Endoscopy is a visual examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.  A long flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and first half of the duodenum.  A detailed image of the upper gastrointestinal tract is then projected onto a screen to allow any abnormalities to be visualized.  If necessary, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the examination for pathological analysis.  Polyps are benign tumours which may have cancerous potential.  They can usually be removed at endoscopy using an electric snare wire.

A number of other treatments can also be performed through the endoscope.  These include but are not limited to stretching (dilatation) of narrowed areas of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, removal of swallowed objects, and treatment of bleeding blood vessels often associated with ulcers by injection, heat therapy or the application of clips.

Preparation for Gastroscopy

For best results of a Gastroscopy, the stomach must be empty. You must not eat solid food for 6 Hours prior to procedure. Clear fluids may be consumed up to 3 Hours prior to the appointment.

After the Gastroscopy
Due to the sedation you will be given for the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and you will not be safe to drive until the morning after your procedure.

For more information regarding the diet and risks of a Gastroscopy, please click on the links below

Forms: Consent Form  Symptoms Sheet

Colonoscopy / Flexibile Sigmoidoscopy

A Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the colon (large intestine).  A long flexible colonoscope is passed through the rectum and around the colon.  A detailed image of the colon is then projected onto a screen to allow any abnormalities to be visualized.  If necessary small tissue samples (biopsies or polyps) can be taken during the examination for pathological analysis.

Preparation for Colonoscopy

For best results, the colon must be completely free of waste material.  The Doctors at The Gastrointestinal Centre have a specific diet that they believe provides the best results in emptying the colon.

The diet consists of Low Residue (or low fibre) foods and is commenced 4 days before the procedure. A clear fluid diet is commenced the day before the procedure, as well as a laxative medication that needs to be consumed as per the diet sheet provided to patients at the time of booking.

Please see the diet sheet below for information about the diet to be followed for Colonoscopy.

NOTE: There is a separate diet sheet for appointments in the morning and afternoon.

Preparation kits must be collected at least one week before the procedure.

After the Colonoscopy
Due to the sedation you will be given for the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and you will not be safe to drive until the morning after your procedure.

For more information regarding the diet and risks of a colonoscopy, please click on the links below

Forms: Colonoscopy Consent Form      Diet Sheet for Colonoscopy before 11am      Diet Sheet for Colonoscopy after 11am

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy for the small bowel involves swallowing a camera the size and shape of a large antibiotic capsule. This camera takes 3 photos per second as it travels through your digestive system in the same way food would. The capsule is disposable and passes within approximately 48 hours and can be flushed down the toilet. The photos of the digestive tract are transmitted to a recording receiver worn on the waist. This recorder must be kept on for the duration of the test (Approx 8 hours). This recorder is returned and the pictures are then analysed by your doctor.

This test allows visualisation of parts of your digestive tract that cannot be reached by gastroscopy or colonoscopy and does not replace these tests. This test takes pictures only and does not treat any disease that it may encounter.

Preparation

To ensure a clear view during Capsule Endoscopy, the stomach and colon need to be emptied by following a Clear Fluid diet starting the day before the procedure and taking a preparation.

For more information in regards to Capsule Endoscopy risks and the Diet, please see the below link.

forms: Capsule Endoscopy Consent Form

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

EMR is a technique for safely removing either large or suspicious looking lesions from the gastrointestinal tract using endoscopy rather than surgery. These polyps are more likely to progress to cancer and removing them at endoscopy prevents cancer developing. Removing larger polyps does carry a higher risk of complications such as bleeding and perforation so the removal needs to be carried out with great care.

The procedure involves injecting fluid under the lesion to create a cushion. This allows for safe removal of quite large polyps in expert hands. Electrical current is also usually used to cauterise the wound and decrease the immediate bleeding risk. Metal clips can be used to treat complications such as bleeding or perforation but occasionally blood transfusion, repeat procedures and even surgery may be required. Close follow up is often necessary a few months after resection to ensure there is no early re-growth of these more aggressive polyps.

Forms: EMR Consent Form

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

An EUS is a specialized procedure and in most cases is only performed after a consultation with Dr Francis to consent the patient and advise of any out of pocket expenses.

An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is where the doctor uses an instrument called an echoendoscope, which has an ultrasound probe at its tip to examine the wall layers (inside and outside) of the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.  It also provides excellent pictures of your pancreas, bile ducts and organs in your chest.

An echoendoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light attached which allows the doctor to see the pictures of the inside and outside of your gut on a video screen.  The scope bends, so that the doctor can move it around the curves of your gut.

The EUS allows a fine needle biopsy (sample) of tissue to be taken inside or outside the wall of the gut.  This needle is passed through the scope, and using the ultrasound as a guide, it is passed into the tissue of concern.

Preparation

For best results, no food should be consumed 6 hours prior to the procedure, and clear fluids can be consumed up to 3 hours prior to the procedure.

After the EUS
Due to the sedation you will be given for the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and you will not be safe to drive until the morning after your procedure.

For more information regarding Endoscopic Ultrasound and the risks involved, please see the below link.

Forms: EUS Consent Form

ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

An ERCP is not a routine GI procedure, and in most cases is performed after a consultation with Dr Francis, where the doctor will consent the patient and advise of any out of pocket expenses.

ERCP is used in the diagnosis of disorders of the pancreas, bile duct, liver and gall bladder.  The doctor passes a thin flexible telescope through your mouth to inspect your stomach and duodenum.  The doctor then injects contrast dye into the drainage hole (papilla) from the bile ducts and pancreas to take detailed x-rays. Dependent on the findings removal of the bile duct stone, cutting the papilla or placement of stents will be performed.

Preparation

For best results, no food or drink should be consumed from midnight the night prior to the procedure.

After the ERCP
Due to the sedation you will be given for the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and you will not be safe to drive until the morning after your procedure.

For more information and the risks of ERCP, please see the below link.

Forms: ERCP Consent Form

Haemorrhoid Banding

Haemorrhoids are dilated veins near the anus. They are extremely common and the most common problem is bleeding. Haemorrhoids can either be inside the body (internal) or on the outside (external). External haemorrhoids can be painful to treat and are best managed by surgical excision. Small to medium internal haemorrhoids can be managed by ligation with a rubber band device at the time of colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Haemorrhoids can also be treated conservatively (without any procedures). This would involve increasing the water and fibre content of your diet to soften the stools and decrease the need to strain on the toilet. Topical haemorrhoid cream or suppository can also be of use. If this conservative treatment does not relieve the problem then band ligation and surgical excision are the other treatments to consider.

Forms: Haemorrhoid Banding Consent Form