Private Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a simple procedure used to examine your digestive tract from the inside. The name comes from the equipment used for the procedure called an endoscope. Dr Dunkley offers private endoscopy appointments (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) at Mildura Private Hospital and Mildura Base Hospital.
Why do I need to have an endoscopy?
You might be referred to Dr Dunkley for a private endoscopy to investigate the cause of symptoms you’re experiencing anywhere along your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common symptoms include indigestion and heartburn, vomiting, bloating, pain, passing blood, difficultly swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Endoscopy is also to screen for and prevent cancer, to perform treatment procedures and as part of planning for other surgeries. Dr Dunkley may also take small tissue samples to be tested (biopsy) or perform other procedures to control bleeding, remove any growths (polyps) or blockages.
What are the main types of endoscopy?
Upper GI gastroscopy
Examines the area from your mouth to the duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) including the oesophagus and stomach
Symptoms to be investigated include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the bowels or rectum, unexplained anaemia (iron deficiency) or weight loss.
You might also have a gastroscopy if you are having specific problems with heartburn or difficultly swallowing.
Lower GI colonoscopy
Examines the area from your anus to the last part of the small bowel (including the colon and rectum).
Symptoms to be investigated include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the bowels or rectum, unexplained anaemia (iron deficiency) or weight loss.
You might also have a colonoscopy if you are having specific problems with haemorrhoids or as part of screening for bowel or colon cancer.
Pillcam endoscopy
Uses a tiny capsule camera that you swallow to record images all along your digestive tract.
Pillcam technology is particularly useful in diagnosing issues in the small intestine, which can be difficult to see using traditional endoscopy.
Dr Dunkley may recommend that you have a pillcam endoscopy to look for causes of symptoms that were not possible to identify using traditional endoscopy.
What is involved in the procedure?
Under light sedation, a flexible tube (endoscope) with a light and camera attached are used to examine your digestive tract. The results are displayed on a monitor to help Dr Dunkley view each area and look for the cause of your symptoms. Biopsies may be taken to test small tissue samples as part of screening for a range of conditions including cancer.
If you are having an endoscopy as part of planned treatment for a known condition, Dr Dunkley will discuss any specific details with you prior your procedure.
For example, if you have previously been diagnosed with GORD, a condition that causes narrowing in the oesophagus, instruments may be used to gently stretch and widen the oesophagus to temporarily relieve pain and swallowing difficulties.
How do I prepare for my endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a day procedure which means there is no need to stay overnight in hospital. You will be given a time to arrive and will spend approx. 4 hours in hospital. The procedure itself only takes about 15-20 minutes.
You will be given a light sedation (not anaesthetic) to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You won’t be able to feel anything or remember much about the procedure afterwards. The effect of the sedation means you will need to arrange someone to collect you from hospital and not drive your car until the next day.
Preparation for gastroscopy (upper GI)
To ensure you have an empty stomach you must not eat anything from 12 midnight on the day of your procedure
Water is allowed until 2 hours before the procedure
Do not chew gum or suck lollies
After the procedure you can eat and drink as normal.
You might have some minor bloating or cramping due to the air introduced in the stomach during the procedure which should go away within a few hours.
Preparation for colonoscopy (lower GI)
If you are having a colonoscopy we will arrange a time for you to receive tailored bowel prep information 1 week before your procedure.
Your usual medications may need to be adjusted and we will advise you what to do.
You will need to follow a special low fibre diet for a few days to prepare. We will give you instructions about what foods are allowed.
In the 24 hours prior to your procedure you will begin a clear fluid only diet and start taking special doses of ‘bowel prep’ to ensure your bowels are completely empty.
We recommend staying home after you begin the bowel prep.
After the procedure you can eat and drink as normal.
You will receive full instructions on how to prepare for your procedure when you make your appointment.
Additional resources
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has produced resources on what to expect if you’re having a colonoscopy.