COLONOSCOPY

A Colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel. A long, thin, flexible tube containing a camera and a light is used to view the internal  lining of your bowel

A sedative will be given to ensure you are not awake for the procedure. During your colonoscopy, a small sample of tissue may be taken. The procedure will only take 15-30 minutes.

You must not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your admission; however, you are allowed sips of water up until 2 hours prior to the procedure.

3 days prior to your procedure you must avoid fibre and seeds. The night before your procedure you must take 3 sachets of bowel preparation – which is explained to you upon booking of your procedure.

You must not drive following your anaesthesic so you will need to arrange someone to take you home and stay with you overnight.

ORBERA

ORBERA Balloon is a weight loss procedure offered to suitable patients. It involves a pre procedure work up with our gastroenterologists, dietician and some hypnotherapy sessions. Regular follow up sessions with both the gastroenterologist and dietician are also required.

The ORBERA Balloon insertion is NOT covered by private health insurance and requires an out of pocket payment. Details of the fee will be discussed with you on your first consultation.

The ORBERA Balloon is a clinically tested and proven weight loss solution that has helped more than 220,000 people in over 80 countries. No fad programs, no surgery; just results.

The ORBERA Balloon has proven results of an average weight loss of 10-15kg in 6 months. Custom support is provided by a team of experts and you have an opportunity to learn healthy habits to help keep the weight off even after the balloon is removed.

To qualify for an ORBERA Balloon, you must:

• Be an adult
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of above 27
• Be willing to participate in a medically supervised program

The ORBERA Balloon is inserted under IV sedation with assistance of the gastroscope. It sits in your stomach for up to 6 months and assists you to reduce the amount you consume. It is removed under IV sedation using the gastroscope and a special removal tool. More information can be found here.

HAEMORRHOID BANDING

Haemorrhoid Banding is a procedure that is performed under IV sedation with the use of a colonoscope, and proctoscope to treat haemorrhoids. A small rubber band is placed around the haemorrhoid(s), strangulating the blood supply so that the haemorrhoid drops off within a few days. An anaesthetic cream (you must have a script for the cream) is applied prior to the procedure to eliminate any possible pain post procedure.

Please be sure to arrive 1 hour prior to the procedure so that the nurse is able to insert the purchased enema and allow the bowel to clean and empty while you wait.

The procedure takes around 15-20 minutes.

You  must not drive following IV sedation administration. You will need to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you overnight.

FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the rectum and the lower (sigmoid) colon.

A thin, flexible tube about 60cm long is used. It is inserted gently into the anus and advanced slowly into the rectum and lower colon. It is similar to, but not the same as, a colonoscopy. This 20 minute procedure helps identify early signs of cancer and can help diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the distal colon and weight loss. You will not be awake for the procedure.

You must have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before your admission time. Please arrive 1 hour prior to your admission time for the administration of fleet enema.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very safe procedure when performed by doctors who are specially trained and experienced in these endoscopic procedures.

You must not drive following IV sedation. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you overnight.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI (H PYLORI)

Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) is a bacteria that can infect the human stomach. The bacteria lives in the lining of the stomach and the chemicals it produces can cause inflammation of the stomach lining.

H. Pylori can cause a number of diseases including:

• Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)- common
• Duodenal Ulcers (in small bowel just beyond the stomach)- uncommon
• Stomach (gastric) ulcers – uncommon
• Some cancers of the stomach – rare

Most people that are infected with H Pylori never actually develop symptoms. It is likely that the development of ulcers depends on characteristics of the infected person as well as type and strain of H Pylori present.

Helicobacter Pylori can be diagnosed in a number of different ways, such as:

• Breath tests
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy
• Stool tests

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

Diverticular Disease affects the lining of the bowel in the large intestine or colon wall. It causes small pouches, or diverticula, to protrude from the outside wall of the colon.

Diverticular Disease is very common and can be caused by low fibre intake. Less fibre increases constipation and results in harder compact stools which require more pressure to push them along the colon which could result in ‘blow-outs’ and the formation of pouches due to the pressure.

Diverticular Disease is generally diagnosed during a routine screening for colorectal cancer or during tests for other intestinal problems.

Mild attacks of Diverticular Disease can be treated with rest, a fluid only or low fibre diet and antibiotics. Severe cases can potentially result in needing surgery and causing future complications.

BOWEL POLYPS

Bowel Polyps are an abnormal, fleshy growth extending from the inner wall of the large bowel (colon and rectum). Polyps can vary in type, shape, size, location and number.

The number of polyps found is written in the colonoscopy report, either as a total, or as a number of polyps for a particular region within the bowel.

Depending on the type, size and number of bowel polyps removed, your doctor will advise on the necessity and timing of future colonoscopies, usually in 3-5 years.

Polyp removal is a safe and effective technique.

For uninsured patients, there may be additional costs associated with removal of polyps.

Bowel polyps are often asymptomatic – increasing age, family or personal history of bowel polyps and blood in the stool are the best predictors of polyps.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative Colitis causes inflammation of the bowel. This inflammation is thought to be due to dysfunction of your immune system, and is not due to an infection. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of only the inner lining of the colon and rectum (large bowel).

The exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis is unknown; however, it is possible that genetic, environmental, immunological and infectious factors can all be involved.

People who are suffering from Ulcerative Colitis can develop pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea with blood and mucous present, tiredness and weight loss.

The treatment of Ulcerative Colitis depends on the amount of the large bowel affected and the severity of the inflammation. If the disease is confined only to the lower part of the bowel, a mild attack may be treated with drugs given directly into the rectum. When more of the bowel is affected, the doctor may suggest taking medications via mouth.

CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s Disease causes inflammation of the bowel. This inflammation is thought to be due to dysfunction of your immune system, and is not due to an infection. Crohn’s disease also causes inflammation of the full thickness of the bowel wall and may involve any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.

The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown; however, it is possible that genetic, environmental, immunological and infectious factors can all be involved.

People who are suffering from Crohn’s disease can develop pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea with blood and mucous present, tiredness and weight loss.

The treatment of Crohn’s Disease is fairly similar to Ulcerative Colitis; however, medicines like Mesalazine are of less benefit in Crohn’s Disease.