Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your body using a flexible tube called an endoscope.
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Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your body using a flexible tube called an endoscope. This tube has a light and a camera at the end, which transmits images to a monitor. Endoscopy can be performed under sedation or general anaesthetic and is used to investigate symptoms, diagnose conditions, and treat issues within the digestive tract, such as polyps and ulcers.
There are different types of endoscopy, depending on the area being examined.
At Christchurch Bariatric, Upper GI & General Surgeons, we perform endoscopy at Southern Endoscopy Centre, Southern Cross Hospital, St Georges Hospital, and Forte Health.
Gastroscopy allows examination of the upper part of your digestive tract i.e. oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and duodenum (top section of the small intestine), by passing a gastroscope (long, flexible tube with a camera on the end) through your mouth and down your digestive tract. Images from the camera are displayed on a television monitor. Sometimes a small tissue sample (biopsy) will need to be taken during the procedure for later examination at a laboratory.
Gastroscopy may be used to diagnose peptic ulcers, tumours, gastritis etc.
Colonoscopy is the examination of your colon (large bowel) using a colonoscope (long, flexible tube with a camera on the end). The colonoscope is passed into your rectum (bottom) and then moved slowly along the entire colon, while images from the camera are displayed on a television monitor.
Sometimes a small tissue sample (biopsy) will need to be taken during the procedure for later examination at a laboratory.
A colonoscopy will diagnose conditions such as polyps (small growths of tissue projecting into the bowel), tumours, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon) and diverticulitis (inflammation of sacs that form on the walls of the colon).
ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder.
During an ERCP, a thin flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is gently passed through your mouth and into the small intestine. A special dye is then used so your doctor can see the bile and pancreatic ducts on X-ray.
ERCP can help identify blockages, gallstones, or narrowing in the ducts and in many cases, these issues can be treated during the same procedure.
No. If you receive sedation or a general anaesthetic, you are not legally allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. You will need a support person who can pick you up and stay with you after your procedure.
Yes. The preparation required depends on the specific procedure you are having. This may include:
Your exact preparation instructions will be explained at the time of booking and outlined clearly in your procedure pack.
Some medications may need to be withheld before your procedure. Our nursing team will advise you on which medications you should continue and which you may need to stop. It is very important that you inform us of all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription, non-prescription, and natural or herbal products.
If you’re covered by Southern Cross Health Insurance, we can usually help by obtaining pre-approval for many common procedures on your behalf.
If you’re insured with a non-affiliated provider, you’ll need to contact your insurer directly for prior approval before treatment.
Yes, if appropriate, you may be able to book directly for a procedure without a consultation first. This depends on several factors, including your insurer, your current health, and your symptoms.
