Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a medical procedure done to examine the colon. A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube containing a video camera that is passed via your anus and gently pushed along the colon. The doctor examines the lining of the whole large bowel. Biopsies can be taken during the procedure and abnormal tissue such as polyps can be removed.
Colonoscopy is performed under a light general anaesthetic given by a specialist Anaesthetist. There is usually no experience or memory of the test and it is low risk. Informed consent with full discussion of the benefits and risks of colonoscopy is obtained prior to the day of the procedure.
Vanessa performs Colonoscopy at Kareena Private Hospital and Kingsway Day Surgery. Public patients will have access to procedures at Sutherland Hospital. She provides “No-Gap” billing for all eligible privately insured patients.
Why is Colonoscopy done?
Colonoscopy is used to investigate abdominal symptoms such as pain, constipation or diarrhoea, bleeding from the bowel and unexplained weight loss.
It is used to investigate iron deficiency and anaemia, and for the diagnosis and surveillance of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Colonoscopy is one of the options for the surveillance of bowel cancer and the precursor bowel polyps. This includes patients with a positive Faecal occult blood test, (such as the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme) and in patients at higher risk; such as in those with a family history of bowel cancer.
PREPARATION FOR COLONOSCOPY:
Thorough colonoscopy depends on completely emptying the bowel which is done by taking an oral preparation. This includes modifying your food intake for 2 days prior to the procedure. Closely following the instructions and setting calendar reminders results in the most accurate and procedure.
There are a variety of preparations available which can be discussed with Vanessa, depending on preference and previous experience.
After colonoscopy:
You won’t be able to drive for 24 hours following the anaesthetic and therefore you will need to make arrangements for a friend or family to pick you up. It is requested that you be with someone for those 24 hours in case of unexpected events following the procedure.
Although adverse events are rare, early recognition is important. Vanessa will discuss the results of the test with you and family following the procedure. A written report is given and any later available results will be made available by either at subsequent office consultation, telephone, email or post.
Welcome
Vanessa delivers a caring, patient focused approach to her management of patients with all gastrointestinal conditions, including General Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Gastrointestinal disorders.
My Services
Vanessa provides the following services to her clients along with several others: Consultation, Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Direct Access Colonoscopy, Haemorrhoids Rubber Band Ligation, Iron Infusions and Viral Hepatitis Treatment.
Our Patient Resources
Find our patient information, consent forms, procedure information and handouts here.
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Consultant Physician
Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
B.Med.Sci, MBBS, FRACP