Gastroenterological Procedures
Procedures offered by GastrotrACT doctors
At Gastrotract, the gastroenterologists and hepatologists offer the following procedures:
- Colonoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Polypectomy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Manometry and pH Clinical Assessment
- EMR – Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- ERCP – Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
- EUS – Endoscopic Ultrasound
- Lumenal stent placement
- Fibroscan
Information about Procedures
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy (scope) is the examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract to diagnose, and in some cases, treat problems. This procedure involves passing a colonoscope – a long, thin flexible tube with a ‘video camera’ at the tip – through the rectum into the colon (large intestine, large bowel). It allows the doctor to inspect the colon and to perform specialised procedures such as taking biopsies for pathology and removal of polyps (abnormal growths which sometimes develop into cancer).
Colonoscopy Patient Information (PDF)
Bowel Polyps (PDF)
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a test procedure where an endoscope, is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and first part of the small intestine. It allows the doctor to inspect these areas and perform other procedures, such as biopsies. Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms of indigestion, belly pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding in the upper gut.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is also known as pill-camera or wireless endoscopy. It is mainly used to pinpoint bleeding in hidden areas in the small bowel that cannot be reached with gastroscopy or colonoscopy. It is more accurate than many other techniques. Capsule endoscopy finds a source of bleeding in about 60–70% of patients. It is also useful for finding tumours in the small bowel and in some cases of inflammatory bowel disease.
Manometry & pH Clinical Assessment
Oesophageal Manometry is a procedure that gives information on the function of the oesophagus and is required to diagnose oesophageal motility disorders such as achalasia and spasm. 24 hour pH monitoring measures the amount of time acid is present in the lower oesophagus, and can confirm the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can also be used to investigate atypical symptoms of reflux, such as chest pain and chronic cough.
Manometry & pH Assessment (PDF)
Reflux (PDF)
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an endoscopic procedure that uses an ultrasound probe added to the tip of an endoscope. As well as giving the doctor an endoscopic view, it allows detailed ultrasound examination of the organs surrounding your upper gut, including the pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, liver and spleen. Using real-time ultrasound guidance, needle biopsy of these organs can be safely done with this technique.
EUS Patient Information (PDF)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP is a specialised procedure used to examine the ducts, or ‘drainage tubes’, of the gall bladder, pancreas and liver.
ERCP Patient Information (PDF)
