Gastroscopy is a test procedure done using an endoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a ‘video camera’ at the tip. This tube 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.

GESA Gastroscopy Information Sheet

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).

GESA Colonoscopy Information Sheet

For patients having a colonoscopy, it is essential that the colon (bowel) be thoroughly cleaned and emptied of all solid matter (poo). Cleansing the colon is called bowel preparation, or ‘bowel prep’.

GESA Bowel Preparation Information Sheet

• Advanced Liver Disease

• Bowel cancer prevention

• Bowel polyps

• Constipation

• Diverticular disease

• Fatty liver disease

• Helicobacter Pylori

• Iron deficiency

• Reflux