Procedures

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the lining of the colon, also known as the large intestine. Colonoscopy is typically done to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer or to search for an explanation of symptoms (e.g. rectal bleeding or diarrhoea).

A colonoscope, which is a flexible tube about the thickness of your little finger, is used for the procedure. Images of the colon are projected onto a video screen via a camera and light source on the colonoscope. Polyps can be removed with the colonoscope (Colon Polypectomy) and biopsies (tissue samples) can also be obtained.

The patient is sedated prior to the procedure and intravenous medication administered throughout to ensure a painless experience. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the upper GI tract that includes the throat, oesophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Endoscopy is typically done to diagnose and treat conditions of the upper GI tract such as nausea, abdominal pain or GI bleeding.

An endoscope, which is a flexible tube about the thickness of a pencil, is used for the procedure. Images of the colon are projected onto a video screen via a camera and light source on the endoscope. Biopsies (tissue samples) can be obtained and treatment of active bleeding can be performed.

The patient is sedated prior to the procedure and intravenous medication administered throughout to ensure a painless experience. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.