As one of Australia’s most established and trusted digestive health providers, Direct Endoscopy operates five fully accredited day hospitals staffed by a highly experienced team of gastroenterologists. Our specialists diagnose and manage conditions affecting the entire digestive system, from the oesophagus and stomach to the bowel, liver, pancreas and gallbladder, using the latest evidence-based techniques and state-of-the-art facilities.
What Is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology encompasses a broad range of conditions affecting the digestive tract, from common ailments such as heartburn and constipation to more complex diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing these conditions, helping patients achieve optimal digestive health.
What does a Gastroenterologist Do?
- Diagnosis: They carefully evaluate patients’ symptoms, and medical history, and perform diagnostic tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment: Gastroenterologists provide comprehensive treatment plans for a wide range of digestive disorders, including medication, dietary modifications, and endoscopic or surgical interventions.
- Prevention: They educate patients on preventive measures to reduce the risk of digestive issues, such as screening for colon cancer and advocating for healthy lifestyle choices.
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Symptoms & Conditions Investigated Using Gastroenterology
A wide array of symptoms can prompt a visit to a gastroenterologist. These include:
- Abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss or gain without explanation
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in the stool
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Liver pain or enlargement
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Conditions Treated
With Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists treat a wide spectrum of digestive disorders, including:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A common functional disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Peptic ulcers
Open sores on the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Coeliac disease
An autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and can cause digestive problems if gluten is consumed.
Diverticular disease
Small pouches that form in the wall of the colon, which can sometimes bleed or become inflamed.
Liver diseases
Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease are examples of liver conditions that gastroenterologists manage.
Pancreatic disorders
Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis are among the pancreatic diseases treated by gastroenterologists.
Gastroenterology Procedures Melbourne
Gastroenterologists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat digestive disorders. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Endoscopy: Used to visualise the inside of the digestive tract and diagnose or treat bleeding, polyps, or tumours.
- Colonoscopy: Performed to detect and remove polyps, which can develop into colon cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Used to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum for abnormalities.
- Capsule endoscopy: A non-invasive procedure that captures images of the small intestine to identify potential problems.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope to diagnose or monitor disease.
- Therapeutic endoscopy: Uses endoscopic techniques to treat conditions such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, or opening narrowed areas of the digestive tract.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans can be used to visualise the digestive organs and identify abnormalities.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests and stool tests can provide valuable information about the digestive system’s function.
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