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Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology & Bowel Cancer Screening
 Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist manage diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
 
They study the normal function and diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.
 
This specialty involves a detailed understanding of the normal action of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ.
 
Gastroenterology includes the diagnosis and management of:
  • Colon polyps and cancer
  • Hepatitis
  • NASH +/- Fatty Liver 
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative colitis & Crohn's)
  • Gallbladder and biliary tract disease
  • Nutritional problems
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Pancreatitis
Find out more here

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

 

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program encourages men and woman aged over 50 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home. 

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world and 1 in 23 Australians will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime.

This program aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection of the disease.

The screening test result shows whether blood was found in your poo samples.

If blood is detected, your result is positive. About 1 in 13 people will have a positive result. This may be due to conditions other than cancer, such as polyps, haemorrhoids or inflammation of the bowel but the cause of bleeding needs to be investigated and this is undertaken via a colonoscopy within 1 to 4 months of your positive result.

To find out more go to

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large bowel (colon) and the distal part of the small bowel with a camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. This is performed under a sedation.

In order to get the best possible view and perform the colonoscopy properly, the large bowel needs to be free of all solid matter.

You will need to take a bowel preparation medication that causes frequent, loose bowel movements to empty the colon. A special low fibre diet is also required for 2 days, then no solid food and lots of clear fluids the day before the procedure.


Some of your regular medications may need be stopped prior to the procedure. 

You will be fully informed at the time of your booking.

Useful Resources 
 

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