Dr Ian Wilson

Definitions

Colonoscopy
The colon (or large bowel/large intestine) starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. In a colonoscopy a long flexible tube (a colonoscope) is threaded up through the rectum and transmits an image to a viewing screen. The lining of the colon and rectum can be inspected for such things as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. Colonoscopy is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum, and for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. If an abnormal growth, such as a polyp (a stalk-shaped growth or lump), is found, a small piece may be taken for examination (biopsy) or it may be removed. Thorough cleansing of the bowel is necessary before a colonoscopy. You will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep you comfortable during the examination.moreERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure carried out to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. These include gallstones, scars tissue, leaks from injury and surgery, and cancer. The inside of the stomach and duodenum is viewed through an endoscope (a flexible, lighted tube that transmits images), and dye is injected into the bile ducts and pancreas so they can be seen on an X-ray. ERCP takes from 30 minutes to two hours. Medication is given to numb the back of the throat and a relaxing sedative is usually given. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided through the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A small tube is passed through the endoscope to inject a dye into the bile ducts to make them visible on X-rays, which are taken as soon as the dye is injected. If the exam shows a gallstone or narrowing of the ducts, instruments can be inserted into the endoscope to remove or relieve the obstruction. Also, tissue samples (biopsy) can be taken for further testing.moreGastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system. These may affect the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.moreGastroscopy
Gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of the oesophagus (throat), stomach and duodenum (the first section of small intestine). It is performed by using a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument (gastroscope) that is passed through the mouth to check for any damage to the lining of the oesophagus or stomach, and for any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. The procedure is painless and is usually done under a sedative.more