About
Areas of Specialisation
Diagnostic & Therapeutic Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, ERCP
Description of Specialisation
Investigating & managing diseases & dysfunction of the GI tract
Specialist Experience
Over 20 years at Wakefield Hospital & now also practising at Boulcott Hospital
Special Interests
Investigation and management of diseases and dysfunction of the GI tract
Gender
Male
Languages Spoken
English
Key Staff
Berniez@wakefield.co.nz
- Parking available
- Disability access
- Southern Cross Accredited
Services & Treatments
Services
Offering diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy, ERCP, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy and oesophageal motility testing
Credentials
Qualifications
MBChB (Otago) 1992, FRACP 1990
Hospitals practicing at
Wakefield Gastroenterology
Boulcott Hospital
Capital and Coast Health
Definitions
ColonoscopyThe 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.moreERCPEndoscopic 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.moreGastroenterologyGastroenterology 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.moreGastroscopyGastroscopy 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