Dr Rachael Bergman

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.moreEndoscopy
Endoscopy involves examining the inside of the body with an endoscope, a lighted, flexible instrument that has a small camera on the tip. There are many types of endoscopes, and endoscopy, named according to the organs or areas they are used to examine (e.g. arthroscopy examines joints; bronchoscopy examines the lungs; cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra; laparoscopy may examine the ovaries, appendix or other abdominal organs; colonoscopy examines the bowel). An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening (e.g. mouth) or a small incision. Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of tissues for analysis (biopsy), to remove material (e.g. removing polyps during a colonoscopy), or to carry out a surgical procedure.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.moreHepatology
Hepatology is concerned chiefly with the liver and managing its disorders. It is a large field and may cover such conditions as hepatitis, viral hepatitis (such as Hepatitis B and C), and liver diseases.