DIGESTIVE DISEASE CENTRE

We provide patients with the following medical services:

- Consultation

- Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to examine the entire large intestine (colon) of a patient under sedation. A colonoscope, which is a long flexible tube equipped with a miniature video camera at its tip, is inserted through the anus. This allows the gastroenterologist to see inside the intestine, to take tissue samples (biopsies), and if necessary, to remove polyps.

This procedure is performed to investigate conditions such as:

- Rectal bleeding
- Colonic Polyps
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Colitis
- Colon cancer

Other Procedures:

- Sedation

The surgical procedures provided at the Centre for Digestive Diseases do not require a general anesthetic as intravenous sedation is given for these procedures. The sedationist will insert a small needle into a vein in the back of your hand or in your arm through which the sedative will be injected. The injection may cause a local reaction. Bruising under the skin may occur but should not cause permanent damage and is usually not painful. If you are having a gastroscopy procedure, your throat may be sprayed with an anesthetic agent and may feel numb for a short time.

Complications

The procedures described above are considered safe. However, temporary discomfort or pain may occur following the introduction of air into the stomach or bowel. Major complications are rare but can occur. These complications include perforation (puncture) of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small bowel or colon. Haemorrhage (bleeding) following the removal of polyps, infection, cardiac or respiratory arrest related to sedation / anesthesia. If you wish to discuss the potential risks or any other issues regarding your procedure(s) in more detail, please ask to speak with the gastroenterologist.

- Panendoscopy

Also known as a gastroscopy, panendoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to comprehensively examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using an endoscope equipped with a video camera. Panendoscopy also allows the gastroenterologist to take tissue samples (biopsies) for pathology testing and polyps can also be removed during the procedure.

This procedure is performed to investigate conditions such as:

- Achalasia
- Barret's Oesophagus
- Coeliac Disease
- Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
- Helicobacter pylori
- Dyspepsia
- Oesophageal cancer
- Stomach cancer

- Oesophageal Dilatation

Oesophageal dilatation is performed during panendoscopy, to open up a stricture (narrowing) of the oesophagus.
During panendoscopy, a fine guiding wire is passed through the endoscope down the oesophagus and through the blockage. The endoscope is slightly pulled back to allow the dilating tube to be inserted next to the blockage. The guiding wire is then removed, allowing the gastroenterologist to expand the oesophagus. This procedure is performed while the patient is sedated, resulting in little if any discomfort for the patient.

This procedure is useful for treating numerous Upper GI conditions such as:

- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
- Oesophageal cancer
- Dysphagia
- Achala

- Infrared Coagulation

Infrared coagulation is a widely used method for treating haemorrhoids. This procedure is performed usually after undergoing a colonoscopy while the patient is still sedated. This procedure involves applying infrared light through the anus to compress and seal haemorrhoid veins.
Haemorrhoids are one of the most common GI conditions known and experienced by the population. This technique involves clotting the haemorrhoid by applying infrared light at its base. IRC is relatively painless, especially when performed in conjunction with colonoscopy.

- Argon Plasma Coagulation

This procedure allows the gastroenterologist to seal irregular tissue. It is performed during a phanendoscopy or colonoscopy while the patient is sedated. This procedure involves using argon gas and electrical current to seal irregular tissue without any direct contact.

APC is used in the treatment of conditions such as:

- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Oesophageal cancer
- Rectal Bleeding (post radiation proctitis)
- Colonic Polyps
- Watermelon Stomach

- C14 Urea Breath Test

The C14 Urea Breath Test (UBT) is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose a current infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori is a bacteria that has been found to infect the stomach lining. This bacteria has been linked to many gastrointestinal systems and conditions. It is implicated in the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers and is treated with antibiotics.
The UBT is performed and processed on site at CDD in a NATA accredited laboratory. The test takes a total of 10 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort experienced by patients.

Patients are required to fast prior to this test with no food or drink for a minimum of 4 hours. The test procedure requires patients to swallow a capsule with water. After several minutes, a sample of breath is collected in a foil balloon. This sample is processed with the results sent to the patient's referring doctor or GP within days.

To maximize the efficacy of this test, it is important that:

1. You have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test.
2. You cease all forms of antibiotics, pump inhibitors and H2RA's, 4 weeks prior to the test (this includes other antibiotics prescribed by your GP or other doctor).
3. You cease your Losec, Zoton, Somac or Pariet for at least 1 week prior to the test.

On the day of the procedure, our patients are greeted and pre-admitted by reception staff. Our patients meet one of our specialists for a consultation. Prior to the procedure, all patients are attended to by one of our qualified nursing staff before undergoing review by the attending seditionist.

Procedures performed at CDD do not require a general anesthetic, as intravenous sedation is administered by a seditionist. Sedation plays an important role in ensuring patient comfort while allowing the specialist to effectively perform the procedure. Throughout the procedure, the seditionist carefully monitors the patient, ensuring that he/she is as comfortable as possible.

Following the completion of the procedure, the patient is taken to recovery. After waking, patients are accompanied to seated recovery, where they are provided with a light meal and their report of procedure findings are read and explained to them. Finally, patients are discharged from the centre and all documentation is finalized at reception.