Procedures at Hunter Gastroenterology
Independent specialists consulting from Hunter Gastroenterology offer a range of specialised procedures for patients requiring the investigation and management of gastrointesinal, liver and pancreatic conditions. Investigative procedures available include upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, video capsule endoscopy (pill cam investigation), oesophageal manometry & pH manometry studies, and advanced endoscopic procedures.
General Endoscopic Procedures include:
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Pill Cam Endscopy
Advanced endoscopic procedures include:
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
- Luminal stent placement
Our surgical services include:
- Pancreatic resection including Whipple’s
- Biliary resection
- Cholecystectomy
- Liver resection
- Fundoplication
- Hernia repair
- Gastric resection
Information about Procedures
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, is a procedure where a thin flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through your mouth into your upper gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is commonly done under sedation, with an anaesthetist in the room, and is reported to be a pain free experience. The endoscope is used to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel, facilitating the proceduralist in taking targeted biopsies to assist in the diagnostic process.
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, a tiny camera on a long flexible tube is used to examine the interior of the large bowel. Colonscopy is often used as a screening and investigative tool in bowel cancer.
Pill Cam Study (Capsule Endoscopy)
Pill Cam endocopy is used to examine the inside of the small intestine. A tiny camera inside a pill capsule is swallowed and used to take images of the digestive tract. The images are captured by a recorder on a halter worn around the torso.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic Ultrasound is an advanced endoscopic procedure in which a thin flexible tube containing a small ultrasound probe is used to view and enable biopsy of the inner lining and wall of the gastrointestinal tract and major adjacent organs. It may be used after a scan (such as a CT or MRI) or a procedure (such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy) detects a finding requiring further investigation.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatolgraphy (ERCP)
ERCP is a specialised technique used to study the ducts (tubes) of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver using an endoscope passed through the mouth and into the first section of the small intestine. X-ray dye is injected and x-rays are taken during the procedure to produce images of the ducts for analysis. ERCP is performed under sedation.
For further information and instructions on how to prepare for your procedure, please view our Patient Resources page (password access required – please contact us to request access).