Specialty - Gastroenterology
Overview
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that looks at diseases of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor specialising in this field of medicine which involves these closely related organs. Your GP will refer you to this department if they are concerned that you have problems that require a specialist opinion regarding the diagnosis or treatment of the condition.
Before coming to our clinic, you may be asked to undergo tests such as blood tests, urine tests or stool/faeces tests (you collect a sample of your urine or bowel motion for analysis).
A history of your symptoms will be taken as well as a review of any medications you are on (please bring these with you). You will then be examined which may involve, depending on your complaints, a rectal examination. This involves the insertion of the doctor’s finger or a tube into your bottom to examine the inside. You may be referred on for some of the following radiology tests, depending on your condition: ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI.
If you have been referred for a routine gastroscopy, ERCP or colonoscopy at the Day Stay unit at either Tauranga or Whakatane, you may expect it to take between 1 - 3 hours and will need to be collected on discharge unless your procedure was not performed under a sedative.
What is a Gastroscopy?
This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and examine the lining directly.
What to expect
The gastroscope is a plastic-coated tube about as thick as a ballpoint pen and is flexible. It has a tiny camera attached that sends images to a viewing screen. During the test you will swallow the tube but the back of your throat is sprayed with anesthetic so you don’t feel this. You will be offered a sedative (medicine that will make you sleepy but is not a general anaesthetic) as well. If the doctor sees any abnormalities they can take a biopsy (a small piece of tissue) to send to the laboratory for testing.
Before the procedure
You will be asked not to eat anything from midnight the night before and not to take any of your medications on the day of the procedure
What is an ERCP?
A flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine while you are under sedation (you have been given medication to make you drowsy). A smaller tube is then moved through the first tube into the bile duct (the tube that connects your gallbladder to your intestines) through which dye is injected and an x-ray is taken to visualise the ducts. This procedure also enables the removal of stones from the ducts without the need for surgery.
What is a Colonoscopy?
This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your large bowel and examine the surfaces directly and take biopsies (samples of tissue) if needed. Treatment of conditions can also be undertaken.
What to expect
The colonoscopy is a flexible plastic-coated tube a little thicker than a ballpoint pen which has a tiny camera attached that sends images to a viewing screen. You will be given a sedative (medicine that will make you sleepy but is not a general anaesthetic). The tube is passed into the rectum (bottom) and gently moved along the large bowel. The procedure takes from 10 minutes to 1 hour and your oxygen levels and heart rhythm are monitored throughout. The procedure is performed in a day stay operating theatre.
Before the procedure
You will need to follow a special diet and take some laxatives (medicine to make you go to the toilet) over the days leading up to the test.
Consultants |
| Dr A Claydon |
Dr D Shaw |
Dr I Khan |
Dr R Cunliffe |
Referral / First Specialist Assessment
A threshold for FSA referral acceptance has been set to assist with MOH waiting time compliance. Routinely, category 4 referrals are not accepted.
Contact Details
Postal: Referral Receipt Centre, BOPDHB, Private Bag 12024, Tauranga 3142
Fax: 07 578 9571
Phone: 0800 333 477