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Colonoscopy

At Sydney Surgical Associates, we provide expert colonoscopy services to diagnose, screen, and manage various conditions affecting the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

A colonoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visual examination of the bowel lining to detect abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, or cancerous changes.

Colonoscopy is a critical tool in bowel cancer prevention, as well as the diagnosis and management of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. In Australia, more than 900,000 colonoscopies are performed annually, making it one of the most common medical procedures in the country.

What Conditions Does Colonoscopy Detect?

Colonoscopy is primarily used for bowel cancer screening, but it also helps diagnose and monitor various gastrointestinal conditions. These include:

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second most common cancer, with over 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is highly treatable if detected early, which is why regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended for individuals over 50 or those with a family history of the disease.

  • Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue.
  • Risk Factors: Age over 50, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, diet high in processed meats.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies for advanced cases.

Polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon that can become cancerous over time. Most polyps cause no symptoms, but some may lead to bleeding or bowel habit changes.

  • Diagnosis: Polyps are detected and removed during a colonoscopy (polypectomy).
  • Risk Factors: Age, diet, family history, smoking, alcohol, obesity.
  • Treatment: Removal via colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.

IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract.

  • Symptoms: Diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Diagnosis: Colonoscopy with biopsy helps confirm the type and severity of inflammation.
  • Treatment: Medications (anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies), lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon lining, typically due to low-fibre diets. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis.

  • Symptoms: Abdominal pain (especially in the lower left side), bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, fever (if infected).
  • Causes: Low-fibre diet, ageing, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity.
  • Treatment: High-fibre diet, antibiotics (for infections), and in severe cases, surgery.

IBS is a functional disorder that affects bowel habits but does not cause structural damage like IBD.

  • Symptoms: Bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, gas.
  • Diagnosis: Colonoscopy may be used to rule out other conditions.
  • Treatment: Dietary modifications (low FODMAP diet), stress management, medications.

A colonoscopy may be recommended if you experience:

  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in the stool (bright red or black, tarry stools)

Identifying the cause early can improve treatment outcomes.

What to Expect During a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is performed under sedation, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the rectum to examine the bowel. If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, they can be removed or biopsied during the procedure.

The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes, and patients can return home the same day. Full recovery from sedation may take a few hours, and some mild bloating or gas is normal.

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure, but like all medical interventions, it carries some risks:

  • Temporary bloating or mild cramping
  • Bleeding (especially if a polyp is removed)
  • Perforation of the bowel (rare – occurs in 1 in 1,000 cases)
  • Reactions to sedation (rare)

At Sydney Surgical Associates, we take every precaution to minimise risks and ensure patient safety.

At Sydney Surgical Associates, we are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred care for all your gastrointestinal health needs. Our team of highly trained surgeons and specialists offer:

  • Expert diagnosis and treatment of bowel conditions
  • Advanced polyp detection and removal to prevent cancer
  • Personalised care plans based on your health history
  • State-of-the-art technology for accurate results

 

Whether you need a routine screening, have concerning symptoms, or require ongoing management of a gastrointestinal condition, our specialists provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

Book a Consultation

If you are over 50, have a family history of bowel cancer, or are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, don’t delay screening. Early detection saves lives. Contact Sydney Surgical Associates today to schedule a consultation.

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1300 882 475

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1300 882 476

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