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- Medical and surgical
- Endoscopy
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure that enables doctors to examine your internal organs without major surgery. It can be used to diagnose certain conditions including digestive complaints and bowel problems including polyps and some cancers.
Our caregivers help you prepare for and explain the procedure so you know what to expect when you come to hospital. They will also answer any questions you may have and support you before, during and after the procedure.
Our endoscopy services
We offer modern endoscopy services in comfortable facilities, led by gastroenterologists and surgeons, registered nurses and other caregivers who will make your stay as stress-free as possible.
Endoscopies can be used to detect, diagnose or treat:
- ulcers
- blockages
- tumours
- polyps
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- gastrointestinal conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammation such as Crohn’s disease and colitis.
Nearly all endoscopies can be provided as day surgery allowing you to recover at home.
Types of endoscopies
There are several types of endoscopies, including:
- gastroscopy (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine)
- colonoscopy (large bowel).
What to expect
To perform an endoscopy, a doctor uses thin, flexible tubing with a microscopic camera on the end to see what’s happening inside your body. Depending on the procedure, this may be inserted through the mouth or anus.
It’s likely that you will receive light sedation. In some cases, an anaesthetic may be required. You may experience some discomfort, but an endoscopy should not be painful.
Preparing for an endoscopy
You will be asked to fast (abstain from food or drink) before an endoscopy and you will be advised the specific details to follow based on your procedure. You may also be asked to take a bowel preparation to clear your system so your doctor can get the best possible view of your digestive system.
You should let your caregivers know of any medications you’re taking.
Your recovery
If you’ve had a sedative, you will need to spend a few hours recovering at hospital before you can go home. A responsible person should drive or escort you home and stay with you overnight.
Benefits of an endoscopy
The benefits of an endoscopy include:
- less invasive and lower risk than major surgery
- allows tissue samples and biopsies to be taken without major surgery
- generally more accurate than X-rays at detecting diseases
- quick recovery time.
These benefits depend on your particular circumstances and require you to fully participate in necessary before and after care and management. You should consult a specialist in this area before deciding whether treatment is suitable for you.
Costs and fee payment options
If you have private health insurance, the costs for your hospital stay and specialist fees may be covered by your health fund, based on your level of cover.
If you don’t have private health insurance, you can access treatment at a St John of God Health Care hospital through our self-funded care option.
When you use your private health insurance, you get benefits that include access to St John of God Health Care private hospital facilities, your choice of specialist, minimal wait times, and with an eligible policy most of your hospital costs can be covered by your private health insurance fund.
You should contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses. Your health insurer will also be able to assist in understanding if you will have doctor, radiology and pathology out-of-pocket costs.
Patients who don’t have private health insurance can choose to access St John of God Health Care private hospital services and treatments by paying fees themselves.
By accessing our self-funded care option, you’ll be able to avoid wait times and have your surgery or treatment with your choice of specialist at a St John of God Health Care private hospital.
- Learn more and enquire about the self-funded care option.
- Call 1300 940 199 to get a quote for self-funded treatment.
If you have received an invoice for an expense associated with treatment from a St John of God Health Care service you can pay your bill online.
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