Information For Patients
Where to find this service
Where to find this service
If you require an endoscopic procedure (for example a gastroscopy or colonoscopy) your General Practitioner or Specialist will write a referral to us.
We will review the referral and decide if you need to be seen in clinic or whether it is appropriate to book you directly for the procedure. If possible, we try to book you directly for the procedure to avoid the wait for clinic review. In this case, you will meet the Endoscopist just before your procedure. However, all the information relevant to the procedure will be sent to you in advance, before your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure then please call our Endoscopy Liaison nurse in advance by calling 0401 464 724 or 8345 6775. We can usually answer your questions over the phone. However, if you are not comfortable to proceed without clinic review, we can arrange this. Please note that this will likely lead to a longer waiting period.
Some patients with a complex medical history may also be asked to see a member of the anaesthetic team in the Pre-admission clinic before the procedure is confirmed.
Most procedures are performed under sedation. A doctor or nurse will put an IV drip in your arm and then the Anaesthetic doctor will give you medicine that will make you fall asleep for a short while. A full general anaesthetic is rarely needed. Because you have had sedation, you will not be able to drive your car for 24 hours after the procedure. Somebody must accompany you home after the procedure.
All medical procedures are associated with some risk. Every effort will be made to ensure that your procedure is performed safely and that any discomfort is minimised. We understand that you may be worried and we will do our best to make sure that you feel comfortable and safe.
Some general information about gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures and the risks involved, is available via the GESA website.
If you have any specific concerns then please discuss these with your Specialist, your General Practitioner or the Endoscopy Liaison Nurse.