Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an essential medical procedure for several reasons.
Purpose:
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to look inside your colon using a flexible endoscope (see Figure 1), for polyps, cancers, ulcers, and other conditions.
- Cancer Prevention: It helps identify and remove colon polyps before they can develop into colon cancer.
- Diagnosis: It can diagnose bowel and rectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colitis.
- Symptom Investigation: It explores possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, and other intestinal problems.
By allowing direct visualisation of the entire colon and rectum, a colonoscopy enables doctors to detect abnormalities that may not be visible through other diagnostic tests. It's a proactive step in maintaining gastrointestinal health and is recommended for individuals aged 50 or older as part of regular cancer screening protocols.
It is important to note that a Colonoscopy is the only complete diagnosis tool for Colorectal (Bowel and Rectal) cancers. Colorectal cancer is the second most common non-cutaneous malignancy in Australia.
- 15, 367 cases in 2023 (8133 men and 7234 women) and second only to lung cancer in terms of cancer mortality.
- In 2021 there were 5,350 deaths attributed to colorectal cancer. (Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
- Early detection is crucial, with 90% of cases successfully treatable.
Symptoms & Conditions:
There may be several reasons why your GP has recommended you need to have a Colonoscopy or repeat Colonoscopy:
- Rectal Bleeding - Blood in your stool (Read more here)
- Screening via National Bowel Cancer Screening - FOBT+ (Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test) (Read more here)
- Low Iron Levels - Anaemia
- Abnormal imaging
- Change in bowel habits
- A family history of Bowel Cancer
It's crucial to recognise that many individuals may not be aware of their family history of bowel or rectal cancer. Therefore, taking any symptoms seriously is vital.
Furthermore, data from Australia and around the world indicate that colorectal cancers are being diagnosed at younger ages more frequently. For instance, the Australian diagnosed rate of Colorectal cancers in the 20-39 age group has risen from 4.4 per 100,000 people in 2001 to 10.3 per 100,000 people in 2021 (AIHW - Cancer in Australia)
Before the Procedure
During your appointment with Dr. Golani, he will review your symptoms and family history of medical conditions. He will also outline the colonoscopy procedure and discuss the necessary preparations, which include a bowel-preparation regimen to be followed one day before the colonoscopy. Bowel preparation is essential as poor preparation can make it difficult to detect polyps and bowel cancer. This appointment will also cover any adjustments to your current medications.
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to select the hospital for your procedure and potentially set the date for your colonoscopy.
The best surgical hospitals in Sydney are available for your surgery:- Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney
- Norwest Private Hospital, Bella Vista
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby - Sydney
Please note that you will need to take two days off work: one day for the pre-procedure preparations and another for the day of the colonoscopy itself.
During the Procedure
The procedure will approximately take 45mins to 90 mins to complete, as the scope needs to pass through your colon (large bowel) to ensure the examination is thoroughly completed.
Just before the procedure starts, you will receive a sedative to make you sleepy. This sedative will help you avoid discomfort from the procedure. Most people do not remember having the procedure. Dr Golani will begin the colonoscopy with a rectal examination. Then he will then insert the scope into the anus and as it's advanced, and he will inflate the bowel with a stream of carbon dioxide to allow better visualisation of the surface.
The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that has a light and a camera at the tip. Images from the camera go to a TV monitor in the procedure room, allowing Dr Golani to see the inside of your colon on screen.
Dr Golani will look for polyps, inflammation, cancer, or other abnormalities throughout your colon. He will also remove any polyps that are found.
This is usually done by passing a wire loop through the colonoscope to cut the polyp from the wall of the colon with an electric current. The goal is to avoid advanced cancers at a later stage thus thep olyp should be removed in one piece.
After the Procedure
During the colonoscopies if required biopsies and photographs were taken to help make a diagnosis. After the procedure, you will need to recover for about 30-60 minutes to let the sedative wear off. You may feel some gas during your recovery caused by the gas used to inflate your colon. Most hospitals will require someone to help you get home afterwards.
There is no recovery period after the procedure, and you are able to go back to your usual activities (work) the next day.
You will need to book a post-op consultation 4 weeks after the colonoscopy. This will discuss your findings.
Dr Golani will also help you treat the diagnosis after the colonoscopy.
What is a GESA Accredited Surgeon?
GESA (Gastroenterological Society of Australia) accreditation ensures surgeons are recognised for their expertise in endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy. Dr Golani is accredited by GESA (a peak membership organisation) for performing gastroscopies and colonoscopies.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Golani, please contact our team for a consultation with Dr Golani. We have appointments available at three convenient locations across Sydney:
Please note that a GP referral will be required prior to your consultation.
Contact Us
To make an initial consultation booking, please contact our office on 02 8599 9819.
Click here to email usHornsby Clinic Address:
Madison BuildingSuite 7, 25-29 Hunter St,
Hornsby NSW 2077
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Fax:(02) 9012 0976
HealthLink: drgolani
Our Horsnby clinic is located conviniently next to Hornsby Westfield & Hornsby Station
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Mater Clinic Address:
Suite 13, Level 1 Mater ClinicMater Hospital
25 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Fax:(02) 9012 0976
HealthLink: drgolani
Our Mater clinic is located within Mater Hospital. Parking and Entry (convenient Pickup and Drop Zone) is via 5 Gillies St, Wollstonecraft.
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Norwest Clinic Address:
Suite 301C, Level 3Q Central Building
10 Norbrik Dr, Bella Vista NSW 2153
Phone: (02) 8599 9819
Email: info@drgolani.com.au
Fax:(02) 9012 0976
HealthLink: drgolani
Our Norwest - Bella Vista clinic is located within Q Central Building - opposite Norwest Private Hospital. Free Limited Parking is available within the Q Central Building. There is a drop off zone outside of the building. Paid parking is available opposite at Norwest Private Hospital. Additionally there is parking at Woolworths Norwest Circa (5 minutes walk from the Clinic)
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What do I bring to my appointment?
- Referral letter
- X-Rays/Scans
- Test results relating to referral
- Health fund card
- Medicare card
Procedures
Dr Golani performs a variety of General Surgical and Colorectal Surgical Procedures. They treat a variety of symptoms, diseases and conditions.
Bowel Cancer
Dr. Golani consistently attains outstanding results when performing laparoscopic resections for both bowel and rectal cancers.
Hernia repair
Dr. Golani regularly performs various general surgical procedures, including laparoscopic surgery for inguinal, ventral, and umbilical hernias
Gall Bladder Surgery
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gall Stones, Dr Golani has performed more than 500 gall bladder procedures.
Colonoscopy
He has been trained in advanced endoscopic skills (certified by GESA) and can remove large polyps endoscopically.
Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Dr Golani's is highly skilled in performing Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse.
Anal Fistulas & Fissures
Dr. Golani is available to provide treatment for the management of painful anal fistulas and fissures.
Haemorrhoids
Dr. Golani possesses extensive expertise in in both conventional and innovative surgical techniques for repairing haemorrhoids.
Gastroscopy & Endoscopy
He is accredited by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA).
