Our Services

South Sydney Gastroenterology

What is Gastroenterology and Hepatology?

It is a discipline of medicine that concerns the health and diseases of the digestive system. Our gastrointestinal tract is complex and includes multiple organs - oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, bile ducts and pancreas.

We offer tertiary and quaternary specialist consultation services. We pride ourselves as a group of highly trained gastroenterologists who are amongst the best in our respective subspecialty interests.

We have expertise in the following disorders and procedures

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is a video examination of the upper digestive tract, including oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and duodenum (small bowel)
It is typically performed to investigate foregut symptoms (e.g., heartburn, bloating, indigestion) or as a part of oesophageal / stomach cancer screening
Depending on the reasons for the examination, a range of biopsies (tissue sampling) and treatment (e.g., dilatation, variceal banding, myotomy) can be performed during the gastroscopy.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a video examination of the colon. It is typically performed to investigate a range of bowel symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or disturbed bowel habit), or as part of bowel cancer screening
Bowel preparation (drinking of laxative) is required before the procedure. Our doctors will explain how to do this during consultation
Depending on the reasons for the examination, a range of biopsies (tissue sampling) and treatment (e.g. polyp resection and haemorrhoids banding) can be performed during the colonoscopy.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls from Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease could lead to multitude of serious symptoms, e.g., bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss and extreme fatigue
The exact causes for IBD remain unclear; however, long-term treatment is required for most. Specific treatment are varied, depending on the type and severity of the inflammation and presence of other complications.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional disorder that can result in chronic and debilitating symptoms, which may include abdominal pain or cramps, disturbed bowel habit (diarrhoea and/or constipation), bloating and gaseous distension.

Liver Diseases

There are many potential causes of liver diseases, e.g., viral infection, alcohol, fatty liver, autoimmune disorders, drugs, cancer or rare genetic disorders
Careful and systematic assessment including blood tests, imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT, MRI), and occasionally liver biopsy are needed to make accurate diagnosis and treatment plans
If left untreated, liver diseases could potentially progress into life-threatening illness.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD)

GORD occurs when stomach acid enters the oesophagus (food pipe), resulting in symptoms (e.g., heartburn, regurgitation) or injuries to the oesophagus, or both
Severe GORD can lead to various complications including cancer, therefore a gastroscopy is often a part of the comprehensive evaluations
The amount of acid reflux can be formally measured to optimise treatment plans.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysfunction in the swallowing system could lead to sensation of food sticking (in the throat or chest), choking/ coughing, regurgitation, or chest pain
Swallowing symptoms are never normal and need to be investigated. They could be due to serious underlying diseases, or lead to other complications
The types and causes of swallowing disorders are highly variable. We will assess your symptoms and arrange relevant investigations. For e.g., an oesophageal manometry is needed to diagnose achalasia, an oesophageal motility disorder.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

POEM is an advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic (i.e., non-surgical) treatment for achalasia. “Myotomy” means cutting of the muscles – this was traditionally performed during surgeries
The principle of POEM has been adapted in the treatment of many other swallowing disorders (e.g., Zenker’s diverticulum, cricopharyngeal dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease) and gastroparesis (stomach dysmotility).

Endoscopic UIltrasound (EUS)

EUS uses an ultrasound probe added to the tip of an endoscope and allows detailed ultrasound examination of the organs surrounding your upper gut, including the pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, liver and spleen.
Using real-time ultrasound guidance, needle biopsy of these organs can be safely done with this technique.
The procedure is performed using deep sedation, under the care of an anaesthetist.
It involves a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and an ultrasound probe attached which is passed through your mouth and into the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and first part of the small intestine. The endoscopist uses the ultrasound’s sound waves to generate images of the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding structures.

Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a specialised procedure used to examine the ducts, or ‘drainage tubes’, of the gall bladder, pancreas and liver.
You should not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before an ERCP to make sure you have an empty stomach, which is necessary for a safe examination.

For appointments and enquiries, please phone 02 9697 3951

Suite 503, Level 5
St George Private Hospital Specialist Suites
131 Princes Highway
Kogarah NSW 2217

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