No matter what type of medical procedure, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or daunting. That’s why the dedicated team of gastroenterologists and general surgeons at Montserrat Medical Services strive to deliver the most compassionate care and reassurance throughout every step of your colonoscopy procedure. With our extensive experience and state-of-the-art facilities, Montserrat strives to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind.
Colonoscopy
Claire’s Colonoscopy Message
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure where your doctor closely examines your lower gastrointestinal tract, including your colon (large bowel). During this procedure, a specialist inserts a colonoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached and fibre optic lighting – into the rectum. The camera transmits high-definition images onto a screen so your specialist can detect abnormalities like colon polyps, inflammation and early signs of developing colorectal cancer.
A colonoscopy is the most accurate way to investigate and diagnose colon conditions. During the procedure, polyps can be removed, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken and minor treatments such as stopping bleeding vessels can be performed straight away.
Conditions Treated with a Colonoscopy
Your Montserrat specialist will recommend a colonoscopy if you’re experiencing symptoms or for preventative screening purposes – such as if your family history indicates you are at a higher risk of bowel cancer.
Symptoms that can require further investigation with a colonoscopy:
- Stomach discomfort or bowel complications
- Rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or bloating
- Colonic polyps
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unplanned weight loss
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Family history of Bowel Cancer
Conditions:
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Other types of Colitis
- Digestive and kidney diseases
- Early detection and prevention of bowel cancer (ie. Colon Cancer)
Benefits of Colonoscopy for Bowel Cancer Screening
Colonoscopy is highly effective for bowel cancer screening and prevention. Detecting polyps and early-stage cancers will greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce your risk of advanced disease. Regular screening colonoscopies are especially worthwhile for those with a family history of bowel cancer. An initial colonoscopy is required for patients with symptoms or a positive FOBT.
Colonoscopy Procedure
Preparing for a Colonoscopy
Proper bowel preparation is needed for a successful colonoscopy. You will receive a preparation kit before your procedure, which involves taking prescribed laxatives to cleanse your entire colon thoroughly. You’ll also get instructions on any diet restrictions and how to time your preparation accurately. Make sure you follow these instructions as closely as possible so that your specialist can get the clearest possible view during your colonoscopy.
During Your Colonoscopy
On the day of your procedure, you will be admitted to hospital as a day patient, where our medical team will welcome you and ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. Colonoscopies are performed under sedation , so you will be asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. The colonoscope will then be gently inserted into your rectum to capture real-time images of the bowel. Your doctor may also carry out any minor treatments such as polyp removal or biopsies at the same time.
The entire colonoscopy usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients generally wake feeling little to no discomfort.
What To Expect After a Colonoscopy
Following your colonoscopy, you will rest for a short period under observation until the sedative wears off. Mild bloating or cramping is normal due to air introduced during the procedure, and these symptoms will usually resolve very quickly. Make sure you have someone to accompany you home, as the sedation will temporarily affect your coordination and reflexes.
Our specialists will take you through your preliminary results straight after the procedure. If biopsies or polyps were taken, further testing will be done and you’ll receive these results within one week
Why Choose Montserrat
Montserrat Medical Services has the latest technology, exceptional clinical expertise and best-in-class patient care, which sets us apart as a trusted provider of quality colonoscopy procedures. Our gastroenterologists and general surgeons have a wealth of experience and perform thousands of successful procedures every year in our comfortable, purpose-built facilities.
We take a firm stance on delivering personalised care and being clear communicators, so you can always expect a seamless patient experience – from your initial consultation through to follow-up care. Our main goal is to be reassuring and effective with our treatments so your daily life can continue with little disruption.
Our experienced team of healthcare professionals are here to provide you with personalised care and support.
Understanding your Colonoscopy Results
Negative Result
A negative colonoscopy result means no abnormalities or concerning conditions were detected. Your specialist might recommend repeating the procedure in around five years for regular screening, depending on your risk factors and medical history.
Positive Result
If polyps or other abnormalities are found, more testing or treatments will likely be recommended. Polyps removed during the procedure will be sent for lab analysis. Depending on those findings, additional follow-ups will be discussed with you.
Book a Consultation
To book a consultation or colonoscopy or simply find out more information, contact Montserrat Medical Services today. Our team is always on hand to walk you through every step, so you’ll feel confident and comfortable with your care.
Managing Side Effects and Complications
While a colonoscopy is very safe and complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, including:
- Reaction or sensitivity to sedative medication.
- Perforation (tear) of the bowel, which happens very rarely (approximately 1 in 3,000 ).
- Infection of the bowel, blood and other organs.
- Injury to the spleen (1 in 5,000)
Very rare risks include:
- Heart attacks, stroke, blood clots, and breathing problems.
Montserrat Medical Services follows rigorous safety standards and uses state-of-the-art equipment to minimise these risks as much as possible. Our experienced specialists and attentive post-procedure care will mean any side effects or complications are immediately addressed and managed.
Our Colonoscopy Specialists
Our team of Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons provide comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive and bowel conditions. Each specialist brings extensive expertise in endoscopic diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of gastrointestinal health.
Dr Robert Gilmore
Gastroenterologist | MBChB, FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Dr Kevin Hung
General Surgeon | FRACS MBBS
No Gap Doctor
Languages: Mandarin (Chinese), Hokkien & English
Dr Madhavi Kasi
Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist | MBBS, MRCP, FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Dr Peter Ko
Gastroenterologist | MBBS (Hons.), FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Languages: Korean & English
Dr Rasika Kotakadeniya
General Surgeon | MBBS MS FRACS
No Gap Doctor
Languages: Sinhalese & English
Dr Grace Lim
General Surgeon | MBBS, MS, FRACS
No Gap Doctor
Telehealth
Languages: Malay, Mandarin & English
Dr Cliona Maguire
Gastroenterologist | MB, BCh, MRCPI, FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Dr Hadi Moattar
Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist | MBBS, FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Languages: English and Farsi
Dr Mark Norrie
Gastroenterologist | BHB, M/B, ChB, FRACP, PhD
No Gap Doctor
Dr Rajeev Shrivastava
Gastroenterologist | MD, DM, FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Telehealth
Languages: Hindi & English
Dr Terrence Tan
Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist | M.B., B.S., FRACP, PH.D
No Gap Doctor
Languages: English & Malay
Dr John Wong
Gastroenterologist | MBBS (Hons), FRACP
No Gap Doctor
Telehealth
Languages: English and Mandarin
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients feel no or only very minimal discomfort thanks to sedation administered during the procedure. Mild bloating or cramps might occur afterwards but usually disappear quickly.
Routine screening colonoscopies are usually recommended every five years, depending on your medical history and risk factors (e.g. family history of colon cancer) according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Cancer Screening Guidelines.
Colonoscopy is the most accurate method for detecting colon abnormalities, including bowel cancer. However, while very reliable, no medical test is perfect, and there is a small possibility that minor abnormalities could be missed on occasion.
Colonoscopies are generally covered by Medicare or private health insurance, with all Montserrat specialists providing no-gap services for eligible privately insured patients. We strive to make this procedure as affordable as possible, and our team will always provide you with an upfront quote. For self-funded or uninsured patients, we also offer competitive, all-inclusive quotes on request.
With Montserrat’s Rapid Access Colonoscopy Service, many eligible patients can bypass a pre-procedure consultation and book in directly for their colonoscopy within 2 weeks. This service is designed to reduce waiting times and provide faster access to essential care.
If you meet the criteria for Rapid Access, your GP referral and medical history will be reviewed by our specialists, who will confirm your suitability. Patients who require further discussion or have complex health conditions may still be scheduled for a consultation first.