Category: Gastroenterology

06/04/2023 Gastroenterology, Uncategorised

Importance of a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy -Gastroenterologist North Shore

Gastroenterologist North Shore

A colonoscopy uses a small video camera to examine the inside of the human colon, large bowel, and end of the small bowel. This is a very important method of detecting cancers or other issues in their early stages.

If issues like bowel cancer are detected in their early stages, the survival rate is reasonably high. 90% of patients are still alive and functioning fairly well after 5 years.

A regular colonoscopy is highly recommended for people over 50, or for individuals who have a family history of bowel cancer. This should be repeated every 5 to 10 years if the results are clear, and every 1 to 2 years if there has been previous cancer removed.

The colonoscopy exam will take a few hours to complete. Less than 30 minutes of this are the actual colonoscopy procedure, but the patient will need to fill out paperwork beforehand and be sedated before the procedure starts. After the procedure is over the patient will need a few hours before they completely recover, and will probably need to be driven home.

Complications with colonoscopy exams are rare, about 1%.

After the colposcopy, the patient should avoid all alcohol for 24 hours. Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, red meat and processed foods.

It is advisable to eat white fish, plain soup, tinned fruit (no peel), plain bread, cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and plain ice blocks. It is advisable to drink plenty of water. Herbal tea and vegetable/fruit juices are usually fine.

Signs you need a Colonoscopy – Gastroenterologist North Shore

  • You have abdominal pain.
  • Ongoing gastric problems (blood in the stool, diarrhea, or constipation).
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • You have Crohn’s disease or a similar condition.
  • You have family members of similar age who have bowel cancer.
  • There is a history of bowel cancer in the family
  • You are middle age (50).

A healthy diet of natural food and regular exercise helps reduces the risk of bowel problems, including cancer. Eat minimal red meat, minimally processed food, and minimal fried food.

Gastroenterologist in North Shore Sydney

Early detection of cancer greatly improves the chances of successful recovery. People over 50 should have a colonoscopy.

25/10/2022 Gastroenterology, Uncategorised

Iron Deficiency

Iron Deficiency – Gastroenterologist North Shore

Iron deficiency is a serious issue. If our body does not have enough iron then it cannot produce the haemoglobin in our blood. This means the blood cannot carry oxygen throughout the body, leaving us looking pale and feeling tired.
Iron deficiency is also termed anaemia. It can be caused by a few situations.

Lack of Iron in the Diet – This is easy to understand. If we do not get iron from our food then we will not have enough in our bodies. Meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, fortified milk and cereal contain a decent amount of iron. Some foreign 3rd world countries put an iron utensil in the cooking pot in order to add some iron to their rice or grain. This minute amount of iron is sufficient to prevent ill health.
Vegetarians and vegans will need to ensure they get enough iron in their diets by monitoring their diets. This is reasonably easy, as long as they eat leafy greens or take regular iron supplements. But the body is less able to absorb iron from leafy greens than from meat.

Blood loss – When we lose blood we lose the iron in that blood. If the lost iron is not replaced the remaining blood will have less iron than it needs to function correctly.
Blood loss anaemia is usually not an issue if we eat some iron rich foods. But blood loss from medical conditions, or even the female menstrual cycle, can make the issue difficult. The underlying medical condition should be addressed, or at least compensated for.

Pregnancy – Many women need some extra iron when pregnant. Provided there are no complications in the pregnancy this can be achieved with an increased intake from the diet. Just eating spinach, broccoli, and kale, along with sufficient vitamin C, is usually enough.


Inability to Properly Absorb Iron – Some people have a medical condition that compromised or prevents iron absorption. This might be celiac disease, or a removed small intestine.
We need vitamin C to properly absorb Iron. So a deficiency of Vitamin C, found in fruit and many vegetables, can cause an iron deficiency.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency – Gastroenterologist North Shore

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet.
• Sore or inflamed tongue
• Brittle nails
• Lack of normal appetite
• Craving for non-food items, such as dirt.

Additionally, low iron can cause stunted or delayed growth in children.

Gastroenterologist North Shore

If you experience fatigue of other signs of low iron, consult a doctor. A Gastroenterologist can provide the right treatment.

18/10/2022 Gastroenterology, Uncategorised

The situation with a Hernia

Hernia - Gastroenterologist North Sydney

What is a Hernia – Gastroenterologist North Sydney

When part of a body organ protrudes through an opening in the muscle or tissue, we are suffering a hernia. This can occur in many parts of the body. The most common type consists of the intestines breaking through the abdominal wall, but other types of hernias can also occur in the chest, thigh, groin or hips.

We might experience the hernia as a bulge in our body. It will tend to be more noticeable when we are upright, and painful when we strain or cough or bend over.

Hernias are not an immediate threat, but they can grow worse over time, or cause complications. They may require surgery to prevent matters from growing worse. With rare exceptions they do not disappear over time.

Types of Hernia – Gastroenterologist North Sydney

Inguinal Hernia – The most common type of hernia, this is where the intestines push through a break in the lower abdominal wall. In men this can occur in the spermatic cord above groin. In women it can occur in the ligament hat holds the uterus in place.
Some males are at a greater risk of inguinal hernias because the canal above the groin which is mean to close after birth has remained partly open.

Hiatal Hernia – This is where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm muscle, part of the breathing mechanism, normally separated the abdomen organs from the chest. When the stomach in the abdomen protrudes through to the chest it often causes a burning sensation as the stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus.

Ventral Hernia – This occurs in the abdomen, where an organ protrudes through the muscle. This can occasionally be present from birth, but is more likely to develop after childbirth, or obesity, or severe strain. In some cases, a previous operation in the abdomen will leave a weakness in the muscle that is prone to forming a hernia.

Some young infants will suffer a hernia in their abdomen near the navel. This is the one type of hernia that can disappear over time as the muscles grow stronger. But if the child still suffers the hernia at the age of five an operation is probably required.

Treatments – Gastroenterologist North Sydney

The doctor may operate on the hernia, which is the only real cure. Or they might imply monitor a less problematic hernia to make sure it does not develop complications. In some cases, a truss (a supportive undergarment) can hold the hernia in place, largely relieving the symptoms.

Exercise is a complicated matter when it comes to hernias. Some exercises, such a weightlifting, can cause a hernia, and can certainly strain a pre-existing hernia. Proper exercise technique will reduce the risk of developing a hernia. But if we already have a hernia we must abstain from all heavy lifting.

A doctor or physical therapist may advise some non-straining exercise and weight loss methods to help reduce the symptoms of a hernia. Some exercises will improve the success of hernia operations.

Gastroenterologist North Sydney

If you suspect a hernia, then consult our doctors. Treatment or surgery is required to cope with a hernia.

02/08/2022 Gastroenterology, Uncategorised

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterologist North Sydney

The Term

Gastroenterology is a specialist branch of medicine that looks after the human digestive system. This means it diagnoses and treats disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, anus, pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.

When might Somebody need a Gastroenterologist?

1. Heartburn

Do you suffer a burning sensation in your chest, a burning pain that rises up towards your throat, followed by a bitter/sour taste in the mouth. This is heartburn.

Heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising about the level of the stomach. This might occur if we eat too fast, or as an allergic reaction to a certain food. Occasional heartburn is fine; it is common around Christmas feasts. But if you have an ongoing issue then the Gastroenterologist can trace the underlying cause and advise the best treatment.    

2. Gastric Issues

If there are any ongoing issues with diarrhea or constipation – While every individual has occasionally had an issue with one of these an isolated case is probably no cause of concern. But we should be concerned if the problem is ongoing, or reoccurring.

There are many possible causes of these gastric issues. The Gastroenterologist can find the most likely cause and recommend the most applicable lifestyle changes, treatment, or medication.

3. Bloating or Abdominal Pain

Bloating can be the result of built-up gas. Abdominal pain that lasts for more than a few hours, or that reoccurs, might be the side effect of a serious condition such as gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver disease.

4. Rectal Bleeding

This has many causes, from the inconvenience of Haemorrhoids to life-threatening cancer. Always have this checked by the Gastroenterologist.

Looking for a Gastroenterologist in Chatswood?

Our health is a high priority. If you have any digestive issues or are over 45, you should see our Gastroenterologist.