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(03) 9852 3777
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info@dralexcraven.com.au
Address
3/195 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105
(03) 9852 3777
info@dralexcraven.com.au
3/195 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105
Gastroscopy, Upper endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Advanced or interventional upper endoscopy goes beyond routine diagnostic endoscopy to offer targeted treatments for complex gastrointestinal conditions, allowing for minimally invasive management of various issues without the need for traditional surgery. This approach has transformed care for conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, early cancers, polyps, strictures, and more.
Advanced upper endoscopy is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled GI surgeon, allowing for the diagnosis and treatment of upper GI disorders with greater precision and reduced recovery times. By using sophisticated equipment and techniques, interventional endoscopy provides an alternative to open surgery, reducing complications, hospital stays, and patient discomfort. The procedure can be used to treat various GI tract disorders, including pre-cancerous lesions, ulcers, and strictures.
In Australia, gastrointestinal issues are a major public health concern. For example, conditions such as peptic ulcer disease affect approximately 1 in 10 Australians over their lifetime, and rates of gastric cancer remain significant, particularly among populations at higher risk. With advancements in interventional endoscopy, Australia has seen a notable shift in treatment practices, allowing more patients to benefit from non-invasive techniques, which can improve recovery times and outcomes. Approximately 140,000 endoscopies are performed annually in Australia, with rising demand for advanced and therapeutic endoscopy procedures as awareness of these techniques grows.
Conditions requiring advanced upper endoscopy can cause a range of symptoms, including:
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as they could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Several factors can lead to conditions affecting the upper GI tract, including:
To accurately diagnose GI tract conditions, your surgeon may recommend:
While interventional upper endoscopy is generally safe, some risks include:
Your surgeon will discuss these risks and ensure the safest approach for your condition.
Advanced endoscopy techniques enable a range of treatments, including:
For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Craven, please call us on (03) 9852 3777 or email us at info@dralexcraven.com.au.
Before the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on fasting and possibly stopping certain medications. Afterwards, you may feel slight discomfort or bloating, but most patients recover quickly and return home the same day.
The procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain. Mild discomfort may occur afterwards but is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Your GI surgeon will assess your symptoms, health history, and diagnostic findings to determine if advanced endoscopy is appropriate for your treatment.
Yes, your surgeon may consider other minimally invasive procedures or, if necessary, surgery. They will discuss all available options to ensure the best possible care.
Advanced upper endoscopy offers a minimally invasive, effective solution for managing various GI tract conditions, improving patient comfort and recovery outcomes in Australia and worldwide.
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