Colonoscopy Sydney
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, checking 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 diarrhoea, 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 diagnostic tool for colorectal (bowel and rectal) cancers. Colorectal cancer is the second most common non-cutaneous malignancy in Australia.
- 15,367 cases in 2023 (8,133 men and 7,234 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 (read more here)
- 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
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 45 to 90 minutes 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 insert the scope into the anus, and as it's advanced, 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, so the polyp should be removed in one piece.
During the colonoscopy, biopsies and photographs are taken if required, to help make a diagnosis.
After the Procedure
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 extended 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 certified by GESA (a peak membership organisation) for performing gastroscopies and colonoscopies.
Why See a Colorectal Surgeon for Your Colonoscopy?
CBoth are well qualified to perform a diagnostic colonoscopy. The key difference is what happens if something is found that needs treatment. Clinicians who focus on diagnosis do not perform surgery, so findings such as polyps, diverticulitis, or other conditions requiring surgical management will require referral to a separate surgeon.
Dr Golani is a colorectal and general surgeon who is also accredited by GESA to perform colonoscopy. This means he can identify a condition and, where appropriate, treat it himself as your ongoing surgeon - providing continuity of care and often reducing the need for additional appointments or referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a colonoscopy for anaemia or low iron?
Unexplained low iron or anaemia can sometimes be caused by slow, ongoing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, from sources such as polyps, ulcers, or rarely a tumour. A colonoscopy allows Dr Golani to directly examine the lining of the colon and rectum and identify or rule out these causes. It is particularly recommended for men of any age and postmenopausal women with unexplained iron deficiency, since there is no expected physiological cause for it in these groups. You can read more on our low iron and anaemia page.
What's the difference between a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon performing my colonoscopy?
Both are well qualified to perform a diagnostic colonoscopy. The key difference is what happens if something is found that needs treatment. A gastroenterologist is a physician and does not perform surgery, so a finding such as a complex polyp, diverticulitis, or a condition needing surgical management means a referral to a separate surgeon. Dr Golani is a colorectal and general surgeon who is also accredited by GESA to perform colonoscopy, so he can identify a condition and, where appropriate, treat it himself as your ongoing surgeon.
If my colonoscopy finds a polyp or other condition, will I need to see another specialist?
Not necessarily. Because Dr Golani is a surgeon as well as an endoscopist, he can continue as your treating doctor for many conditions found during a colonoscopy, including polyps requiring surgical removal, diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, and bowel or rectal cancer. This avoids the need for a separate referral and a new specialist consultation for common findings.
Is a colorectal surgeon as qualified to perform a colonoscopy as a gastroenterologist?
Yes. Dr Golani is accredited by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) in advanced endoscopic techniques, meeting the same training and competency standards expected of any specialist performing colonoscopy in Australia, in addition to his surgical training and fellowship.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Most patients do not experience pain during a colonoscopy, as you are given sedation beforehand to keep you comfortable and drowsy throughout the procedure. Most people do not remember having the procedure at all. You may feel some mild bloating or gas discomfort afterwards, which settles quickly as the sedation wears off.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Dr Golani will outline a bowel preparation regimen to be followed the day before your procedure, which is essential for a thorough examination since poor preparation can make it difficult to detect polyps or early bowel cancer. Your consultation will also cover any adjustments needed to your current medications before the day.
How much time off work do I need for a colonoscopy?
You will generally need to take two days off work: one day for the bowel preparation and one for the procedure itself. There is no extended recovery period afterwards, and most people are able to return to their usual activities, including work, the next day.
What happens if a polyp is found during my colonoscopy?
Most polyps found during a colonoscopy can be removed during the same procedure, usually by passing a wire loop through the colonoscope to cut the polyp away using an electric current. Removing polyps at this stage helps prevent them from developing into bowel cancer. You will have a follow-up consultation around four weeks later to discuss the results and any further management required.
Can blood in poo be nothing to worry about?
Yes, in many cases. The most common causes of blood in the stool, such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures, are benign and treatable. However, because more serious causes such as polyps or bowel cancer can present in a similar way, any blood in your stool should still be checked by a doctor rather than assumed to be harmless. You can read more on our rectal bleeding page.
What does cancerous blood in your stool look like?
There is no reliable way to tell from appearance alone whether blood in the stool is caused by cancer or a benign condition such as haemorrhoids. Bright red blood is often associated with bleeding lower in the bowel, while darker, tar-like stools can indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract, but these patterns overlap significantly between causes. Because appearance cannot reliably distinguish cancer from benign bleeding, a colonoscopy is the only way to confirm the cause.
How likely is blood in stool to be cancerous?
Most people who see a doctor about rectal bleeding do not have cancer - research suggests it accounts for roughly 3 to 11% of cases in primary care, depending on age and other symptoms present. The likelihood increases with age, particularly over 50, and with additional symptoms such as a change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or anaemia. Because risk cannot be ruled out from symptoms alone, further investigation such as a colonoscopy is recommended to confirm the cause.
What is the most common reason for bloody stools?
Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of blood in the stool, followed by anal fissures. Other frequent causes include diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel conditions. Bowel cancer is a less common but important cause that becomes more likely with increasing age, which is why investigation is recommended rather than assuming a benign cause.
How often is too often for blood in stool?
Even a single episode of unexplained blood in the stool is worth having assessed by a doctor, rather than waiting to see if it becomes a pattern. Seek prompt medical attention if bleeding is heavy or recurring, if it is associated with a change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, or if you notice dizziness or shortness of breath, which can indicate significant blood loss.
Why has my doctor referred me for a colonoscopy?
GPs refer patients for a colonoscopy for several common reasons, including investigating symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, or abdominal pain; following up a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) from bowel cancer screening; investigating unexplained low iron or anaemia; a family history of bowel cancer or polyps; or as surveillance if you've previously had polyps removed. Your GP's referral letter will explain the specific reason in your case, and Dr Golani will discuss this further with you at your consultation.
Is it serious if you need a colonoscopy?
Being referred for a colonoscopy does not mean something serious has been found - it's a common and routine step used to investigate symptoms, follow up screening results, or check on your bowel health as a precaution. Most people who have a colonoscopy do not have cancer, and many findings, such as small polyps, are straightforward to treat during the same procedure. A colonoscopy is best thought of as a proactive way to find out what's going on and address it early, rather than a sign that something is already seriously wrong.
What symptoms indicate you need a colonoscopy?
Common symptoms that may lead your GP to recommend a colonoscopy include rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, a change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea, unexplained low iron or anaemia, and unexplained weight loss. A colonoscopy may also be recommended without symptoms, based on a positive FOBT screening result, a family history of bowel cancer, or as routine screening from age 50 onwards.
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.
Hornsby 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 Hornsby clinic is located conveniently next to Westfield Hornsby & Hornsby Station.
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Mater Clinic Address:
Suite 1.13, 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 25 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney.
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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. Limited free parking is available within the Q Central Building. There is a drop-off zone outside the building. Paid parking is available opposite at Norwest Private Hospital. Additionally, there is parking at CircaRetail Shopping Centre (5-minute walk from the clinic).
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What do I bring to my appointment?
- Referral letter
- X-Rays/CT/Ultrasound Reports
- Test results relating to referral
- Health fund card
- Medicare card
Procedures
Dr Golani offers an extensive range of General and Colorectal Surgical procedures, expertly addressing a diverse array of symptoms, conditions, and diseases. His patient-focused approach ensures personalised care tailored to individual needs.
Bowel Cancer
Dr Golani delivers exceptional outcomes in laparoscopic resections for both bowel and rectal cancers, combining expertise with advanced surgical techniques to ensure the highest standard of care.
Hernia Surgery
Dr Golani specialises in hernia repair surgeries, expertly treating ventral hernias as well as performing advanced laparoscopic procedures for inguinal, femoral, and umbilical hernias. His expertise ensures precise and effective care.
Gall Bladder Surgery
Dr Golani specialises in minimally invasive gall bladder surgery, ensuring faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays with advanced surgical techniques.
Colonoscopy
Dr Golani is certified by GESA in advanced endoscopic techniques, enabling him to expertly perform colonoscopies and remove large polyps with precision and care.
Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Dr Golani is an expert in Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy, a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure for rectal prolapse. His advanced skills ensure precise care and improved outcomes for his patients.
Anal Fistulas & Fissures
Dr Golani offers expert care in managing painful anal fistulas and fissures, providing effective treatments tailored to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life.
Haemorrhoids
Dr Golani is highly skilled in both traditional and advanced surgical techniques for treating haemorrhoids, offering effective solutions tailored to each patient's needs.
Gastroscopy & Endoscopy
Dr Golani is accredited by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), ensuring advanced expertise and high standards in performing gastroscopy and endoscopy procedures.
