Gastroenterology
Specialists in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders
St Vincent’s Private Hospitals offer a wide range of Gastroenterology related services, for details of the Gastroenterology services at your local St Vincent’s Private Hospital, click here.
We offer a comprehensive range of services in digestive and liver diseases
Our gastrointestinal units offer a range of specialised services for problems affecting the oesophagus (food pipe) stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, colon and rectum.
We perform a number of minimally-invasive diagnostic procedures including gastroscopy (where we view the inside of your oesophagus and stomach) and colonoscopy (where we view the inside of your large intestine or bowel).
We can also do biopsies (take small tissue samples) during these procedures. The biopsy samples can then be examined under a microscope. Liver biopsies are also performed.
Where a problem is identified, we then recommend treatment which may include medications and/or surgery.
Our gastroenterologists
We have specialists with interests and expertise in all aspects of gastroenterology.
Our gastroenterology teams also comprise specialist nurses, dietitians and other allied health professionals.
Please ask your GP for a referral to one of our gastroenterologists.
Our Services
Please check your relevant hospital below for their specific services. **Not all services are available at all hospitals.
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Liver biopsy
- Oesophageal dilatation
- Haemorrhoid therapy
- Barrett’s oesophagus ablation
- Capsule endoscopy
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Anorectal manometry
- Oesophageal pH monitoring
- Oesophageal motility
- Bravo™ pH monitoring
- Management of acute pancreatitis and its complications
Gastroscopy
This diagnostic test enables the gastroenterologist to view the inside of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (top part of your small intestine). It’s a good way of helping to pin down the cause of abdominal or chest pain, reflux, trouble swallowing, stomach pain and other problems.
First you’ll be given a sedative. Then the doctor passes a thin tube called a gastroscope into your stomach through your mouth. Images from a camera on its tip are magnified and viewed on a monitor. Your doctor can also take samples of tissue for examination.
Gastroscopy is performed as a day procedure, but because you’re given sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is a surgically-created opening, either permanent or temporary, through which body waste exits the body. It’s collected in disposable appliances/pouches specially designed for this purpose. A temporary or permanent stoma may be created following surgery to your bowel.
Colonoscopy
This procedure can be used to screen for possible problems in your colon and to pin down the cause of symptoms such as blood loss, pain and changed bowel habits. It may also be used to investigate low iron levels or remove polyps from your colon.
First you’ll be given a sedative. The gastroenterologist inserts a tube into your colon via your anus. Images from a video camera on its tip can be viewed on a TV monitor. The doctor can also insert small instruments to take samples or tissue for examination or to remove polyps.
Colonoscopy is performed as a day procedure, but because you’re given sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards
Find a hospital near you offering gastroenterology
Our staff
Our gastroenterology team comprises specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. We have a resident doctor who can liaise with your specialist to make sure you get optimal care.
Stomal specialist care
Our Stomal Therapy Department provides a specialised service for patients at our Fitzroy, East Melbourne and Kew campuses, who require a stoma or who may require ongoing care with their stoma.
Our stomal therapy nurses are experienced registered nurses who have undertaken further study in an accredited course.
We care for people with many conditions such as colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis who have colostomies, ileostomies or urostomies. We also see people with complex fistulas and draining wounds and tubes.
Your GP can refer you to one of our gastroenterologists.
Find details of our gastroenterologists here
Contact Us
Our staff
Our gastroenterology team comprises specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. We have a resident doctor who can liaise with your specialist to make sure you get optimal care.
Stomal specialist care
Our Stomal Therapy Department provides a specialised service at our Fitzroy, East Melbourne and Kew campuses, for people who require a stoma or who may require ongoing care with their stoma.
Our stomal therapy nurses are experienced registered nurses who have undertaken further study in an accredited course.
We care for people with many conditions such as colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis who have colostomies, ileostomies or urostomies. We also see people with complex fistulas and draining wounds and tubes.
Your GP can refer you to one of our gastroenterologists.
Find details of our gastroenterologists here
Contact Us
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Gastroscopy
Find details of our gastroenterology and hepatology specialists here
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The department has expertise in the treatment and management of conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux and Crohn’s disease.
Many gastrointestinal conditions are complex and require a multidisciplinary team approach which can include general surgeons, upper GI surgeons, physicians and clinical nurse specialists such as stoma therapy nurses.
Your GP can refer you to one of our gastroenterologists.
Find details of our gastroenterologists here
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Our areas of special interest include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Coeliac disease
- Liver disease including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis
- GI cancer
- Bowel cancer screening and prevention – polyp detection and removal
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Viral hepatitis
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and colonoscopy
Find details of our gastroenterologists and hepatologists here
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- Bowel cancer detection and prevention
- Management of iron deficiency anaemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Non-inflammatory gut disease
- Management of reflux
- Ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for management of pancreatic and bile duct diseases
- Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance and treatment
- Oesophageal cancer prevention or palliation.
Find details of our gastroenterologists here
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We were established in 1922 by the Sisters of Charity and have grown to become the largest acute private hospital on the Darling Downs. It is our mission and absolute privilege to care for your needs.
Our services include medical, surgical, maternity, paediatric, emergency, cardiac, rehabilitation and intensive care.
We are supported by comprehensive allied health services and advanced medical and diagnostic services.
Pathology, radiology and pharmacy are also available on site, and our emergency centre is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Your GP can refer you to one of our gastroenterologists.
Find details of our gastroenterology & hepatology specialists here
Contact us