(03) 9595 6666FAQs
How long is the wait to see a gastroenterologist for a consultation?
Your health and welfare is of utmost importance to us and as such urgent cases are prioritised. If your issue is clinically urgent, we will endeavour to ensure you will be seen as soon as clinically required. Please call us to discuss your needs.
How long will I be at the hospital on the day of my procedure?
For most patients, the time from admission to discharge takes 3 – 4 hours.
Can I drive myself home?
No. Following an anaesthetic you will not be allowed to drive home or operate heavy machinery. We recommend you arrange someone to pick you up after your procedure, and our day surgery staff will contact them when you are ready. Alternatively, if appropriate, a taxi or rideshare can be arranged.
How long does the colonoscopy or gastroscopy take?
A gastroscopy takes approximately 10-15mins, while a colonoscopy takes approximately 30mins. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy together takes approximately 30-40mins. Certain interventions may lengthen the procedures.
Are there any complications from an endoscopic procedure?
In Australia, very few people experience serious side effects from endoscopy. However, while gastroscopy and colonoscopy are considered to be relatively safe procedures, as with any procedure there are risks. For standard procedures, serious risks occur in less than one in 1000 cases and include perforation (a tear in the bowel wall), bleeding, or injury to the spleen, which may require surgery to fix. Other risks include intolerance of bowel preparation, reaction to the anaesthetic, aspiration (food/fluid going into the lungs), or missing a lesion despite best efforts. With gastroscopy specifically, tooth damage can rarely occur particularly in those with poor teeth or dental prostheses.
If you have any specific concerns, please raise this with our staff.
Can I have a colonoscopy or gastroscopy without having a consultation with the gastroenterologist first?
Yes, we do facilitate “open access” endoscopies where your GP refers you straight for the endoscopy without a consultation. However, in certain situations related to your medical condition we may insist on a consultation prior to the procedure to ensure your safety and that you have the most appropriate tests.
Where can I have my endoscopic procedure done?
The specialists at Caulfield Endoscopy perform procedures at Glen Eira Day Surgery in Caulfield South or at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern. The specialists are also able to refer you to the public system to have your procedure.
Fees and Payment Methods
Caulfield Endoscopy will advise patients of the fees to be paid prior to their appointment or procedure. A reduced fee is available for patients with a pension card.
Patients with Private Health Insurance
Glen Eira Day Surgery has an agreement with ALL major health funds. An eligibility check is made with your fund prior to your day of procedure. Patients being admitted for a procedure and who have insurance will be charged their excess (if applicable), and there may be a small out of pocket gap fee for the gastroenterologist and anaesthetist.
Patients without Private Health Insurance
Patients who do not have private health insurance will incur a fee for the procedure. There will be no out of pocket expense for the medical specialist.