The Importance of surveillance colonoscopies

Bowel Cancer
Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world.   Each year, more than 16,000 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Many bowel cancers are detected at advanced stages which require chemotherapy and surgery.   If detected early, almost all cases of bowel cancer are curable.

The earliest most treatable forms of bowel cancer have no symptoms.   Clinical trials have shown that offering bowel cancer screening tests ie: faecal occult blood kits saves lives through early detection.   These kits are sent to patients after the age of 50, arranged by their GP or can be purchased from the local chemist.  Patients who have had a positive test or who have a positive family history of bowel cancer are candidates for screening colonoscopy.   Colonoscopy is a cost-effective way to detect and prevent (with polypectomy) bowel cancer at early and curable stages.

Given that Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world.   It is extremely important that colonoscopies are performed as soon as possible for patients with symptoms such as a change in their bowel habits, have onset of abdominal bloating or pain or who are passing blood with their stools.   This advice is relevant to patients of all ages, not just those over the age of 50.   Gastroenterologists around the world are seeing increased rates of bowel cancer in people from the age of 25 to  50 years.

Given that Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world it is extremely important that colonoscopies are performed as soon as possible for patients with symptoms such as a change in their bowel habits, have onset of abdominal bloating, pain or who are passing blood with their stools.   This advice is relevant to patients of all ages, not just those over the age of 50.   Gastroenterologists around the world are seeing increased rates of bowel cancer in people from the age of 25 to 50 years.

When bowel cancer is suspected, either through screening of investigation of symptoms, the bowel lining can be examined by colonoscopy.  The colonoscope is a flexible video camera which is passed into the bowel through the anus.   Interventions such as a biopsy, polypectomy (removal of polyps) etc are part of this procedure.

A colonoscopy is performed as a Day Procedure.   Preparation drinks are needed to clear the bowel prior to the colonoscopy.  It is performed under sedation for which you will need a person to take you  home from the Day Procedure Centre and you do require 24-hour surveillance after your sedation.

Dr Michael Merrett is an experienced and internationally respected Gastroenterologist with 30 years experience in the industry.  He provides his patients with accurate diagnosis and specialised health care.   All bowel polyps are removed or resected as part of the procedure.

This procedure is covered under your hospital insurance apart from your excess and a small out of pocket fee with the doctor.

If you are experiencing a change in bowel habit or other significant symptoms please call Dr Merrett’s office on 1300 000 180 and our staff can book you in for either an appointment with Dr Michael Merrett or book you straight in for your colonoscopy.  You will need to obtain a referral from you local doctor.

Our office email is reception@fpgastro.com.au