Gastroscopy and colonoscopy
Where is it performed?
Dr Rahme and Dr Sheiban are accredited to perform gastroscopy and colonoscopy at The Sydney Private Hospital (Ashfield) and Strathfield Private Hospital
What's involved?
Gastroscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach and upper small bowel.
Colonoscopy examines the large bowel (colon) and usually the end of the small bowel.
Both are done under sedation, so you’ll be comfortable and usually asleep during the procedure.
Before the procedure:
You’ll receive clear instructions to fast (and for colonoscopy, to take a bowel preparation to clean the bowel).
Your usual medications will be reviewed — some (like blood thinners or diabetes medicines) may need adjustment.
After the procedure:
You’ll rest in recovery until you’re fully awake.
Because of the sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home and should avoid work or important decisions that day.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are important procedures that help keep your digestive system healthy and detect problems early. They allow your doctor to:
Find the cause of symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
Diagnose common conditions like reflux, inflammation, lactose intolerance, coeliac disease, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Detect and remove bowel polyps — small growths that can sometimes develop into bowel cancer if left untreated.
Screen for and help prevent bowel cancer, which is one of the most common — but also one of the most preventable — cancers in Australia.
Monitor known conditions (such as Barrett’s oesophagus or previous polyps) to reduce future risks.
By identifying issues early, these procedures can prevent serious disease and support long-term digestive health.
How much does it cost?
Endoscopic services attract “No Gap” for privately insured patients (including anaesthetist services)
Self-funded endoscopy can be arranged for patients without private health insurance, with fees kept fair and transparent