Yes, all appointments must have a current referral from your doctor for any procedure. A referral is valid for 12 months. To have a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, you may need to book an initial consultation to discuss your requirements and receive advice on preparing for the procedure. Direct Access endoscopy (Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy) are possible in selected patients. Learn More about Direct Access Endoscopy

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the gut or digestive tract. The digestive system is a complex system that includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bowel, rectum, and anus. Gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect any part of the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, gastroenterologists perform procedures such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies.

The typical waiting time for a new appointment is two weeks. Dr Lee will always endeavour to see urgent cases sooner. Please contact us with your referral if it is urgent. You may benefit from an admission to Wollongong Private Hospital for inpatient care and investigation if you have multiple medical issues or unwell where urgent attention is needed. It can be arranged directly through our office without attending the emergency department first.

There are alternative tests, but they may not be appropriate or provide the accuracy of a colonoscopy. Tests that provide additional information and are sometimes conducted in conjunction with a colonoscopy include:

• CT colonography – a scan designed to look at the colon.

• CT scan – a test to look at other parts of the abdomen.
• Sigmoidoscopy – a procedure like a colonoscopy, except the sigmoidoscope is much shorter.

Dr Lee will discuss his initial observations as soon as you are fully awake. The observations will determine if follow-ups are needed. Dr Lee will discuss with you how long it will take to get test results and arrange another appointment to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options and answer any questions you have. For Dr Lee, it is important that you are fully informed and given time to think about and understand your diagnosis and treatment options before going ahead. You will be given a copy of your colonoscopy report to take home with.

Dr Lee is an experienced physician who will do everything to reduce risks. Complications, though rare, include:

• Bleeding from where a tissue sample (biopsy), polyp, or other abnormal growth was removed
• Tearing in the colon or rectum wall
• Bruising around the spleen
• A reaction to the sedative medication used during the procedure

A colonoscopy can be performed only by a credentialed clinician who meets the requirements of an accepted certification and have completed recent colonoscopy recertification process through the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). Gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies because of their expertise and qualifications in treating diseases and conditions related to the digestive system and intestines. Gastroenterologists, including Dr Lee, are members of GESA, which promotes the highest standards in research, education, patient care and clinical practice. You will need a referral from a doctor to see a gastroenterologist.

Many people approach their doctor when they are experiencing symptoms such as frequent stomach pain, passing blood, chronic diarrhoea or constipation and sudden weight loss. To investigate the causes, your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is often the best way to investigate and diagnose problems with the bowel properly. To fully investigate what’s causing these issues, your GP will need to refer you to a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy is often the best way to see inside the bowel to learn more about the causes of your symptoms. Additionally, a colonoscopy is part of routine screening and surveillance for colorectal cancer and colonic polyps.

The main alternatives are

1) Barium swallow where x-ray of your chest and upper abdomen are taken as you swallow Barium liquid. This is used to look for any structural abnormality of the food pipe such as a stricture as well as assessing the co-ordination between the oesophageal muscles and nerves.

2) A 24hour pH study and/or oesophageal manometry. This involves having a thin plastic tube passed down your nostrils into the lower oesophagus. It has an electronic sensors attached to measure your pH as well as how well the muscles contract. The tube may stay in your oesophagus for 24 hour.

The results will depend on the reason for your procedure. Some results, such as investigating an ulcer, may be available immediately. Tissue samples (biopsies) may need a few days before Dr Lee receives lab test results. Dr Lee will discuss with you how long it will take to get test results and arrange another appointment to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options and answer any questions you have. For Dr Lee, it is important that you are fully informed and given time to think about and understand your diagnosis and treatment before going ahead. You will be given a hard copy of the gastroscopy report to take home with for your record.

A gastroscopy is a very safe procedure, and the risks of serious complications are small. Though rare, some of the possible complications of a gastroscopy include:

• Reaction to the sedation, such as feeling sick, an irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. 
• Bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. Signs of bleeding can include vomiting blood or passing black poo.
• Perforation (tearing) of the lining of your oesophagus, stomach or the first section of your small intestine

A gastroscopy can be performed only by a credentialed clinician who meets the requirements of an accepted certification and recertification process. Gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies because of their expertise and qualifications in treating diseases and conditions related to the digestive system and intestines. Gastroenterologists, including Dr Lee, are members of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), promoting the highest standards in research, education, patient care and clinical practice. You will need a referral from a doctor to see a gastroenterologist.

Many people approach their doctor when they have ongoing symptoms such as: 

• Anaemia
• Black or tarry poo
• Ongoing heartburn
• Vomiting and nausea
• Vomiting blood
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Persistent stomach ache 
• Unexplained weight loss
• A feeling of unusual fullness  
• A feeling that food is lodged behind your breast bone

To fully investigate what’s causing these issues, your GP will need to refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroscopy is a safe and effective way to see inside your digestive tract to identify and sometimes treat the causes of your symptoms.

Yes, both specialist centres have on-site or on street car parking available.