Early detection can save lives
Australia has one of the world's highest rates of bowel cancer in people under 50. The good news is, when detected early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
If you have symptoms or a family history of bowel cancer, talk to your GP about screening. Early investigations can help identify concerns before they become more serious.
If your screening result is positive, or your symptoms require further assessment, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. This procedure allows specialists to closely examine the bowel, identify the cause of your symptoms and detect early changes that may require treatment.
Digestive and liver health
Mater’s gastroenterology, hepatologists and colorectal surgeons provide diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions. From your initial consultation through to treatment and recovery, our team will work closely with you to provide clear answers, personalised care and support every step of the way.
Mater's specialists are highly experienced in investigating symptoms, interpreting diagnostic tests and developing tailored treatment plans designed to improve your long-term health and wellbeing.
We offer modern endoscopy services in comfortable, purpose-built facilities across Queensland. Our experienced gastroenterologists, surgeons and nursing teams work together to deliver safe, high-quality care and achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Endoscopy services
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside lining of your large bowel. The doctor will use a colonoscope - a long, thin flexible tube with a small camera and light attached, to see pictures of the inside of your bowel on a video screen.
The colonoscope bends so that it can move around the curves of your colon. It can also be used to remove growths or polyps, which are fleshy growths in the bowel lining. A colonoscopy can also be used to take a biopsy, a very small section of the bowel lining, which can be tested to identify many conditions.
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The doctor will use a gastroscope, a small, flexible fibre optic instrument, to pass through the mouth to allow a direct visual inspection of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodendum (small bowel).
A gastroscopy can also be used to take a biopsy, a very small section of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be tested to identify a range of conditions.
Helpful resources
Questions to ask your specialist
The guides below can help you prepare useful questions to ask following your diagnosis, and ahead of your first appointment with your specialist.
Food and symptoms diary
Keeping a diary of the food you eat and the symptoms you experience may help you find out which foods you are having a reaction to. Include the amount of food you eat as well as how long any reactions last.
Food and symptoms diary
Find a service near you
Mater Hospital Brisbane
Endoscopy services:
- Diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Clinical services:
- General gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Intestinal Ultrasound Clinic
- Fertility and Maternity Service
- Hepatology
- Fibroscan Clinic
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Transition Support Service with the collaboration with QCH at Mater Young Adult Health Centre.
Mater Children's Private Brisbane
Mater is renowned for its gastroenterology expertise. Our state-of-the-art theatres and equipment, coupled with our leading surgeons and nursing staff, offer our patients the highest quality of care from admission to discharge.
Services:
- General gastroenterology
- Colonoscopy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Hepatology (liver) and nutrition
- Crohn's disease and Colitis
- Childhood feeding disorders and capsule endoscopy
Mater Private Hospital Brisbane
The unit has an exceptional experienced team, state of the art facilities and world class doctors who ensure patients are provided diagnostic and interventional gastroenterology services with the highest level of care.
Services:
- Endoscopy (including capsule endoscopy)
- Colonoscopy (including advanced colonoscopy and polypectomy)
- Stent insertion
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
- Endoscopic UltraSound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP)
Mater Private Hospital Redland
With two purpose-built endoscopy suites and an experienced gastroenterology team, patients can receive comprehensive gastroenterology care in Brisbane's bayside.
Services:
- Colonoscopy, gastroscopy and endoscopy
- Diagnostic and minor therapeutic gastroscopy
- Treatment and management of inflammatory bowel disease
- Polypectomies
- Haemorrhoid banding
Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast
Our team specialises in a range of gastroenterology services.
For more information, phone 07 5535 0300.
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg provides comprehensive gastroenterology care.
Services:
- Colonoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Upper endoscopy
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton provides comprehensive gastroenterology care.
Services:
- Endoscopy (including capsule endoscopy)
- Colonoscopy (including advanced colonoscopy and polypectomy)
- Stent insertion
- Oesophageal stretching and oesophageal variceal banding
Mater Private Hospital Townsville
Mater Private Hospital Townsville provides comprehensive gastroenterology care. Find out more by contacting the team.
Ph: 07 4727 4084
