Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows doctors to see inside various organs without the need for major surgery.  It involves the use of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light source at its tip, to visualise and examine the internal structures of the body. It is used to diagnose, screen, and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Types of Endoscopy that Dr Kaushal Performs:

  • Gastroscopy: Used to view the oesophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
  • Colonoscopy: Used to view the colon and rectum.

Common Conditions Screened and Diagnosed with Endoscopy:

  • Overview: GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and symptoms like heartburn.
  • Causes: Weakness of the lower oesophageal sphincter, obesity, smoking, and certain foods can contribute to GERD.
  • Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications to reduce acid production, and in severe cases, surgical procedures.
  • Overview: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus due to factors like H. pylori infection or NSAID use.
  • Causes: H. pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, and smoking.
  • Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, and bleeding (in severe cases).
  • Treatment: Antibiotics for H. pylori, acid-reducing medications, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Overview: IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract.
  • Causes: Genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors.
  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and inflammation.
  • Treatment: Medications to control inflammation, immune system modulators, dietary changes, and surgery in severe cases.
  • Overview: Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps or diagnose colorectal cancer.
  • Causes: Genetic factors, diet, and lifestyle can contribute to the development of polyps and cancer.
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in early stages; later stages may present with changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.
  • Treatment: Removal of polyps during colonoscopy, surgery for cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in modern medicine, allowing Dr Kaushal to identify and manage various medical conditions with less invasiveness and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Treatment options depend on the specific condition and its severity, and they may include medications, lifestyle changes, endoscopic interventions, or surgery.

Dr Devesh Kaushal is a Specialist General Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Dr Kaushal offers 15+ years of experience and holds a Master of Surgery Degree, as well as being fully certified in gastroscopy and colonoscopy by the Gastroenterology Society of Australia (GESA).

Dr Kaushal takes an empathetic, warm-hearted and friendly approach to patient care and is completely dedicated to patient outcomes.

He consults and operates across Souther-Western Sydney.