Colon polyps are common growths on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. They can vary in shape and size. Some look like hanging balls (pedunculated), while others are flat bumps (sessile). Most are benign but some polyps can turn into cancers over time. Colonoscopy is crucial to detect and remove polyps, preferably before they turn cancerous, using special tools that are passed through the endoscopy (camera). This is a relatively safe procedure and helps to prevent colon cancer.

Also known as colon, rectal, or colorectal cancer; occurs when abnormal cancerous cells grow in the lining of the large bowel (colon & rectum). Around 3000 cases are diagnosed in NZ each year. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea constipation), blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Early cancer can also be asymptomatic. Colonoscopy helps early detection and treatment (removal) of precancerous polyps, reducing long-term cancer risks.

If you have a family history of colon cancer (parent, sibling, or child with the disease), your risk of colon cancer is increased. Between 2000 & 2020, 56,761 cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in New Zealand. 3,702 of these cases were classified as early onset (below 50 years of age). 13.9% of early onset cancers were associated with hereditary conditions. Colonoscopy allows for diagnosis, surveillance, and removal of precancerous changes, ultimately reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD refers to a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, fatigue, blood in the stool, stomach pain, bloating, and weight loss. Endoscopy is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring of IBD, by directly visualizing inflammation, assess its severity, and obtain tissue samples (biopsies) for confirmation. Early detection through endoscopy helps guide treatment and improve outcomes for patients.

Coeliac disease is a chronic immune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion found in ~1% of the population. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system reacts abnormally, damaging the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, bloating, excessive wind, cramps, weight loss, and fatigue. Gastroscopy helps diagnose coeliac disease by visually inspecting the lining and taking samples (biopsies).

Peptic Ulcer Disease refers to open sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Symptoms may include burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, indigestion, heartburn, and nausea. Peptic ulcers may develop in response to H. pylori infection, or medication use (e.g. Voltaren, ibuprofen) A gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows directly views of the stomach lining to identify ulcers, take biopsies, guide treatment, and monitor healing.

H. pylori is a type of bacterium that commonly infects the lining of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Many people with H. pylori have no symptoms. It can also cause stomach irritation (gastritis) and stomach ulcers. In rare cases, it may contribute to stomach cancer. A gastroscopy is useful to detect H. pylori and to treat complications such as gastric/peptic ulceration. In some cases, gastroscopy biopsies help guide further antibiotic therapy..

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the oesophagus (gullet), causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Oesophagitis is inflammation of the gullet lining. It can lead to painful swallowing and chest discomfort. A gastroscopy is helpful because it allows us to assess for complications of reflux, such as reflux oesophagitis, precancerous changes, as well as excluding other concerning diseases that may mimic reflux symptoms.

Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. You might feel that it takes more effort than usual to move food from your mouth to your stomach. Common causes include nerve and muscle problems or a blockage related to inflammation, acid reflux and tumours. Gastroscopy can help diagnose these abnormalities and guide further treatment. Other investigations like barium swallow (where you drink a special liquid visible on X-rays) may also be helpful, depending on symptoms.

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm, moving into the lower part of the chest. It’s common, especially in people over 50, and usually doesn’t require treatment unless it causes symptoms. Symptoms may include heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, and difficulty swallowing. A gastroscopy is helpful to identify and grade hiatus hernia, assess for reflux changes, and exclude other conditions that may mimic hernia symptoms, including cancer.

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there’s insufficient iron in the body to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms like tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. While iron deficiency in young women is usually benign, in older people this can be a warning sign of stomach and colon (bowel) cancer. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy are useful to detect cancers of the stomach and colon in order to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

Intestinal Metaplasia IM is when the cells in the stomach or oesophagus transform to resemble intestinal cells. It doesn’t directly cause symptoms, but underlying conditions (e.g. acid reflux or H. pylori infection) might. There may be a (usually small) increased risk of stomach or oesophageal cancer. Gastroscopy helps diagnose IM by visually inspecting the lining and taking biopsies. Early detection allows for monitoring and prevention of more serious conditions that may develop from IM.

Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the lining of the colon. These pouches are usually harmless and don’t cause symptoms. In some people diverticulosis can cause constipation and diarrhoea. Less commonly, they can become bleed or inflamed or infected, leading to a condition called diverticulitis. A colonoscopy is helpful to identify any diverticula and rule out other potential issues.

Gallstones are often composed of undissolved cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. Most of the time, they don’t cause any symptoms. However, when a gallstone blocks one of the bile ducts, it can lead to intense upper abdominal pain known as biliary colic. Gallstones are usually diagnosed on imaging scans like ultrasound. While gastroscopy does not have a direct role in diagnosis, it can help us exclude other digestive tract disease mimics, such as stomach ulcers, inflammation and tumours.

Altered bowel habits refer to changes in how often you have bowel movements (regularity & frequency) or how your stools look. This may be a shift towards constipation, diarrhoea or a mix of both. This is a common symptom and can signal underlying issues like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease or sometimes more sinister causes like colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows direct examination of the colon and rectum, identifying problems such as polyps, tumours, or inflammation.