TESTS & INVESTIGATIONS
Procedures &What to Expect
Dr Chetwood performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastroenterology procedures at Chatswood Endoscopy and across Sydney. Select a procedure below to learn more about what it involves and how to prepare.
01
Gastroscopy
ALSO KNOWN AS: UPPER ENDOSCOPY · OGD · OESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY
DIAGNOSTIC
THERAPEUTIC
SCREENING
A gastroscopy is a test where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed gently through the mouth to examine the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
It is one of the most common procedures in gastroenterology and allows Dr Chetwood to directly visualise the upper digestive tract, take biopsies, and in many cases treat problems in the same sitting.
COMMONLY USED FOR
Heartburn, reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Upper abdominal pain or indigestion
Nausea, vomiting or unexplained weight loss
Unexplained anaemia or vomiting blood
Suspected ulcers, coeliac disease and Helicobacter pylori infection
Screening or surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus or other pre-cancerous conditions
DURING THE PROCEDURE
Performed under deep sedation - you are generally asleep and comfortable
The camera is passed through the mouth while you lie on your side
Carbon dioxide is used to gently inflate the stomach for better views
Biopsies (tiny superficial tissue samples) may be taken painlessly from the lining
Treatments such as stretching narrowed areas or stopping bleeding can be performed
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Recovery for 30 - 60 minutes until sedation wears off
Mild bloating or throat discomfort can occur briefly but is uncommon
Results discussed the same day - biopsy results may take a few days
You will need someone to accompany you home
That day you cannot drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign legal documents - as a precaution
PREPARATION
Fast for 6 hours before the procedure (clear fluids allowed up to 3 hours prior)
Certain medications may need adjustment
- please advise the rooms of all your current medications
KEY INFO
Procedure takes approximately 15 - 30 minutes
Deep sedation provided - very comfortable
Highly accurate for diagnosing ulcers, inflammation, infections and early cancers
Complications are extremely rare
IMPORTANT MEDICATION NOTES
GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) may require a longer fast - contact the rooms for further guidance
SGLT-2 inhibitors (Invokana, Forxiga, Jardiance) may need to be withheld a few days prior
Blood thinners - discuss with the rooms before stopping any medication
02
Colonoscopy
ALSO KNOWN AS: LOWER ENDOSCOPY · BOWEL SCOPE
THERAPEUTIC
IBD
CANCER SCREENING
A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera inserted through the rectum to examine the entire large bowel (colon) and the end of the small intestine (ileum). It is the gold standard for detecting and preventing bowel cancer, and allows diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure.
Polyps discovered during a colonoscopy can typically be removed on the spot - significantly reducing your risk of bowel cancer developing.
COMMONLY USED FOR
Screening for colorectal cancer, including via the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (FOBT positive)
Surveillance following prior polyp removal or cancer history
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Change in bowel habits - diarrhoea, constipation
Abdominal pain, bloating or unexplained anaemia
Investigation and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
DURING THE PROCEDURE
Performed under deep sedation - you are generally asleep and comfortable
The scope is passed through the rectum and guided around the colon
Carbon dioxide is used to expand the bowel for better visibility
Polyps can be removed and biopsies taken during the same procedure
Other treatments such as treating bleeding, dilating strictures and managing haemorrhoids can also be performed
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Recovery from sedation approximately 30 - 60 minutes
Some bloating or gas is possible but generally passes quickly
Results discussed the same day - biopsy and pathology results may take a few days
You will need someone to accompany you home
That day you cannot drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign legal documents - as a precaution
PREPARATION
Bowel preparation ("prep") to completely clean the colon - instructions provided on booking
Clear fluid diet the day before
Fasting on the morning of the procedure
Good bowel preparation is essential for
a safe and accurate result
KEY FACTS
Procedure takes approximately 20–45 minutes
A high-quality colonoscopy significantly reduces bowel cancer risk
Diagnosis and treatment in one procedure
Significant complications are extremely rare (less than 1 in 1,000)
IMPORTANT MEDICATION NOTES
SGLT-2 inhibitors (Invokana, Forxiga, Jardiance) must be withheld a few days before
GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) - the bowel preparation is generally sufficient as preparation, but please contact the rooms for specific advice
Iron supplements - generally stopped one week before
Blood thinners - discuss with the rooms before stopping any medication
03
Balloon Enteroscopy
ALSO KNOWN AS: DOUBLE-BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY · DEEP SMALL BOWEL ENDOSCOPY
DIAGNOSTIC
THERAPEUTIC
SMALL BOWEL
Balloon enteroscopy is a specialised endoscopic procedure that allows detailed examination of the deep small intestine - a part of the bowel that cannot be reached by standard gastroscopy or colonoscopy.
Using an inner scope and an outer tube with inflatable balloons, the camera is gently guided through the bowel like a caterpillar moving along a branch - allowing Dr Chetwood to both investigate and treat problems in one procedure.
COMMONLY USED FOR
Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or iron deficiency anaemia
Suspected small bowel Crohn's disease
Small bowel tumours, polyps or strictures
Abnormal findings on prior capsule endoscopy requiring treatment
DURING THE PROCEDURE
Performed under deep sedation - you are generally asleep and comfortable
Introduced via the mouth or rectum depending on which part of the small bowel is of concern
Balloons inflate and deflate to advance the scope deep into the small bowel
Biopsies, cauterisation of bleeding vessels, polyp removal and dilatation of strictures can all be performed
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Recovery from sedation approximately 30 - 60 minutes
Procedure takes approximately 90 minutes - allow a longer visit time
Results discussed the same day - biopsy results may take a few days
You will need someone to accompany you home
That day you cannot drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign legal documents - as a precaution
PREPARATION
Fasting required (and bowel prep if performed via the colon)
Medication review required - blood thinners are often continued
GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro) may require a longer fast
For female patients - advise staff if there is any possibility of pregnancy
KEY FACTS
Access to areas of the small bowel not reachable by standard endoscopes
More specialised and takes longer than standard endoscopies
Allows both diagnosis and treatment in one procedure
Often performed following capsule endoscopy to guide targeted treatment
04
Intestinal Ultrasound
ALSO KNOWN AS: POINT-OF-CARE BOWEL ULTRASOUND · IUS
IBD
NO SEDATION
NON-INVASIVE
Intestinal ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, radiation-free scan that uses an ultrasound probe on the abdomen - similar to a pregnancy scan - to look directly at the bowel wall in real time. No tubes, no sedation, no preparation required.
It is a specialist skill and a particular area of interest for Dr Chetwood. Intestinal ultrasound is increasingly used as a highly accurate point-of-care tool for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease, allowing results to be discussed with you on the spot during your consultation.
COMMONLY USED FOR
Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
Assessing bowel wall thickening, inflammation or disease complications such as strictures
Guiding treatment decisions in IBD - treat-to-target monitoring
Investigating abdominal pain or suspected bowel inflammation
Evaluating bloating, gas or faecal loading
DURING THE PROCEDURE
Gel is applied to the abdomen
A handheld probe is moved gently over the skin
Real-time images of the bowel are obtained and explained to you immediately
Typically performed during your outpatient consultation - no separate appointment needed
PREPARATION
No preparation required
No fasting, no bowel prep, no sedation
Can be performed as part of your regular consultation
KEY FACTS
Completely non-invasive and painless
No radiation exposure - safe to repeat frequently
Real-time results discussed on the day
Highly accurate in the hands of an expert IBD specialist
Reduces need for repeat endoscopies in IBD monitoring
05
Capsule Endoscopy
ALSO KNOWN AS: PILL CAMERA · WIRELESS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY
SMALL BOWEL
NO SEDATION
DIAGNOSTIC
Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of images as it travels naturally through your digestive system, transmitting them wirelessly to a recorder worn on a belt for around 12 hours. The capsule passes naturally in the stool and does not need to be retrieved.
It allows examination of the entire small bowel - an area not reachable by standard gastroscopy or colonoscopy - and is purely diagnostic. If treatment is required based on the findings, a balloon enteroscopy is typically performed as a follow-up.
COMMONLY USED FOR
Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or iron deficiency anaemia
Suspected small bowel Crohn's disease
Small bowel tumours, polyps or inflammation
Surveillance in genetic cancer syndromes (e.g. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome)
ON THE DAY
Swallow the capsule with water at the clinic
Wear the recording belt for approximately 12 hours
Go about your day with some activity restrictions
Avoid swimming, bathing and MRI scans while wearing the recorder
Remove the belt before bed
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Capsule passes naturally in stool within 24–72 hours
Images reviewed by Dr Chetwood - results discussed at a follow-up appointment
No sedation or recovery time required - you can drive yourself
PREPARATION
Fast from the morning of the procedure
Blood thinners are often continued - check with the rooms
Advise staff if there is any possibility of pregnancy (rare x-ray use)
KEY FACTS
Non-invasive - no sedation required
Comfortable and convenient - you go about your day
Extremely low risk
Purely diagnostic - cannot take biopsies or treat abnormalities
Often performed before balloon enteroscopy to identify the area needing treatment
NOTE: Patients with a history of small bowel strictures, prior abdominal surgery, Crohn's disease, or prolonged NSAID use may be at higher risk of capsule retention.
This will be assessed before your procedure is booked.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Both procedures are performed under deep sedation, meaning you are generally asleep and comfortable throughout. You will have little or no memory of the procedure. Some mild bloating or throat discomfort afterward is possible but uncommon and passes quickly.
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Yes - a valid GP or specialist referral is required. For certain procedures, a Fast-Track pathway is available allowing GPs to refer directly without a prior consultation. See the Fast-Track page for details, or contact the rooms to discuss.
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Yes. GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide/Ozempic and tirzepatide/Mounjaro) slow stomach emptying and may require a longer fasting period before procedures under sedation. Please contact the rooms as soon as you book so specific advice can be provided.
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Dr Chetwood will discuss findings with you before you leave on the day, and provide you with a written report. A formal report will also be sent your referring doctor within a few business days. Biopsy and pathology results typically take less 7 days.
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For procedures involving sedation (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, enteroscopy), plan for 2-3 hours from arrival to discharge. Balloon enteroscopy takes longer - approximately 90 minutes for the procedure alone. Intestinal ultrasound and capsule endoscopy require no sedation and no recovery time.
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Fees vary depending on the procedure and your private health insurance. The rooms will provide a clear cost estimate including out-of-pocket expenses when you book. Please contact us to discuss fees before your appointment.
