MVS Centre – Your Colonoscopy Specialist in Melbourne

A colonoscopy is a relatively low-risk procedure that helps doctors diagnose serious illnesses such as bowel cancer, as well as inflamed tissues and ulcers.

Almost all cases of colon cancer start with small growths called polyps on the lining of your colon. These start as benign (non-cancerous) growths, but if they are not removed, they can become cancerous.

If a polyp is found during your colonoscopy, in most cases it will be removed as a preventative measure. Polyps take 10-15 years on average to develop into cancer, hence why a routine colonoscopy is recommended every 5-10 years for people at average risk of bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer affects 1 person in 20 at some stage during their life. Given that there are no clear indicators of which people will typically develop bowel cancer, it’s very important for people who have a strong family history of bowel cancer to schedule regular check-ups. 

What is a colonoscopy?

Operating from our colonoscopy clinic in Essendon, our specialist doctor performs a colonoscopy using a thin flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (called a colonoscope) to examine your entire large bowel (colon), including your large intestine and rectum. Under sedation, the colonoscope is passed through your back passage and gently moved around so that your doctor can see the full length of your large bowel.

There’s no pain or discomfort during or after a colonoscopy at our Essendon clinic, and because patients are not fully anaesthetised, it’s a day procedure with a short recovery period.

Preparing for your colonoscopy at MVS Centre in Melbourne

Given that a colonoscopy is a visual examination of your large intestine and rectum, it’s very important that your bowel is completely clear of any solid matter for the procedure to be successful. You must follow the instructions given to you and maintain clear fluids only as directed the day before the procedure.

Before your colonoscopy appointment

You also must let us know of any medical conditions and medications you are on, as our Melbourne colonoscopy specialist may provide special instructions based on your specific circumstances.

You’ll be instructed to take a laxative as preparation the day before your colonoscopy. Therefore, we recommend you spend the day with easy access to toilet facilities. You must stop smoking and drinking fluids 4 hours before the scheduled colonoscopy and refrain from eating.

During your colonoscopy appointment

Please wear warm, loose comfortable clothing to your appointment. Bring any medications you need, healthcare documents and payment methods. Also, feel free to bring reading material, tablets or other devices for entertainment during any waiting periods.

After you are sedated using a mild anaesthetic, a routine colonoscopy takes about 20 to 45 minutes. This is followed by a recovery time of 1 to 2 hours. Therefore, please expect to be at the centre for around 3 hours.

After your colonoscopy appointment

Due to the lasting effects of the sedative medication, you must not drive a vehicle, travel unaccompanied, work, drink alcohol or sign legal documents until a day after your colonoscopy. Please pre-arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure and drive you home. A member of our team will call them on your behalf to let them know when you’re ready to go home.

If you think you may be pregnant, please tell your doctor before booking a colonoscopy.

Schedule a colonoscopy appointment with our Essendon specialists today

MVS Centre has been providing patients with top quality medical care and professional health services since 2011 – everything from colonoscopy and gastroscopy treatments to capsule endoscopy (pill cam), iron infusions and specialist liver scans.

Call 03 9372 0372 or submit our online form to arrange a consultation today – we also provide telehealth services if necessary.

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1003 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, VIC, 3040

Call us now

Call us now

03 9372 0372

Email Us at

Email Us at

reception@mvscentre.com.au