Gastroenterology
At Moonee Valley Specialist Centre, we provide comprehensive gastroenterology services to diagnose and manage digestive conditions such as bowel cancer, coeliac disease or liver problems. If you have any concerns about your digestive health, please come to see us.
What is gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Gastroenterologists are qualified medical specialists who diagnose and manage conditions affecting digestion, absorption and gut function. We use diagnostic procedures such as gastroscopies and colonoscopies to evaluate and manage various gastrointestinal conditions. We do not perform abdominal surgery, but should you need an operation, we work closely with your surgical team.
If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, a gastroenterologist can provide guidance on suitable management options.
Common reasons for consulting a gastroenterologist
Patients may seek the advice of a gastroenterologist for a variety of digestive concerns, including:
Abdominal discomfort:
ongoing or unexplained pain in the stomach or intestines.
Chronic bloating or gas:
persistent bloating or excessive gas that is not relieved by dietary changes.
Acid reflux and heartburn:
frequent symptoms that may require evaluation.
Changes in bowel habits:
ongoing constipation, diarrhoea or unexplained changes in stool consistency.
Blood in the stool:
rectal bleeding may indicate haemorrhoids, polyps or other underlying conditions.
Unexplained weight loss:
sudden weight changes without an identifiable cause.
Liver or gallbladder concerns:
including conditions such as fatty liver disease or gallstones.
Bowel cancer screening:
recommended for individuals over 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Difficulty swallowing:
If you are experiencing frequent and severe pain or difficulty swallowing, you may require an upper endoscopy.
Concerning blood tests:
Your GP may refer you to a gastroenterologist if your blood tests consistently show things like low iron levels, elevated liver enzymes or coeliac antibodies.
If you are experiencing these or other digestive concerns, our team can provide a thorough assessment and tailored care options.
Meet our gastroenterologists
Dr Matthew Mickenbecker
Dr Matthew Mickenbecker is a qualified gastroenterologist with experience working in various teaching hospitals, including the Mater Hospital in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne (where the coffee is far better!).
Friendly and relatable, Dr Mickenbecker takes the time to ensure his patients understand their condition and their proposed treatment. He understands that digestive conditions can be difficult to live with and persists in fine-tuning treatments to help relieve troubling symptoms.
Dr Mickenbecker regularly performs gastroenterology procedures and has a high rate of polyp detection, helping to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Appointments with Dr Mickenbecker are available within a few days of contacting us.
Dr Nathan Connelly
Dr Nathan Connelly has extensive experience in gastroenterology, with a clinical focus on liver disease, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
He completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne and gained experience at The Austin Hospital’s liver transplant unit before establishing Moonee Valley Specialist Centre in 2011.
Gastroenterology procedures
At Moonee Valley Specialist Centre, we provide the following endoscopy procedures, both done under sedation.
Procedure
Gastroscopy
(upper endoscopy)
What it involves
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine.
Why it’s done
Assesses conditions such as acid reflux, ulcers, coeliac disease and stomach abnormalities.
How to prepare
Fast for six hours before the procedure. Small sips of water are allowed up to two hours before your appointment.
Procedure
Colonoscopy
What it involves
A flexible camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the colon and detect any abnormalities.
Why it’s done
Used for bowel cancer screening, investigation of symptoms such as bleeding or chronic diarrhoea and removal of polyps.
How to prepare
A bowel preparation regimen is required, including dietary and medication adjustments and a prescribed bowel-cleansing solution.
Should you need one of these procedures, your doctor will provide detailed instructions to help you prepare properly. If you have any questions, please call our team for advice.
Why choose Moonee Valley Specialist Centre?
At Moonee Valley Specialist Centre, we are committed to providing patient-focused gastroenterology care in a professional setting.
Experienced specialists:
our team has many years of experience in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal conditions and in supporting patients throughout their care.
Personalised approach:
we take the time to explain your condition and discuss appropriate management options.
Appointment availability:
we believe in timely access to care.
Telehealth:
we also believe in convenient care! Telehealth is available for eligible patients where appropriate.
Convenient location:
based in Essendon, our centre is easily accessible.
If you have any concerns about your digestive health, please come to see us. We’d welcome the chance to help you.
