We care for and treat people with problems in the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines and bowel, liver and pancreas.

Symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal diseases include,

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Passage of blood with stools
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Indigestion/heartburn
• Loss of weight
• Loss of appetite

Test recommended for diagnosing gastrointestinal issues,

• Abnormal liver function tests
• Low hemoglobin
• Positive stools blood test (fecal occult blood)

About this service

We offer a range of gastroenterology services, including specialist appointments with doctors as well as procedures.

The procedures we provide include:

• Gastroscopy - an endoscope (a long, thin flexible tube with a video camera at the tip) is passed through the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small bowel.
• Colonoscopy – an endoscope is passed through the rectum, the large bowel and part of the small bowel. If you need a colonoscopy, we will ask you to complete a bowel preparation before the procedure to ensure your bowel is cleared out.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy - an endoscope is passed through the rectum and the lower part of the large bowel. We will advise you on how to prepare for this procedure.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) - an endoscope is passed through the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine where the bile duct and pancreatic duct connect.
• PEG insertion, replacement and trouble shooting. A PEG tube is a feeding tube that goes through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.

All of these procedures can usually be administered as ‘day procedures’, meaning a patient won’t have to stay in hospital overnight. Additionally, we provide a wide range of other therapeutic endoscopy procedures. The details of which can be discussed with one of the specialists during your consultation.

If you are booked for one of these procedures, we will give you information about how long you need to fast and any other preparation that’s required.

How to access this service:

For your first appointment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, you will need to consult one our specialists in Gastroenterology at the outpatient department.

Hotline: +94 74 075 7416

Email: chlendoscopy@asiri.lk