What are in-room scope procedures?

In-room scope procedures are minimally invasive procedures performed in the comfort of Dr Govender’s rooms. These are highly specialised procedures that rely on camera-guided visualisation and small surgical tools for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The reason for these procedures may vary in each individual case, depending on the type of symptoms that occur, such as unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic acid reflux, and cancer screening.

Types of In-room Scope Procedures

Upper endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is a relatively quick medical procedure that lasts a few minutes, depending on the reason for it. It primarily focuses on the upper gastrointestinal tract using a narrow, lighted instrument with a camera attached (endoscope). Dr Govender, a specialist laparoscopic and general surgeon, performs an upper endoscopy to diagnose and treat disorders which primarily affect the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a medical examination of the inside of the colon and rectum, and, if necessary, the end of the small intestine. It’s performed to investigate signs such as anal bleeding, irregular bowel movements or stomach pain. It’s also done to check for gastrointestinal disorders such as diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer.

Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a less invasive procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract (the oesophagus, stomach and the proximal small bowel). It’s normally done to investigate the cause of trouble swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain and heartburn.

Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minor investigative procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to create detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding tissues. It’s primarily performed to assess disorders that affect the digestive tract and surrounding tissues.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is a medical procedure in which a tiny incision is made in the abdominal wall, and a PEG tube is inserted to enable the smooth passage of water, medicines, and liquid feed into the stomach.