GastroNorth

GastroNorth Accessible and expert care in gastroenterology, endoscopy and hepatology We are Gastroenterologists & Endoscopists located across northern Melbourne Australia.

At GastroNorth we work with your Primary Health Care Provider to provide accessible, affordable and quality care in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy. We assess the cause of medical problems via a thorough medical history and relevant investigations. We offer advice about a wide range of gastrointestinal illnesses. We also manage diseases of the liver, pancreas, and bowel including: colon (

bowel) cancer screening, iron deficiency, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Coeliac Disease, Hepatitis and Inflammatory Bowel disease. Feel free to contact us with any enquiries.

This weekend, some of our gastroenterologists attended Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) in Perth.This annual scien...
30/08/2026

This weekend, some of our gastroenterologists attended Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) in Perth.

This annual scientific meeting brings together clinicians, scientists, educators and industry partners, and always provides a wonderful opportunity to learn and catch up with friends and colleagues.

Our own Dr Joshua Butt co-chaired the GESA Postgraduate Course. 👏

The Australian Government offers Australians aged 45- 74 a free bowel cancer screening kit as part of the National Bowel...
25/08/2026

The Australian Government offers Australians aged 45- 74 a free bowel cancer screening kit as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).

For those aged 50-74, your kit is automatically sent to your home address.

For those aged 45-49, you’ll need to opt in via the NBCSP website. See link in profile.

The participation rate is only around 42% (data for those aged 50-74). This means that there’s a lot of unused kits and potentially cases of bowel cancer that could be detected and treated early.

Our lives are busy and it’s easy to overlook these things which is why we do posts like this as an extra reminder. 💚

We can all discuss the importance of participating in the NBCSP with friends and family too.

✅ When bowel cancer is detected early, it usually one of the most treatable cancers.

✅ Be proactive, screening saves lives.

✅ It’s a simple test you do at home.

Dr Diana Lewis is in full investigative mode. 🕵🏻‍♀️ Endoscopy procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy allow speci...
18/08/2026

Dr Diana Lewis is in full investigative mode. 🕵🏻‍♀️

Endoscopy procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy allow specialists to directly examine the digestive tract, helping identify inflammation, ulcers, polyps and other conditions that may not be detected with imaging alone.

When appropriate, small tissue samples (biopsies) can also be taken during the procedure, providing valuable information to guide an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference to your long-term digestive health.

If you have a referral for a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or both, and need to book an appointment, please contact our friendly team on 9468 9700.

Our gastroenterologists perform these procedures across 12 different locations in and around Melbourne.

16/08/2026

Celebrating at our ‘mid-year’ dinner! Delicious food and great company. Such an enjoyable night, thank you to Dr Shamilah Lachal for organising.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. It is more commonly diagnosed in w...
13/08/2026

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. It is more commonly diagnosed in women than men.

IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction, where communication between the digestive system and the brain becomes disrupted. This can make the bowel more sensitive, leading to symptoms such as:
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Or a combination of both

The most effective management plan is often individualised and may include:
• Dietary modifications, including a low FODMAP diet under the guidance of a dietitian
• Regular physical activity
• Prioritising good sleep
• Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga

Depending on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may also recommend working with other allied health professionals, including:
• A specialist gastroenterology dietitian
• A pelvic floor physiotherapist
• A psychologist experienced in gut-directed therapies, including gut-directed hypnotherapy

IBS is classified into four subtypes based on bowel habit, which is why treatment should be tailored to each individual. A multidisciplinary approach can often provide the best long-term symptom control.

If ongoing digestive symptoms are affecting your quality of life, talk to your GP. They may recommend seeing a gastroenterologist.

EoE is an easier way of writing Eosinophilic Oesophagitis!It’s National Eosinophilic Week in Australia, a time to raise ...
11/08/2026

EoE is an easier way of writing Eosinophilic Oesophagitis!

It’s National Eosinophilic Week in Australia, a time to raise awareness of EoE and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs).

EoE is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oesophagus and can cause symptoms such as:
• Difficulty swallowing
• Food getting stuck (food impaction)
• Reflux
• Chest or stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Early diagnosis is important. If left untreated, EoE can lead to permanent scarring and narrowing of the oesophagus. Diagnosis is confirmed through endoscopy with biopsies, and ongoing management can help improve quality of life.

If you or someone you know experiences persistent swallowing difficulties or recurrent food impaction, speak with your GP about a referral to a gastroenterologist.

Your digestive system does much more than break down food.A healthy gut plays an important role in absorbing nutrients, ...
06/08/2026

Your digestive system does much more than break down food.

A healthy gut plays an important role in absorbing nutrients, supporting your immune system and maintaining normal digestive function. When your gut isn’t functioning well, symptoms may extend beyond the digestive system and can affect your day-to-day wellbeing.

Simple lifestyle habits can support gut health, including:
• Eating a balanced, fibre-rich diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress
• Seeking medical advice if symptoms persist

If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, reflux or changes in bowel habits, don’t ignore them. Early assessment can help identify the cause and ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

Digestion time varies for each individual and it’s longer than you think!Food you eat will generally be in your stomach ...
02/08/2026

Digestion time varies for each individual and it’s longer than you think!

Food you eat will generally be in your stomach for 4-6 hours (if it is functioning properly). The food then travels for about 5 hours through the small intestine before taking anywhere between 10-59 hours to move through the colon and exit the body!

It’s quite the journey. Some foods have a shorter gut transit time than others. Meat and fish which contain more complex molecules that need to be broken down, so take longer to travel through the digestive system.

Viral hepatitis often has no symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C until live...
28/07/2026

Viral hepatitis often has no symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C until liver damage has occurred.

Early diagnosis can save lives.
So, who should consider testing?

Speak with your GP if you:
• Were born in, or have lived in, a country where hepatitis B is common.
• Have ever injected drugs.
• Received a blood transfusion or medical procedure overseas before screening practices improved.
• Have a family member with hepatitis B or C.

Know the facts:
• More than 74,000 Victorians are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• Viral hepatitis increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• A simple blood test can detect hepatitis B and hepatitis C, but routine blood tests don’t automatically include hepatitis testing, so be sure to ask your doctor.

The good news? Hepatitis C can be cured, and hepatitis B can be effectively managed with regular monitoring and treatment.

🌏 This World Hepatitis Day, take the next step to understand your risk. Talk to your GP. Get tested. Get treated.

At GastroNorth, we are a team of eleven gastroenterologists and endoscopists with expertise across all areas of gastroen...
26/07/2026

At GastroNorth, we are a team of eleven gastroenterologists and endoscopists with expertise across all areas of gastroenterology.

Being part of a group practice has many benefits. We share our knowledge and experiences to provide our patients with the best possible care.

Photo - Dr Diana Lewis, Dr Nina Parthasarathy, Dr Alvin Chung, Dr Shamilah Lachal & Dr Soleiman Kashkooli

11locations endoscopy colonoscopy

Address

Suite 1, 7 Ormond Boulevard
Bundoora, VIC
3083

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61394689700

Website

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