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This page was last updated at 1:09PM on October 5, 2012

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Private Service

Dr Ravinder Ogra - Gastroenterologist, Endoscopist and Physician Specialist

Description

Qualifications: 

MBBS: MD (Internal Medicine): FRACP

I have been in New Zealand since 1995. I trained as a specialist in internal medicine in Kashmir, India. After coming to New Zealand I completed dual training in gastroenterology & internal medicine. I have been working as a specialist gastroenterologist since 2001. 

Currently I am the Head Of Department Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Middlemore Hospital.

Apart from the general aspects of general gastroenterology & hepatology I specialise in advanced interventional endoscopy.

Special Skills:

  1. Removal of large colorectal polyps and early tumours
  2. Endoscopic eradication of Barrett's
  3. Endoscopic resection of early oesophageal, gastric and colonic malignancy
  4. Insertion & removal of GI stents
  5. Endoscopic palliation of GI tumours
  6. Single balloon enteroscopy
  7. Endoscopic treatment of Gastrointestinal leaks
  8. Argon plasma coagulation for GAVE & radiation proctitis

 

Endoscopy Procedures Done at:

  1. Ormiston Hospital Endoscopy:
    • Phone: (09) 926 5848          
    • Fax: (09) 926 5849
  2. Endoscopy Auckland:
    • Phone: (09) 623 2020          
    • Fax: (09) 623 1010

 

Clinics at:

  1. Botany Medical Specialist Centre :
    • Phone: (09) 271 3344  
    • Fax: (09) 271 3345
  2. Manukau Health Trust:
    • Phone: (09) 277 1648  
    • Fax: (09) 277 1649
  3. Pakuranga Medical Centre:
    • Phone: (09) 950 7351
    • Fax: (09) 577 4162

 

Professional Memberships & Other Positions: 

  1. Clinical Head Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Middlemore Hospital
  2. Fellow Royal Australasian College of Physicians
  3. Member NZ Society of Gastroenterology
  4. Member American Gastroenterology Association
  5. Member American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  6. Director Ormiston Hospital

 

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that looks at diseases of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), liver, gallbladder and pancreas. 

The oesophagus is the tube that joins your mouth with your stomach. It is a muscular tube that contracts to push the food through when you swallow.

The stomach is where food is broken down by acid and emptied into your intestines. The stomach has special cells lining its wall to protect it from these acids.

The intestines consist of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum – different sections of small intestine) and the large intestine (colon).  As food passes through the small intestine, nutrients are broken down and absorbed.  When it passes into the colon, water is absorbed.  The waste that is left is passed as faeces (poo).

The liver is roughly the size of a football and is on your right side just under your ribs. It stores vitamins, sugar and iron which are used by cells in the body for energy. It also clears the body of waste products and drugs, produces substances that are used to help blood clot and aid the immune system, and produces bile which aids in digestion.

The pancreas is an elongated organ that lies in the back of the mid-abdomen. It is responsible for producing digestive juices and certain hormones, including insulin, the main hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.
 
A gastroenterologist is a doctor specialising in the field of medicine which involves these closely related organs.
 
What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is the process of looking inside body cavities, using very a tiny camera attached to the end of a long, flexible tube (endoscope). Images from the camera are sent to a television monitor so that the doctor can direct the movement of the endoscope. It is also possible to pass different instruments through the endoscope to allow small samples or growths to be removed.
Endoscopy allows a doctor to make a diagnosis either by seeing directly what is causing the problem or by taking a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope (biopsy).
Endoscopy can also be used as a treatment e.g. for removal of swallowed objects in the oesophagus (food pipe), healing of lesions etc.

Referral Expectations

Your GP will refer you to me if they are concerned that you have problems that require a specialist opinion regarding the diagnosis or treatment of the condition. 
 
Before coming to your appointment, you may be asked to undergo tests such as blood tests, urine tests or stool/faeces tests (you collect a sample of your urine or poo for analysis).
 
At your appointment, a history of your symptoms will be taken as well as a review of any medications you are on (please bring these with you).  You will then be examined which may involve, depending on your complaints, a rectal examination. This involves the insertion of the doctor’s finger or a tube into your bottom to examine the inside.
You may be referred on for some of the following radiology tests, depending on your condition: ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI.

Procedures / Treatments

  • Gastroscopy

    This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and examine the lining directly.    What to expect The gastroscope is a plastic-coated tube about as thick as a ballpoint pen and is flexible.  It has a… More

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP)

    A flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine while you are under sedation (you have been given medication to make you drowsy).… More

  • Colonoscopy

    This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your large bowel and examine the surfaces directly and take biopsies (samples of tissue) if needed.  Treatment of conditions can also be undertaken.… More

  • Liver Biopsy

    The best way to establish what type of liver disease is present and the extent of the disease, is a biopsy.… More

  • Hepatitis

    This is inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viruses.  Hepatitis B and C are viruses that can cause chronic (long term) inflammation and damage to the liver.… More

  • Cirrhosis

    Cirrhosis is the term used to describe a diseased liver that has been badly scarred, usually due to many years of injury.… More

  • Peptic Ulcers

    Peptic ulcers are sores or eroded areas that form in the lining of the digestive tract.… More

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

    There are two types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.  In these conditions, the immune system attacks the lining of the colon causing inflammation and ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea.  In ulcerative colitis this only involves the large intestine, whereas in Crohn’s disease areas within the entire intestine can be… More

Consultants

Dr Ravinder Ogra
Gastroenterologist, Endoscopist & Physician Specialist

Travel Directions

You can visit us by following Ti Rakau Drive until it intersects Chapel Road. Turn right at these lights and continue straight until you reach the rooftop carpark. This is the second right hand turn on the road as you're driving along.

Parking

There is plenty of parking available on the rooftop carpark at Botany Town Centre.

Pharmacy

There are pharmacies available in the Botany Town Centre only a couple of minutes walk from the Clinic.

Locations Information

Choose one of the locations above for address and contact information.

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