Christchurch Gastroenterology
& Colonoscopy Specialist
Procedures Available
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy uses a tiny wireless camera inside a vitamin-sized pill to take thousands of images as it passes through your digestive tract. It is the primary tool for examining the small bowel—an area that cannot be easily reached by traditional gastroscopy or colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a specialist uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the entire lining of the large bowel (colon). It is the most effective way to remove polyps, helping to prevent bowel cancer before it starts.
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible telescope to look directly at the lining of your upper digestive tract. It is the most accurate way to find the cause of symptoms like persistent heartburn, swallowing issues, or upper abdominal pain.
Oral Balloon Enteroscopy
This is a more specialised endoscopic procedure, used for reaching parts of the upper small intestine that are inaccessible via standard Gastroscopy.
Rectal Balloon Enteroscopy
This is a more specialised endoscopic procedure, used for reaching parts of the lower small intestine that are inaccessible via standard Colonoscopy.
Consultations
Comprehensive consultations to investigate new symptoms, or manage chronic conditions offered:
In-person: At our St. Albans clinic
Telehealth: Available at request
We aim to book appointments within 1 business day
Consultations:
Location: Specialist Centre — Level 2, 21 Caledonian Rd, St Albans Christchurch
Your initial consultation and follow-up appointments with Dr. Mehul Lamba are held in our private rooms on Level 2.
Our clinic rooms are designed to be light, airy, and welcoming. From the moment you arrive, our goal is to ensure you feel like a guest in a calm, professional environment. Here, we will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic options in a relaxed and confidential setting.
Endoscopy Procedures:
Location: Specialist Centre — Level 1, 21 Caledonian Rd, St Albans Christchurch
All procedures are performed at the Southern Endoscopy Centre, a modern, state-of-the-art purpose-built facility located at 21 Caledonian Rd, Christchurch. The centre is specifically designed for patient comfort and clinical excellence, featuring up-to-date diagnostic equipment and a team of highly trained clinical staff.
We believe in utilizing every available technological advancement for our patients' benefit. By performing procedures in this advanced environment, we can integrate high-definition imaging and real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a standard part of our diagnostic process. Our goal is to provide highly effective endoscopy with the most accurate results possible, ensuring world-class care for every patient.
Our Commitment to You
Rapid Response: We aim to move from your initial referral to a booked appointment within 24 hours.
Proactive Coordination: If diagnostic scans or laboratory tests are required, these are requested and arranged directly from your referral to ensure your consultation is as comprehensive as possible.
Efficient Pathways: Within 2–4 weeks, you can expect to undergo your consultation or proceed with a direct-access Gastroscopy or Colonoscopy if clinically appropriate
Expedited Care & Specialist Excellence
Dr Mehul Lamba
MD (Hons) MMedSc FRACP
Gastroenterologist & Interventional Endoscopist
Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Otago
I am a New Zealand–trained Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist based in Christchurch.
After completing specialist training in New Zealand, I spent three years in high-volume international fellowships: two years at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital focusing on advanced endoscopy, and one year at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto.
I am an accredited bowel cancer screening endoscopist and offer gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS, and endoscopic treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.
International Training
After completing my core specialist training in New Zealand, I dedicated three years to high-volume international fellowships to bring world-class techniques back to the Canterbury region:
Interventional Gastroenterology (2 years): Advanced luminal and pancreatobiliary training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Australia.
Therapeutic Endoscopy (1 year): Further specialist training at the world-renowned St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada.
Clinical Focus
Accredited Bowel Cancer screening Endoscopist
High quality gastroscopy and colonoscopy
Advanced interventional endoscopy including ERCP & EUS
Endoscopic management of pre-cancerous lesions
Area of clinical interest
High quality Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
Bowel cancer screening
Detection and endoscopic treatment of polyps and early cancer
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD, heartburn)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Crohn`s Disease and Ulcerative colitis
Coeliac Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver disease
Motility disorders
Affiliations
Consultant Gastroenterologist & Interventional Endoscopist Christchurch Public hospital
Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Otago
Executive Member, New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology
Member, Gastroenterological Society of Australia
Member, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Publications
Timing of Elective Endoscopic Procedures in Patients With Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Post-colonoscopy cancer rate at a tertiary referral hospital in Australia: A data linkage analysis.
Trends in Incidence of Autoimmune Liver Diseases and Increasing Incidence of Autoimmune Hepatitis.
Associations Between Mutations in MSH6 and PMS2 and Risk of Surveillance-detected Colorectal Cancer
Risk of interval colorectal cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome undergoing surveillance in New Zealand – results from the New Zealand Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Service.
Editorial: does disease extension lead to disease progression in proctitis?
HCC Surveillance in Patients with Advanced Fibrosis – Christchurch Experience
Contemporary Natural History of Patients with Severe and Moderate to Severe Aortic Regurgitation
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism does not increase long-term risk of adverse clinical events.
Long-term outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism: results from a longitudinal cohort study.
We are an Affiliated Provider with Southern Cross and a nib First Choice Provider.
GET IN TOUCH
P. (03) 968 3140
E. reception@canterburyendoscopy.co.nz
CLINIC
Level 2, 21 Caledonian Rd, St Albans, Christchurch 8014
