Melbourne Colonic Polyp Specialist

Dr Ali Eqbal

(FRACP, MBBS)

Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

Colonic Interventional Endoscopist

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist

About Dr. Eqbal

Dr Ali Eqbal is a Melbourne-based Gastroenterologist and Advanced Endoscopist with specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of colonic polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and complex endoscopic resections. He is recognised for his advanced skills in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and the minimally invasive removal of large or complex colonic lesions, offering patients effective alternatives to surgery. Dr Eqbal holds a strong belief in equitable care, ensuring that all patients are provided with the same high-quality, accessible treatment regardless of background or circumstance.

Dual Fellowship
Training

Advanced
Endoscopic Skills

Committed to
Equitable Care

Training & Experience

Dr Eqbal has completed three years of further fellowship training following specialist qualification. This included advanced training in IBD at the renowned Austin Hospital IBD Unit in Melbourne, where he developed comprehensive skills in managing complex Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

He then undertook two years of intensive training in advanced endoscopy at the world-renowned King’s College Hospital in London, working within the internationally recognised SPECC (Specialist Polyp and Early Colorectal Cancer) team. This fellowship provided highly specialised experience in complex endoscopic resection techniques and early colorectal cancer management.

Importantly, these fellowships are complementary: some patients with IBD are at increased risk of developing colonic polyps and colorectal cancer. By combining his experience in IBD management with advanced training in colonoscopy and resection techniques, Dr Eqbal is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care – from disease control to early cancer detection and minimally invasive treatment.

His ongoing involvement in clinical research and teaching reflects his commitment to advancing the field and improving standards of care.

Special Interests

Colonic Polyps

Detection, diagnosis, and removal, including challenging or recurrent lesions

Advanced Endoscopic Resection

EMR, ESD, and other minimally invasive techniques

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Diagnosis, ongoing management, and treatment optimisation

Magnification Chromoendoscopy

For image enhanced detection and characterisation of precancerous and cancerous lesions

Early Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection

Early and meticulous endoscopic assessment to identify precancerous changes within the gastrointestinal tract

General Gastroenterology and Hepatology

IBS and other abdominal symptoms, coeliac disease, abnormal liver function tests, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

Endoscopic Resection (EMR and ESD)

During colonoscopy, some larger or more complex polyps may be removed using advanced endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is commonly used to lift and remove larger or flat polyps. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can allow removal of certain complex or early cancerous polyps in one piece. The most suitable approach depends on the polyp’s size, type and location, as well as individual factors. Dr Ali Eqbal will discuss the available options, including potential benefits, risks (such as bleeding or perforation) and alternatives, to help you decide on the most appropriate management.

What is the difference between an advanced endoscopist and a general endoscopist?

Why Choose Dr. Ali Eqbal

Advance Training and Qualifications

Dr Eqbal has undertaken three years of subspecialty fellowship training, including dedicated IBD training at the Austin Hospital IBD Unit, followed by two years of advanced endoscopy training with the internationally recognised Special Polyp and Early Colorectal Cancer (SPECC) team at King’s College Hospital, London. This combined training provided comprehensive experience in complex polyp management and early colorectal cancer detection, ensuring patients receive evidence-based and carefully tailored care. His training reflects a strong commitment to gastroenterology and endoscopy, with an ongoing focus on improving outcomes for patients.

Advanced Endoscopic Skills

Dr Eqbal has developed advanced expertise in both the diagnosis and treatment of complex colorectal lesions. Through the use of magnification endoscopy and chromoendoscopy, he can carefully characterise subtle changes in the bowel lining and distinguish between benign and precancerous or early cancerous lesions with precision. In addition, he is highly trained in therapeutic procedures including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), which allow safe and effective removal of complex polyps without the need for major surgery. These combined diagnostic and therapeutic skills ensure that patients receive accurate assessment and minimally invasive, organ-preserving treatment tailored to their condition.

Commitment to Equitable, Patient-Centred Care

Dr Eqbal strongly believes in delivering equitable care, ensuring that every patient has access to safe, high-quality treatment regardless of background or circumstance. He adopts a personalised approach that emphasises comfort, safety, and long-term health outcomes, while working closely with surgical colleagues and multidisciplinary teams. By consulting across multiple sites in Melbourne, he ensures his expertise remains accessible to a wide patient population, supporting continuity of care and fostering trusted relationships with patients and their families.

Approach to Care

With a patient-centred and evidence-based approach, Dr Eqbal combines his rigorous training with a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and precision. He works closely with surgical colleagues and multidisciplinary teams to provide patients with holistic care tailored to their condition.