Colonoscopy in Brisbane
Bowel-cancer screening and diagnostic colonoscopy by GESA-accredited, specialist surgeon Dr Goutham Sivasuthan — day-stay, home the same afternoon, with polyps removed in the same procedure, across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Expert colonoscopy and bowel-cancer screening
A colonoscopy is a day-stay procedure that examines the entire large bowel with a slim, flexible camera, allowing bowel cancer to be prevented by finding and removing polyps before they ever become cancerous. It is the gold standard for bowel investigation and screening.
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is GESA-accredited in colonoscopy and performs hundreds of procedures a year at St Andrew's War Memorial, Mater Private Redland, Springwood Day Surgery and North Lakes. You meet Dr Goutham at the consultation, he performs your scope personally, removes any polyps in the same procedure, and explains your results. Bowel cancer is one of Australia's most common cancers, yet around 90% of cases are treatable when caught early — and colonoscopy is the best tool for early detection.
Who should consider a colonoscopy?
Age-based screening
Guidelines now suggest considering screening from age 45. People with a family history may need to start earlier or screen more often.
Symptoms
Rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habit, unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, or iron-deficiency anaemia.
Surveillance
Previous polyps, prior bowel cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn or ulcerative colitis.
After a positive FIT
The free home test detects hidden blood, but only a colonoscopy confirms the cause — many polyps and early cancers do not bleed.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
Good bowel preparation is essential for an accurate examination. You will receive detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, which typically involve:
- A low-residue diet for a few days beforehand
- Clear fluids the day before the procedure
- A split-dose bowel-prep drink to fully clean the bowel
- Pausing or adjusting certain medications (such as iron or some blood thinners) on advice
- Arranging someone to drive you home, as you will be sedated
What to expect on the day
Before
- Check-in & consent
- Cannula for sedation
- Meet the team
During (20–30 min)
- Comfortable sedation
- Flexible colonoscope examines the bowel
- Polyps removed & sent for testing
Recovery
- 1–2 hours in recovery
- Light bloating settles quickly
- Home the same afternoon; no driving 24h
Polyps and what the findings mean
Most colonoscopies are normal or find polyps — small growths that are removed painlessly during the procedure and sent to the laboratory. Removing polyps is how colonoscopy prevents bowel cancer, because most cancers begin as a polyp over many years. Dr Goutham will explain your findings, the pathology results when they return, and when your next colonoscopy should be — surveillance intervals depend on what is found and your personal risk.
Is a colonoscopy safe?
Colonoscopy is a very safe, routine procedure. Serious complications are uncommon and can include bleeding (usually minor, more likely after removing a large polyp), a reaction to sedation, or — rarely — a small tear in the bowel wall (perforation). Dr Goutham and the team take careful precautions to keep these risks low, and you will be monitored throughout your recovery.
Colonoscopy cost — no-gap and fixed-price options
We aim to make cost simple and transparent:
- Privately insured patients: colonoscopy is offered as a no-gap service, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the procedure for eligible patients with appropriate cover.
- Uninsured patients: a clear fixed-price package is available so you know the cost upfront.
Full pricing and no-gap details are available through our partner service: view Colonoscopy Brisbane pricing & no-gap options →. All costs are confirmed with you before your procedure.
Expertise, technology and timely care
- ✓GESA-accredited endoscopist — hundreds of procedures performed.
- ✓Seamless pathway — from diagnosis to treatment under one surgeon.
- ✓High-resolution technology — careful, thorough examination.
- ✓Minimal waiting times — urgent cases prioritised.
- ✓Care close to home — Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Colonoscopy FAQs
Is a colonoscopy painful?+
No. Sedation ensures you are comfortable and feel little to nothing during the procedure. Most people remember very little of it.
How often should I have a colonoscopy?+
If your colonoscopy is normal, every 5–10 years is typical, but the interval is shorter if polyps are found or you have higher-risk factors. Dr Goutham advises your personal schedule.
What is the cost and do you offer no-gap?+
Colonoscopy is offered as a no-gap service for eligible privately insured patients, and as a fixed-price package for uninsured patients. Full details are on the Colonoscopy Brisbane pricing page, and all costs are confirmed before your procedure.
How long is the bowel prep?+
Preparation usually starts a few days before with diet changes, with the bowel-prep drink taken the day before (and sometimes the morning of) the procedure. Clear instructions are provided.
Are there alternatives to colonoscopy?+
CT colonography and the FIT stool test have a role, but they cannot remove polyps and may miss small lesions. Colonoscopy allows diagnosis and treatment in one procedure.
Can I work the next day?+
Most people resume normal activities 24 hours after their procedure, once the sedation has fully worn off.
What if a polyp or cancer is found?+
Polyps are removed during the colonoscopy. If anything suspicious is found, Dr Goutham coordinates the next steps promptly, with the advantage of being a surgeon who can manage treatment directly.
Do I need a referral?+
A GP referral is recommended so Medicare rebates apply and your care is coordinated, but contact our rooms and we will guide you.
Caring for South-East Queensland
Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home, wherever you are in South-East Queensland.
Trusted resources
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.
Book your colonoscopy in Brisbane
Early detection saves lives. Arrange your day-stay colonoscopy with Dr Goutham — with no-gap and fixed-price options available.